The Graduate Certificate in Leadership (GCL) is designed for both new and experienced leaders wishing to consolidate their learning, challenge their assumptions and underpinning knowledge and skills, and explore ways to develop their leadership influence skills in their teams and workplaces.

Students undertake a series of coursework units which may include a project unit, integrating critical thinking and engagement with theoretical, religious, and spiritual beliefs with a body of knowledge and lived experience. This is done through enquiry-based studies, case studies from leading professionals to address workplace problems and issues, that may lead to practical applications for change in their professional context.

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Leadership will be able to

1. Analyse and synthesise relevant information and concepts that may include perspectives from religious beliefs and spiritual traditions.
2. ​Articulate specialised knowledge of leadership theories and frameworks that may include perspectives from religious beliefs and spiritual traditions to inform leadership practice in complex contexts.
3. Communicate, both orally and in writing, leadership ideas and decisions in logical, relevant ways.
4. Critically reflect on and respond appropriately to theological, religious, social, cultural, ethical and / or sustainability issues from a leadership perspective.
5. Participate, contribute, and actively collaborate with other professionals to facilitate healthy organisational development and transformation.

The minimum admission requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Leadership are:

1. an undergraduate degree and five years’ work experience, including at least three years management experience.
2. International visa-holder students must also have an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 or equivalent.

The Undergraduate Certificate in Divinity (CertDiv) offers students an opportunity to explore a range of theological, philosophical and ministry-related studies. Students may explore new or develop existing knowledge and skills for vocational and professional purposes. The Undergraduate Certificate provides a pathway to further undergraduate studies in divinity-related areas and is a foundation for lifelong learning.

The Undergraduate Certificate in Divinity is an undergraduate qualification taught in English which normally takes one semester of full-time study or two semesters of part-time study. The qualification requires successful completion of 72 points at undergraduate level from any discipline except professional counselling. Students may explore one or more areas such as: history, philosophy, biblical studies, theology, mission and ministry, leadership, education and spirituality.

Graduates of the Undergraduate Certificate in Divinity:

1. have knowledge of some foundational concepts in the study of divinity.
2. apply basic skills of interpretation to texts and concepts.
3. apply knowledge and skills in contemporary contexts

The Undergraduate Certificate in Divinity consists of 72 points.

Units in counselling are not permitted for inclusion in this award.

Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education or equivalent.

Probationary admission is available to approved persons aged 21 or greater who have not completed the Victorian Certificate of Education.

It may be possible for students to receive credit into their course for prior post-secondary study in theology or ministry.

Prospective students apply by direct entry. The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is not used.

Credit of up to 36 points may be granted towards this award. Credit is granted in accordance with the credit policy.

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy:

1. have a substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of work or learning within divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution to the field
2. have a substantial knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning
3. have expert cognitive, technical and creative skills to use intellectual independence to think critically, analyse and evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, undertake systematic investigation, reflect on theory and practice to generate original knowledge within divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines, and demonstrate expert understanding of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on that theory and its application
4. apply knowledge and skills with intellectual independence, and with responsibility and accountability, to plan and execute an ongoing program of original research, and to understand explicit and implicit ethical considerations to the formulation of a research project
5. have skills to present cogently a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards, and to communicate research results to peers and the community.

Applicants may only be admitted by the School of Graduate Research Committee. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission. The Committee also takes into consideration the applicant’s potential to undertake research, quality and feasibility of the research proposal, availability of appropriate supervision, and strength of employer or referee reports.

Probationary admission is not available.

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Completion of one of the following awards in divinity or its associated disciplines with a 75% average:
  • a Masters by research degree, or
  • a Masters by coursework degree, or
  • a Graduate Diploma, or
  • a four year undergraduate degree with Honours

Where a mark is not available, examiners’ reports may be provided which indicate to the satisfaction of the School of Graduate Research Committee that the candidate is adequately prepared for doctoral research.

