Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Theology

Bachelor of Theology (Honours)

 Browse the units available this year here.

Bachelor of Theology

Browse the units available this year here.

Admission is open to students who are qualified for admission to university study in the state of Victoria (e.g. who have successfully completed Year 12 at a secondary school). Students who do not meet this requirement and are over the age of 21 years (as at January 1 for semester 1 entry, or July 1 for semester 2 entry) may apply for Probationary entry. Probationary status ceases when the student has completed 8 units successfully. Students who fail a unit while still Probationary may be prohibited from further study.

First year study for BTheol students at the UFT is comprised of units in Old Testament, New Testament, Church History and Systematic Theology, together with units in Philosophy, Pastoral Studies, Greek or Hebrew as appropriate. View available units here.

Requirements for the BTheol are set out in the MCD regulation for the degree, available on the MCD website. Students are advised to read this regulation and the accompanying prospectus. The BTheol regulation was significantly revised in 2009 to strengthen the degree. Forms to aid course planning are available from the UFT website or the UFT office, one for pre-2009 students, another for enrolments from 2009.

BTheol students must complete 360 points of study (24 units at 15 points per unit). These are distributed across four areas of study: Field A (Humanities), Field B (Biblical Studies), Field C (Christian Thought and History) and Field D (Theology: Mission and Ministry). Each Field is made up of several disciplines. Sequences of majors and sub-majors are built up within disciplines, however, not within Fields (hence a student cannot take a major in 'Field D' but takes a major within Liturgy or Pastoral Studies, disciplines within Field D).

For students who enrol after 1 January 2009, the BTheol must include three sub-majors, including sub-majors in Biblical Studies and Systematic Theology (in Field C). Two of these sub-majors must then be developed into majors. A major consists of 90 points (six units) taken progressively over three levels, and a sub-major consists of 60 points (four units) taken progressively over two levels. A planner is available here.

Students may normally defer their studies in the BTheol for no longer than two years (continuous or cumulative). Permission for further deferral must be sought from the MCD through the UFT Dean.

Graduate Certificate in Theology

Browse the units available this year here
The Graduate Certificate in Theology provides a short introduction to theological study for graduates in another discipline. It requires 45 points of study (3 units at graduate level) and can be completed full-time over one semester, or part time over two years. Students may defer their studies in the Graduate Certificate for no longer than one semester. Permission for further deferral must be sought from the MCD through the UFT Dean.

Graduate Diploma in Theology

Browse the units available this year here

The Graduate Diploma in Theology provides an introduction to theological study for graduates in another discipline. It requires 90 points of study (6 units at graduate level) and can be completed full-time over two semester, or part-time over three years. Three units must be Foundational, from at least two different Fields of study. At the UFT, students are encouraged, however, to take at least four units at Foundational level. 

After completion of Foundational study, students may then take up to three Elective units, building on their foundational studies. The Graduate Diploma may also include a 12000 word research essay, equivalent to 30 points and replacing 2 Elective units. The Graduate Diploma can lead to further study in Theology, in particular the Master of Arts, and, where a 12000 word essay is included, to some research higher degrees. Alternatively, students may upgrade from the Graduate Diploma to the Master of Divinity at any point prior to graduation from the Graduate Diploma.

Students who already hold a degree in Theology can enrol for a specialised Graduate Diploma. These students do not need to take Foundational units, and instead pursue a specialised sequence of 6 units in a single discipline, such as Liturgy, Religious Education, Spirituality, Moral Theology, Biblical Studies, or Church History. The specialised Graduate Diploma may include a 12000 word research essay (30 points).

In 2009 two new specialised Graduate Diplomas are available, in Educational Chaplaincy and in Pastoral Care, providing graduate  qualifications and a route to further study for practitioners in these areas. Further details of these courses are available from the UFT website or office. 

Students may defer their studies in the Graduate Diploma for no longer than one year (continuous or cumulative). Permission for further deferral must be sought from the MCD through the UFT Dean.
 

