Postgraduate Programmes
Want to study Bible and Theology in an environment that is inclusive, ecumenical, collaborative and professional? Flinders University's School of Theology is located at the Adelaide College of Divinity campus, in a safe residential area between Adelaide airport and the city, about 20 minutes from the main campus of Flinders University.
Theology is becoming widely recognised both nationally and internationally as one of the research strengths of Flinders University.
The year is divided into two semesters, with semester 1 running from late February/early March to June, and semester 2 from late July to November. Some topics are taught as "intensives" at other times of the year.
The School of Theology at Flinders University is divided into four broad "areas of study".
- Biblical Studies is one of the strengths of the School of Theology. Our biblical educators pursue the best contemporary methods of biblical interpretation. They bring the needs of the world to the Biblical text. They are committed to excellence in helping students identify their responses and concerns as they read the Scriptures. This approach lays the foundation for dialogue with the important cultural and social issues of our time. This method has borne fruit in our internationally acclaimed Earth-Bible project.
- Historical and Systematic Theology. The School's systematic theologians are major contributors to the University's Centre for Theology, Science and Culture. The focus here is on Christian doctrinal formulations: the knowledge of God and God's relationship to the universe, human beings and the church. These are some of the foundational themes for understanding God's mission in the world.
- Pastoral Studies. These concern the practical task of connecting Christian faith to the lives of people, inside and outside the church, here and now. Theology in practice, personal development in spirituality and ministry, skills in collaboration, leadership, and serving and caring for others are the core of a pastoral approach.
- Biblical and Theological Languages. These open up the new world of the original texts of the Bible and Theology in the languages in which they were written.
Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies
This course is normally taken in two to three semesters part-time. The aim of the course is to provide a basic knowledge in Christian theology at university level. The course consists of two core topics, on Christology and Bible, and one optional topic (selected from the upper level studies in the School of Theology). It is designed for teachers of Christian education and religious studies at secondary school level, and for other professionals interested in theology. In addition to an introduction to contemporary themes and problems in Christology and biblical studies, it provides a methodology for addressing theological questions and allows for in-depth exploration of one other area of interest to the student.
For:
- secondary teachers wishing to undertake professional development
- church workers wishing to be better informed about key theological questions
- anyone with an interest in exploring the ultimate questions of life within an ecumenical Christian framework
- graduates in another discipline who need bridging studies to a higher degree in theology.
More information is available in the University Calendar.
Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies
This is a course that can be taken in one year full-time or two to three years part-time. It builds on the Graduate Certificate by allowing the student to explore a wider range of theological and / or biblical issues and themes at depth.
For:
- secondary teachers wishing to undertake professional development
- church workers wishing to be better informed about key theological questions
- anyone with an interest in exploring the ultimate questions of life within an ecumenical Christian framework.
Master of Theological Studies, MThSt
The degree of Master of Theological Studies programme is flexible and designed to meet the needs of individual students. For information about admission requirements and topics, please visit the University Calendar.
This course is taken over two years full-time or four to five years part-time, involving specialisation in biblical studies, historical and systematic theology, or pastoral studies. It includes a short research project if this has not already been completed as part of a Bachelor of Theology (Hons) course. Credit of up to 36 units may be given for relevant previous study. The program is designed for professional development that encompasses a structured coursework program with a limited research component. The scope is broad, and though some specialisation is required, the degree is more comprehensive than a postgraduate degree by pure research. The award is especially designed to meet the study needs of working professionals who may want either to build on previous theological study in another institution, or (when the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma is incorporated) to form an in-depth introduction to the study of theological methods and specific issues.
For:
- ministers of religion and other graduates in theology wishing to undertake professional development
- for graduates in other disciplines, including lay church workers and leaders, teachers of Christian education and religion studies, and teachers in Christian schools, who wish to enhance their understanding of the Christian faith at a postgraduate level.
Master of Theology, MTh
The degree of Master of Theology requires the completion of an approved programme of pure research that culminates in the submission of a thesis. For more information, please visit the University Calendar.
Doctor of Philosophy, PhD
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy requires the completion of a programme of pure research that culminates in the submission of a thesis of not more than 100,000 words. For more information, please visit the University Calendar.
Graduate Certificate in Religion and Ethics
The Graduate Certificate in Religion and Ethics is an 18 unit program being offered for the first time in 2004. This course provides teachers of religion and ethics with a sound and comprehensive understanding of current scholarship in these disciplines. It is unique in focusing on informed religious and ethical reflection on society today, drawing on the full resources of the Christian tradition. The course comprises of three (6 unit) core topics :
- THEO8303 Reason, Value & Religious Belief
- THEO8304 Christian Ethics: Theory and Practice
- THEO3327 Philosophy and Christian Thought
Graduate Diploma in Religion and Ethics
The Graduate Diploma in Religion and Ethics is a 36 unit program being offered for the first time in 2004. This course builds on the Graduate Certificate in Religion and Ethics program by adding the opportunity for specialization within a systematic and coherent body of knowledge. The course comprises of the core topics listed above (in the Graduate Certificate in Religion and Ethics) and either THEO8302 God's Creation, Chaos and Cosmos (6 units) or THEO9306 Theology, Cosmology and Evolutionary Biology (6 units) plus an additional 12 units of elective topics.
Master of Arts (Religion and Ethics)
The Master of Arts (Religion and Ethics) is a 72 unit program comprising of coursework and research. It will be available from Semester I, 2004. This course assists students to acquire advanced skills in rigorous independent thinking and the critical analysis and evaluation of religious and ethical texts. Students also develop sound research skills and complete a set project. The core topics are as follows:
- THEO8303 Reason, Value and Religious Belief (6 units)
- THEO8304 Christian Ethics: Theory and Practice (6 units)
- THEO3327 Philosophy and Christian Thought (6 units)
- THEO9030 Research Methods Seminar (3 units)
- THEO9040 Research Project in Religion and Ethics (9 units)
- THEO9304 Special Topic in Theological Studies (12 units)
and either
- THEO8302 God's Creation, Chaos and Cosmos (6 units)
or
- THEO9306 Theology, Cosmology and Evolutionary Biology (6 units)
plus 24 units of elective topics from a list compiled each year by the School of Theology.
Further Information
For further information, consult the current university calendar (printed copies of which are available for purchase from the university cashier's office or for reference in the university libraries) or the current handbooks which are available from:
Ms Gaynor Bryant
Faculty Administrative Officer
Faculty of Education, Humanities Law and Theology
G P O Box 2100 Adelaide SA 5001
Tel: (+61 8) 8201 3793 or 8201 3908
Fax: (+61 8) 8201 3407
gaynor.bryant@flinders.edu.au
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