• Completion of a thesis or equivalent of at least 12,000 words graded at or above 75%. The thesis may have been completed either within one of the awards listed above or as part of another program of study in an associated discipline.
• A research proposal which identifies a research question, proposed methodology and a statement of the original contribution.
• The names at least two supervisors with relevant expertise who satisfy the requirements of the Higher Degree by Research Policy and who consent to supervise the thesis.

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a graduate research degree that enables candidates to further develop skills in carrying out independent and sustained research. Designed for applicants with a strong academic background, candidates are guided by a supervisory team to develop independent research that contributes to a field of knowledge in divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines. Candidates apply, critique, analyse or interpret knowledge through the development of research presented in the form of a thesis (or equivalent) of 40,000 words. A Master of Philosophy is a pathway to admission to a Doctor of Philosophy.

Graduates of the Master of Philosophy:

1. have a body of knowledge in a field of study within divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines that includes the understanding of recent developments within this field
2. apply advanced knowledge and skills to plan and execute a substantial piece of research
3. have cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts in a field of study within divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines and to reflect critically on them
4. have cognitive skills in, and mastery of, research principles and methods applicable to the field in which the research has been carried out
5. have skills to present a coherent and sustained argument and to communicate research results to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Applicants may only be admitted by the School of Graduate Research Committee. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission. The Committee also takes into consideration the applicant’s potential to undertake research, quality and feasibility of the research proposal, availability of appropriate supervision, and strength of employer or referee reports.

Probationary admission is not available.

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements.

• Completion of one of the following awards in divinity or its associated disciplines with a 75% average
  • a Master by research degree, or
  • a Master by coursework degree, or
  • Graduate Diploma, or
  • a four year undergraduate degree with Honours

Where a mark is not available, examiners’ reports may be provided which indicate to the satisfaction of the School of Graduate Research Committee that the candidate is adequately prepared for master’s research.

• Completion of a thesis or equivalent of at least 12,000 words (graded at or above 70%). The thesis may have been completed either within one of the awards listed above or as part of another program of study in an associated discipline.
• A research proposal which identifies a research question, proposed methodology and a statement of the contribution to a field of knowledge or professional practice
• The names of at least two supervisors with relevant expertise who satisfy the requirements of the Higher Degrees by Research Policy and who consent to supervise the thesis.

The Master of Spirituality (MSp) enables students to acquire advanced understanding of the theological and spiritual foundations of spirituality, spiritual practice and spiritual growth, and to apply this knowledge of spiritual principles to individual and community life in the Christian tradition.

Graduates of the Master of Spirituality:

1. have advanced knowledge of the theological and spiritual foundations of spirituality, spiritual practice and spiritual growth in the Christian tradition, and of the relation of these to broader theological studies
2. have mastery of skills to reflect critically on personal spiritual experience in the light of key themes, traditions and approaches in spirituality
3. have communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions and professional decisions about themes, traditions and approaches in spirituality
4. apply knowledge of themes, traditions and approaches in spirituality with creativity and initiative to professional practice and further learning
5. apply relevant theological and hermeneutical skills through the execution of a substantial research-based project, capstone experience or piece of scholarship.

Successful completion of a undergraduate degree, or an approved equivalent.

The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) enables students to apply an advanced body of knowledge in theology and its associated disciplines. Students broaden their knowledge and skills and deepen their engagement with select areas of study to prepare them for professional practice and further learning.

Graduates of the Master of Theological Studies:

1. have advanced knowledge of sources, terms and concepts required in theology and its related disciplines
2. have mastery of research principles and methods, including analytical and communication skills applicable to theology and its related disciplines
3. have advanced skills of interpretation and critical reflection on a range of theological and related disciplines, with awareness of implications and applications to historical and contemporary issues and contexts, in order to generate and evaluate ideas for professional practice and further learning
4. articulate and communicate knowledge and insights in theology and its related disciplines to specialist and non-specialist audiences
5. apply relevant theological and hermeneutical skills through the execution of a substantial research-based project, capstone experience, or piece of scholarship.

Successful completion of an undergraduate degree.

The Master of Theology (MTh) enables students with an undergraduate degree in theology or ministry to apply an advanced body of knowledge in theology and its associated disciplines. Students deepen their engagement with select areas of study to prepare them for professional practice and further learning.