Graduate Diploma in Ministry

 The Graduate Diploma in Ministry is open to students who have obtained a Bachelor of Theology or equivalent, and who have been involved in the practice of ministry for at least two years. Students complete 90 points (6 units at graduate level) over one year full time or three years part time.
 The course of study requires 3 sections: Section A: Coursework (3 coursework units at graduate level), Section B: Residential School (1 ministry studies residential school of one week’s duration equivalent to 1 unit), and Section C: Reflective Practice (either 2 collegium groups or 1 collegium group and 1 postgraduate level unit in practical theology). Details of the residential school and collegium groups for 2009 are available from the MCD website. The Graduate Diploma in Ministry is a stand-alone qualification, or can be used as a pathway to the Master of Ministry.
 
 

Graduate Diploma in Pastoral Care

The Graduate Diploma in Pastoral Care is a new award available from 2009. It is open to students who already hold a degree in Theology and wish to undertake specialised study in the area of Pastoral Care. Students must also have demonstrated some aptitude in the field of Pastoral Care, e.g. successful completion of a level 1 unit of Clinical Pastoral Education. Students who do not hold a qualification in Theology may take relevant units in Pastoral Care as part of either a general Graduate Diploma in Theology or a Bachelor of Theology. Please consult the UFT Dean for details. 
 
Students must complete two core units plus four elective units. Where students have completed the core units in their prior study, they can be exempted from these units and replace them with elective units. New units are in development for 2010 and will be advised later in 2009.
 
Core units include: Theology and Skills of Pastoral Care, Educating and Ministering through Life Passages, Pastoral Care and Ritual.
 
Elective units include a range of units in the areas of pastoral care and ethics and may be taken at any of the MCD RTIs with approval of the UFT Dean. 
 
The Graduate Diploma in Pastoral Care is designed particularly for practitioners in the field. As such, students must undertake a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) towards the GradDip. Students who undertake a second level 1 unit of CPE may receive up to 30 points of credit towards the Graduate Diploma in the place of elective units. This allows students to place CPE units in a broader academic and theological context.
 
Enquiries about the Graduate Diploma in Pastoral Care should be directed to the UFT Dean.

Master of Divinity

Explore the available units for the Master of Divinity here

The Master of Divinity is a first degree in Theology for graduates in another discipline. The MDiv offers a high level of theological study, with a broad and challenging engagement across the full range of disciplines. The degree consists of 270 points (18 units at graduate level) and may be taken over three years full-time or up to nine years part-time.

The structure of the MDiv requires students to begin with Foundational studies, then proceed to Integrative and Specialised studies. The degree requires completion of 7 Foundational units (including 2 units of Biblical Studies, 2 units in Christian Thought and History, 1 unit of Groundwork for Christian Ministry, 2 units in either Greek or Hebrew); 4 Integrative units, that pursue a holistic, cross-disciplinary view of theological study in five areas; and 7 Specialised units (including at least 4 units from one Field). A planner for the MDiv is available here.

First year study in the MDiv as taken at the UFT requires completion of 7 Foundational units: Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, Systematic Theology, Pastoral Studies and either Greek or Hebrew. These may be taken online or face-to-face, or in a combination of both modes. 

MDiv graduates are expected to gain both breadth and depth in theological study at an advanced level. Students may include a 12000 word essay, as the equivalent of 2 units of either Integrative or Specialised study. This essay enables the MDiv to become a pathway to postgraduate research.

Students may defer their studies in the MDiv for no longer than two years (continuous or cumulative). Permission for further deferral must be sought from the MCD through the UFT Dean.

Master of Divinity (Honours)

Explore the available units for the Master of Divinity here

The MDiv may be taken with Honours without extra study. Prospective Honours candidates should discuss their course with the UFT Dean. Honours students must a) complete 2 of their Specialised units at postgraduate level and achieve a Distinction or higher in both, and b) include a 12000 word research essay (worth 30 points). Both requirements must be in the area of specialisation chosen for Honours. The level of Honours attained is decided by the MCD on the basis of the results obtained in the two units and the essay. Students who do not obtain at least a Lower Second Class Honours may be awarded the Pass degree. Honours provides a pathway to postgraduate research, either through a Master’s degree, or in the case of First Class Honours graduates, directly to doctoral research.

