Master of Arts (Theological Studies)

The Master of Arts (Theological Studies) course is designed for people holding an undergraduate degree or equivalent in a discipline other than theology who wish to deepen their knowledge of the Christian tradition and as an avenue to more advanced postgraduate study in theology. Graduates are equipped with a broad understanding of the scope and disciplines of theological study; skills for theological reflection; and knowledge in the fields of Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology, Church History and Practical Theology.

This course has the following principal aims:

• to provide cognitive and critical skills to review, analyse, consolidate, evaluate and synthesise knowledge in the disciplines of theology
• to provide students with a theological and ethical framework for critical and constructive engagement in the variety of contexts in which they participate
• to prepare students to apply knowledge and critical skills within the disciplines of theology in the professional ministry context
• to encourage and foster the search for meaning in the context of cultural and religious pluralism in contemporary Australia and internationally
• to develop research, writing and communication skills, at the graduate level, demonstrating an in-depth understanding of complex theological concepts and ideas
• to provide access to graduate level study in theology through flexible delivery to people across Australia and internationally
• to provide pathways for further studies at the Masters and Doctoral level in ministry and theology

Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from an approved tertiary institution, other than an undergraduate degree in Theology.

<div>
<h4><span> Step 1: </span>Choose your degree</h4>
<p>Choose from a wide range of courses at Charles Sturt University. Wherever you want to take your career &ndash; in IT, nursing, education, healthcare, science or any other industry &ndash; we&rsquo;ve got the right course for you.</p>
<h4><span> Step 2: </span>Understand your entry requirements</h4>
<p>International students must meet minimum academic and English language requirements to be eligible to study with us.</p>
<h4><span> Step 3: </span>Before you apply</h4>
<p>You've found the course you want to study and now it's time to get organised for your Australian adventure. Before you apply, it's a good idea to get familiar with your new destination and all the things you will need to do to make your transition smooth. Our <a href="https://study.csu.edu.au/international/live-and-work">live and work</a> and <a href="https://study.csu.edu.au/international/live-and-work/before-you-arrive">before you arrive</a> pages are great places to start to help you with that checklist.</p>
<h4><span> Step 4: </span>Check if you are eligible for credit</h4>
<p>Charles Sturt University highly values and recognises a range of overseas qualifications, and has developed advanced standing arrangements with institutions in various countries.</p>
<h4><span> Step 5: </span>Prepare supporting documentation</h4>
<p>Do you need to include official documentation with your application? If so, it may need verification as a true and accurate copy. Check below to see if your documents need to be verified.</p>
<h4>Verify your documents</h4>
<p>If you are an international applicant, you can submit scanned verified copies or scanned original copies of all your official documentation, except for the courses listed below.</p>
<p>The following information explains if your documents do need to be verified. This is important, as documents not correctly verified as a "true and accurate" copy will result in delays in the processing of your application and its consideration for admission. Please don't send originals as we don't return documents.</p>
<h4>Who can verify copies for you?</h4>
<p><strong>For international documents/qualifications:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>your employed agent submitting your application and documents on your behalf</li>
<li>Australian Embassy official</li>
<li>High Commission or Trade Mission official</li>
<li>Public Notary</li>
<li>Australian Justice of the Peace with a registration number.</li>
</ul>
<h4>How should the authorised officer verify each document?</h4>
<p>On each page you are submitting, they must write:</p>
<p><strong>'This is a true copy of the original document sighted by me.'</strong></p>
<p>Then sign and print the following details:</p>
<ul>
<li>name</li>
<li>address</li>
<li>business hours telephone number</li>
<li>profession, occupation or organisation</li>
<li>the current date.</li>
</ul>
<p>They must include the official stamp or seal of the verifier's organisation on the copy if the organisation has such a stamp.</p>
<p>In addition to the above, a Justice of the Peace must also print their registration number and the state in which they are registered as a Justice of the Peace.</p>
<h4>Documents not verified or not verified correctly</h4>
<p>Charles Sturt University is not permitted to process:</p>
<ul>
<li>documents that have been verified by an immediate relative or a person residing at the same address as an applicant</li>
<li>photocopied documents that have not been verified</li>
<li>documents that have not been correctly verified</li>
<li>documents verified by a Justice of the Peace without a registration number.</li>
</ul>
<h4><span> Step 6: </span>Understand your responsibilities and expectations as an international student</h4>
<p>The Australian Government requires international student visa holders to ensure that they meet the obligations and conditions of their visa type. It is your responsibility to ensure that they comply with these obligations and conditions at all times. Your enrolment at Charles Sturt University may be cancelled for failing to meet the University's policies and procedures and the University is required by Australian Law to report any breaches of visa conditions, which may include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Not paying your fees.</li>
<li>Not maintaining satisfactory course progress.</li>
<li>Failing to maintain a full-time load without Charles Sturt University's permission.</li>
<li>Failure to enrol in a term of study.</li>
<li>Academic or general misconduct.</li>
</ul>
<p>You should also understand all the&nbsp;<a href="https://study.csu.edu.au/international/how-to-apply/student-responsibilities">terms and conditions</a> of accepting an offer to study with us.</p>
<h4><span> Step 7: </span>Start your application</h4>
<p>How to apply depends on how you want to study with us.</p>
</div>