Graduates of the Master of Theology:

1. have advanced knowledge of sources, terms and concepts required in theology and its related disciplines
2. have mastery of research principles and methods, including analytical and communication skills applicable to theology and its related disciplines
3. have advanced skills of interpretation and critical reflection on a range of theological and related disciplines, with awareness of implications and applications to historical and contemporary issues and contexts, in order to generate and evaluate ideas for professional practice and further learning
4. articulate and communicate knowledge and insights in theology and its related disciplines to specialist and non-specialist audiences
5. apply relevant theological and hermeneutical skills through the execution of a substantial research-based project, capstone experience, theological synthesis or supervised ministry project.

Minimum Academic Requirement

• Bachelor of Theology (BTheol)
• Bachelor of Ministry (BMin)
• Master of Divinity
• Enrolled in the BTheol or BMin with at least 378 points completed. BTheol or BMin must be completed within 12 months of admission to the Master of Theology.

Note: A graduate certificate or graduate diploma is insufficient for admission to the Master of Theology.

Probationary admission is not available for the Master of Theology.

The Master of Philosophical Studies (MPS) enables students to apply an advanced body of knowledge in philosophy in relation to broader theological studies. Students broaden their knowledge and skills and deepen their engagement with select areas of study to prepare them for professional practice and further learning.

Graduates of the Master of Philosophical Studies:

1. have advanced knowledge of sources, terms and concepts required in philosophy, and of the relation of philosophy to broader theological studies
2. have mastery of methodologies for historical and critical analysis of philosophical texts
3. have advanced skills of interpretation and critical reflection in philosophy, with awareness of implications for and applications to historical and contemporary issues and contexts, in order to generate and evaluate ideas for professional practice and further learning
4. articulate and communicate knowledge and insights in philosophy to specialist and non-specialist audiences
5. apply relevant philosophical and hermeneutical skills through the execution of a substantial research-based project, capstone experience or piece of scholarship.

Successful completion of an undergraduate degree, or an approved equivalent.

The Master of Pastoral and Spiritual Care enables students to apply an advanced body of knowledge and skill in pastoral care in relation to broader theological studies. Students broaden their knowledge and skills and deepen their engagement with select areas of study to prepare themselves for professional practice and further learning.

Graduates of the Master of Pastoral and Spiritual Care:

1. have advanced knowledge of sources, terms and concepts required in pastoral care, and of the relation of pastoral care to broader theological studies
2. have mastery of research principles and methods, including analytical skills applicable to pastoral care
3. have advanced skills of interpretation and critical reflection on a range of approaches and methodologies in pastoral care, with awareness of implications and application to contemporary issues in professional ministry, in order to generate and evaluate ideas for professional practice and further learning
4. articulate and communicate knowledge and insights in pastoral care to specialist and non-specialist audiences
5. apply relevant skills in pastoral care through the execution of a substantial research-based project, capstone experience or piece of scholarship.

One of: 

• An undergraduate degree
• Graduate Certificate from the University of Divinity.

Probationary admission is not available.

The Master of Education and Theology (MEdTheol) offers teachers an opportunity to complement and extend their previous learning in education and religious education. The course consists of a combination of required and elective units, with a high degree of flexibility in the choice of units.

The units for this course are offered by both Catholic Theological College and Yarra Theological Union.

Graduates of the Master of Education and Theology:

1. demonstrate advanced and integrated knowledge of educational and theological concepts which underpin the practice and mission of faith-based learning contexts
2. critically analyse professional practice in faith-based learning contexts, informed by education and theological theory
3. integrate insights from the dialogue between education and theology to generate and evaluate complex concepts in professional practice and further learning
4. research and apply established theories to investigate, interpret and justify theoretical propositions and professional decisions in faith-based learning contexts.

Applicants must have:

• an undergraduate degree
• have obtained a qualification recognised for teacher registration in Australia
• have two years of full-time teaching experience or part-time equivalent

Fees are subject to change from year to year. For more information, please visit our fees page.