Master of Theological Studies

Explore the units for the MTS offered this year here.

The MTS is open to candidates who have obtained an MCD degree in theology or equivalent qualifications. It is a coursework degree requiring the completion of 150 points of study (10 units), of which 120 points (8 units) must be at graduate level and 30 points (2 units) must be at postgraduate level. The degree may be completed in three semesters (fulltime) or up to ten semesters (parttime).

The degree is designed to offer maximum flexibility to students who wish to pursue further study in theology. In addition to regular coursework units, students may elect to include supervised ministry placements (up to 30 points), a supervised synthesis of 12000 words of an interdisciplinary nature (30 points) together with an oral examination of 60 minutes (15 points), an oral examination of up to one and a half hours (45 points), and a research essay of 12000 words (30 points).

Students may normally defer their studies in the MTS for no longer than two years (continuous or cumulative). Permission for further deferral must be sought from the MCD through the UFT Dean.

Master of Theology

Explore the Postgraduate units offered this year here.

The Master of Theology may be taken by major thesis of 40000 words alone, or minor thesis of 25000 words plus 30 points (2 units) of postgraduate coursework. The degree is completed in three semesters (fulltime) or up to four years (parttime).

The MTheol is open to students who have a Bachelor of Theology with first or upper second class Honours or equivalent, and to a range of other graduates in theology who have completed a 12000 word postgraduate research essay of Distinction standard. Full details of admission requirements are available on the MCD website. The MTheol can provide a pathway to the Doctor of Theology, either by completion or by upgrade after a year of study.
 

Master of Arts

Explore the Postgraduate units offered this year here.

The Master of Arts is available in two modes: coursework and research. Within the coursework mode, students may take either a general course of 90 points (6 units) of postgraduate study, or a specialised course of 90 points (6 units) within a single area. The research mode can be taken by either major thesis of 40000 words, or minor thesis of 25000 words plus 30 points (2 units) of postgraduate coursework. The degree is completed in one year (fulltime) or up to four years (parttime).

The MA is open to students who have completed the Graduate Diploma of Theology, or who have a Bachelor of Theology with first or upper second class Honours, or equivalent. To enrol in the research mode, candidates must have completed a 12000 word postgraduate research essay of Distinction standard. On completion the MA by research mode can provide a pathway to the Doctor of Philosophy.
 

Master of Ministry

Explore the Postgraduate units offered this year here.

The Master of Ministry is a postgraduate award designed to enhance professional ministry. The MMin is available to students who have completed the Graduate Diploma in Ministry or an equivalent qualification representing a minimum of three years’ full-time theological education plus studies during ministry practice.
Candidates are expected to have been involved in the practice of ministry for at least three years.

The MMin may be completed in one year (fulltime) but is normally taken parttime over three years. It consists of three sections: Section A Theological Reflection, Section B Research Planning, and Section C Supervised Research Project.

In section A, students complete two of the following three exercises: a postgraduate unit in applied theology, a collegium group, or an advanced ministry studies residential school. In addition, each candidate is required to demonstrate that he or she has undertaken graduate-level training in research methodology. In section B, students participate in a week-long Research Seminar. Candidates prepare detailed Supervised Research Project proposals, leading to an Approval Panel and Ethics clearance. Once advanced to research status, candidates complete Section C by producing a report on the Supervised Research Project, typically but not always a written document of 25000 – 30000 words that is assessed by two examiners. On completion the MMin can provide a pathway to the Doctor of Ministry Studies.
 

Doctor of Theology

Explore the Postgraduate units offered this year here.

The Doctor of Theology is available to students who have obtained an MDiv(Hons) or MTheol degree from the MCD, or equivalent. Students may also upgrade from MTheol candidature in some circumstances. Candidates must find a supervisor and shape a research topic prior to admission, then proceed to probationary status. After one year candidates attend a confirmation panel and may be upgraded to full doctoral candidature. From this point, the degree is taken over three years (full time) and up to six years (part time). Students must write a dissertation of no more than 100000 words, which is examined by two examiners.
 

