Do you wish to deepen your understanding of theology? The University of Notre Dame’s Master of Arts (Theology) degree has been designed with subject alternatives to serve a wide range of professional needs and interests. This program has a particular appeal to religious education teachers and will also resonate with students from other academic backgrounds. Completed in two years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time), this program asks and offers answers to some of the big questions facing any Christian, such as the nature of God, the origins of human life and the nature of personal identity. You will become informed about the development of Catholic theology in relation to philosophy, history, and the everyday lives of people of faith worldwide.

Why study this degree?

If you are already teaching religious education in a school setting, this master’s degree is ideal. Theology has always held a central place in the life and mission of the Church by nurturing communities of believers as they come to understand their faith and explain it to others. The Master of Arts (Theology) is a unique opportunity for students from various backgrounds to learn the fundamentals of theology.

From a personal point of view, theology may be seen as faith’s search for understanding, for a sense of who God is, who we are, and what we and our world can become in and through a relationship with God. The study of theology explores issues such as the nature of God, His revelation in Jesus Christ, the nature of personal identity and humanity, human origins and destiny, the Christian community and God’s presence with us now in the Holy Spirit. Catholic theology develops a rich understanding of how humans respond to Scripture and Tradition.

The Master of Arts (Theology) can be completed in two years of full-time study or as a part-time student. Assessment is by tutorial presentation, discussions, seminars and a research project. This program will particularly interest those already teaching religious education in schools but will also appeal to students from various backgrounds.

Year One

• 8 Theology Electives

Year Two

• Supervised Research Project
• Five Theology Electives

Theology Electives may include:

• Scripture and Church
• Liturgy: Work of God and Work of God’s People
• Eucharist
• Spirituality and the Challenges of Reconciliation
• Theology of Leadership
• Psalms and Wisdom
• The Prophets: Critics of the Status Quo
• The Johannine Literature
• Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles
• Scripture and Morality
• Pentateuch
• Modern Church History
• Fundamental Theology
• Introduction to the New Testament
• The Patristic Tradition
• The Theology and Practice of the New Evangelisation
• Trinity
• Christology
• Mystery of Christ: Church and Sacraments
• Marriage and OrdersEschatology: The Living Hope of Christians
• Sacraments in Catholic Tradition
• Marriage and Sexuality
• Bioethics
• Foundations of Moral Theology
• Personal Growth and Integration
• Special Topics in Theology
• Human Affectivity in Theology and Christian Living
• Pastoral Theology Foundations
• Theology of Today for Adults of Tomorrow
• Directed Individual Study

More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions pages Fremantle Sydney.

Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

Graduates of the Master of Arts (Theology) can find employment in areas such as religious education, ministry, pastoral counselling, spiritual direction and youth work.

Applicants must have a recognised Bachelor's degree in any discipline.

IELTS (Academic) - 6.5 overall, with no writing score lower than 6.5 and no other individual band score lower than 6.0; CAE/CPE - 176 overall, with no score lower than 176 in writing and no other band score lower than 169; PTE Academic - 58 overall, with no score lower than 58 in writing and no other band score lower than 50; TOEFL (iBT) - 84 overall, with no score lower than 22 in writing and no other band score lower than 17.