Doctor of Philosophy

Explore the Postgraduate units offered this year here.

The Doctor of Philosophy is available to students who hold a research Master’s degree, or a BTheol or MDiv with first class Honours, or an MTS with a 12000 word postgraduate essay of High Distinction standard. Students may also upgrade from MA or MTheol candidature in some circumstances. Candidates must find a supervisor and shape a research topic prior to admission, then proceed to probationary status. After one year candidates attend a confirmation panel and may be upgraded to full doctoral candidature. From this point, the degree is taken over three years (fulltime) or up to five years (parttime). Students must write a dissertation of no more than 100000 words, which is examined by two examiners.
 

Doctor of Ministry Studies

Explore the Postgraduate units offered this year here.

The Doctor of Ministry Studies is available to students who hold a Master of Ministry, a research Master’s degree in Theology, or an equivalent professional qualification. Candidates are expected to have been involved in the practice of ministry for at least 6 years. The degree progresses from a qualifying stage through coursework to research. It is the equivalent of three years’ fulltime study but is usually taken parttime over a period of up to eight years. The coursework requirements include 2 postgraduate units at Distinction level and an Advanced Ministry Studies Research Seminar. The research project leads to a thesis of 50000 words,  examined in writing by three examiners then defended orally.
 

Submission of Assignments

All assignments must be submitted with a cover sheet declaring that the assignment is the original work of the student. These cover sheets are obtainable from the UFT Office and on the website.  UFT assignments MUST NOT be lodged by fax or email.

Normally assignments should be handed in to the UFT office, but individual lecturers may use their discretion regarding means of collection of assignments. Assignments handed in at the office will be date stamped, and a receipt will be given on request. All postgraduate (‘level 4’) coursework must be submitted in duplicate to the UFT Office. All students are required to keep copies of their assignments in case of loss or the need for further moderation.

Return of Assignments

The time for return of assignments will be indicated by teachers when students are advised of assignment topics and their due date of submission. The UFT expects lecturers to mark and return major essays within three weeks, and shorter pieces within two weeks. Where an extension is granted, the lecturer is not bound by this time frame. Grades given on assignments are provisional and for student guidance. If you believe your work is not being returned within the appropriate timelines please speak to your lecturer or contact the Dean.

Extensions

Extensions may be granted by a lecturer in accordance with MCD policy and the following provisions:
 

• the student requests the extension in writing, where possible no later than one week prior to the work being due
• the lecturer is satisfied of reasonable grounds for granting the extension
• the extension will not afford undue disadvantage or advantage to the student                   
• the work is submitted no later than the agreed due date, and in no case later than the final day of examinations for that semester.

Where there are serious medical or other grounds for an extension to be granted beyond the final day of examinations for a semester, the student must contact the UFT Dean, who may grant an extension provided that

• the student requests the extension prior to the work being due
• the lecturer agrees to the extension being granted
• there are reasonable grounds for granting the extension and the student can provide evidence in the form of a medical certificate or signed letter
• an extension will not afford undue disadvantage or advantage to the student
• the extension and its conditions are recorded in writing and signed by the Dean and student.

A Dean’s extension will normally be no later than four weeks after the end of semester. Students are not normally permitted a Dean’s extension past the first day of the following semester. In such cases, students will be strongly discouraged from enrolling in units for that semester.

Students with a Dean’s extension must submit their completed assignments to the UFT office. An ‘E’ will be recorded on the student’s transcript until the work is submitted and marked. If the work is not submitted by the agreed due date the student’s result will be marked in accordance with the penalty for late work, and a Fail may be recorded.

Late Work

UFT Policy on work submitted late
Approved by Senatus on 27 October 2008

When a student submits a piece of work after the due date without an extension having been granted previously, the work will normally receive a reduced mark. The marker must clearly show the mark given for the intrinsic academic worth of the essay, the number of marks deducted for lateness, and the final mark recorded.

Work submitted up to two weeks late will normally have its recorded grade reduced by 2% per day (to a maximum of 10% per week), but may not be failed for lateness alone.

Work submitted more than two weeks and less than four weeks after the due date without an extension will normally have its recorded grade reduced by 2% per day (to a maximum of 10% per week), though such work may not be awarded a mark higher than a Pass (64%).

Work submitted more than four weeks after the due date without an extension will normally have a Fail grade recorded.

Where an extension has been granted by the lecturer or by the Dean, this policy applies when work is submitted after the agreed date of the extension. A student may appeal the reduction of a grade for late work in writing to the Dean within five days of notification of the grade.

    
Explanatory notes

This policy is designed in accordance with the MCD guidelines on academic conduct, except insofar as greater clarity was needed.

This policy is to be implemented by lecturers when marking work (and by the Dean where necessary if work is submitted after the end of the examination period).

The intention is that a weekend not count (i.e. work due on a Friday but submitted on a Monday would incur a deduction of 2%).

Lecturers who do not give a numerical mark to individual pieces of work but instead provide an indication of the grade should indicate the original grade of the work, the precise number of marks deducted when returning assignments, and the final grade that results.

Cheating and Plagiarism

The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism. Further details are given in the UFT Guidelines for Essays.

Cheating involves obtaining an unfair advantage over other students in any way. 

Plagiarism means the copying and use of the work of another person without proper acknowledgment. Any direct quotation of the words of another person, whether in print or on the internet, must be acknowledged by quotation marks and a footnote giving full information about the source. Where someone else’s ideas are expressed in different words to those in the original source, quotation marks are not necessary but a footnote giving information about the source must still be included. If you are in any doubt about what plagiarism is, please speak to your lecturer or the Dean.

There are strict penalties for both cheating and plagiarism. These may include any or all of the following: suspension of candidature for the degree; failure of the unit for which the written work or examination was undertaken; the loss of all marks for the written work or examination.
 

Marking System

The UFT uses the following system set by the MCD for results, both of individual pieces of assessment, and for a unit as whole:

Where a unit is marked on a pass / fail basis, the result is recorded as Pp (Pass) or F (Fail).

Results

At the end of each semester results are moderated or second examined, submitted by lecturers to the UFT office for entry on student records, and forwarded to the MCD. Only then may results be released to students: in first semester this will take place on 9 July, and in second semester on 10 December. Students with a Dean’s extension may not receive a result until a later date depending on when the work is submitted.

Academic transcripts

The UFT office supplies an academic transcript at the end of each semester to students. Past students who have completed a degree and require an academic transcript should contact the MCD office. Past UFT students who have incomplete studies should contact the UFT office. The UFT will provide a certified transcript for a fee of $11 (includes GST) for enrolments since 1995, and $22 (includes GST) for enrolments prior to 1995.

Student progress

The UFT may terminate the candidature of students who have failed the majority of their total assessments in two consecutive semesters.

Appeals and Academic Grievances

Any appeal against grades in coursework must take place under the MCD Academic Grievances policy, available on the MCD website. For UFT units, an appeal must be lodged in writing with the UFT Dean within five days of the result being served in writing. The Dean must respond to your appeal within five working days. (Please note that your lecturer has no power to alter your grades independently of this process.)

Examinations

 
MCD Policy on the conduct of formal examinations 
2.4.1 Supervisor responsibilities 
All staff engaged in the supervision of a formal examination, written or oral, must ensure that the examination is conducted in accordance with these procedures, that each student under examination is treated fairly, and that no student receives unfair advantage.
The examination supervisor is responsible in particular for 
• obtaining sufficient examination booklets or writing paper, together with sufficient copies of the examination paper, from the RTI Registrar; 
• bringing spare pens, and if loose paper is supplied for writing, one or more filled staplers; 
• ensuring that sufficient copies of unmarked Bibles or other materials required for the examination are available to students; 
• checking that only permitted materials are brought by students into the examination; 
• ensuring that the examination commences and concludes on time; 
• filling in the attendance list of students present; and 
• forwarding securely all completed scripts to the RTI Registrar or to the first examiner.
 
2.4.2 Request for special examination conditions 
Students with disabilities may request examinations under special conditions. Such students must obtain written permission for these from the RTI Coursework Coordinator at least one week before the relevant examinations, and any conditions which may apply.
If an amanuensis is agreed to, the Coursework Coordinator must ensure that the person nominated to write the student’s paper is capable, agrees not to contribute in any way to the student’s content, and accepts that the examination supervisor will determine where and how the student and amanuensis will be placed.
A student may request permission to bring a computer into an examination room, but only on the condition that written permission from the RTI Coursework Coordinator is given one week prior to the date of the examination, and for good and particular reason. The Coordinator’s decision is final.

Where permission for examination under special conditions is given, the Coordinator must notify the examination supervisor at least two days prior to the examination, and the supervisor must ensure that appropriate arrangements and facilities are available.When special circumstances such as use of an amanuensis or computer have been approved, the examination supervisor must ensure that any resulting noise does not disturb other students.
 
2.4.3 Student responsibilities prior to the examination 
It is the responsibility of students to ascertain the dates and times at which they are required to attend for examinations, or to perform or submit other components of assessment. Absence or lateness due to misreading the examination timetable or similar error does not entitle a student to
any further examination or special consideration.
 
Students under the influence of alcohol or any other drug will be refused admission to the examination room by the examination supervisor.
Students must bring into the examination room a pen for writing, and may also bring loose pens, pencils and erasers.
Students must not bring into the examination room any equipment or materials not approved for use in the examination, unless such equipment or materials are left in a place indicated by the supervisor or placed under the chair of the candidate with the approval of the supervisor.
Where an amanuensis or computer has been approved, the student must accept the direction of the supervisor about their location, to prevent disturbance to other students undertaking the examination.
 
2.4.4 Requirements for the conduct of an examination 
The RTI must provide writing paper or examination books, and only scripts written on this paperwill be accepted for grading, unless written permission has been given by the RTI Coursework Coordinator. 
Where materials are permitted to be taken into the examination room, e.g. an unmarked copy of the Bible, this must be specified in the official unit description and on the examination paper.
A student who has two or more examinations timetabled for the same day may request a special sitting of one examination paper. Such a request must be made to the RTI Coursework Coordinator at least two weeks before the examination is due to be held.
Students will normally be admitted to the examination room fifteen minutes before the commencement of the examination for the purpose of reading the paper. Students may make notes on the examination question paper during this time, but not commence writing answers.
The examination supervisor gives a signal to indicate that writing may commence.
The examination supervisor warns the students ten minutes before the end of the examination, then gives a final signal at the end, when all writing must cease.
Unless otherwise specified on the examination paper, no student may commence writing or make any use of books or other materials before the signal to commence.
Unless directed otherwise, students must write their answer to each question on a separate page, and write the number of the question being answered in the top right-hand corner of each page (e.g. Q1), together with their student number.
Students who require writing paper or other materials, or who wish to speak to an examination supervisor, should raise one hand and keep it raised until the arrival of a supervisor.
Immediately following the conclusion of the examination, each student must staple or otherwise connect all pages of the examination script together, or enclose each examination book used in the cover of the preceding book.

Students must complete the following information on the cover sheet of the examination booklet, or on a fresh piece of paper connected to the front of the examination script: 
• her or his student number; 
• the name of the unit being examined; and 
• the number of each question answered from the examination paper, in the order of writing.
Students must remain seated until all examination scripts books and other materials have beencollected by the examination supervisor(s).
A student who does not answer any questions must submit a completed cover sheet.
 
2.4.5 Conduct prohibited during an examination 
No student may enter the examination room more than half an hour after the commencement of the examination, nor leave until half an hour after the commencement of the examination or during the last quarter of an hour. These rules are designed to ensure that all students are not disturbed during
the early and concluding stages of examination.
Apart from the numbering of questions and completion of covers, no writing is to be done after thesignal to cease writing.
In an examination room, no students may communicate except with the permission of an examination supervisor.
Students who wish to leave and then return to the examination room must first obtain the approval of an examination supervisor, who may require that the student be accompanied by a supervisor during the full period of absence.
The consumption of alcohol or drugs is not permitted in the examination room.