Master of Divinity

School of Philosophy & Theology

The Master of Divinity is taught by the Catholic Institute of Sydney and accredited by the University of Notre Dame Australia. It provides students with advanced knowledge in philosophy, Sacred Scripture, Catholic theology and associated disciplines.  Students develop advanced knowledge and skills across a range of theological and related disciplines and deeper knowledge and skills in at least one theological discipline.  Graduates develop excellent oral and written communication skills, and advanced research skills.

• Why study this degree?

  The Master of Divinity offers students a unique opportunity to study at an Ecclesiastical Faculty recognised by the Holy See. This degree is a natural complement to the Bachelor of Divinity, and students who have completed the Bachelor of Divinity can earn the Master of Divinity in two years, by completing 400 units of credit.

  The program provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of the breadth and beauty of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition through studies in philosophy, Sacred Scripture, Catholic theology and associated disciplines.

  Through critical engagement with the tradition that is at once both appreciative of its intellectual patrimony and sensitive to contemporary issues, students in the Master of Divinity will gain the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate their beliefs to a variety of audiences.

  Students can study this program as a potential pathway into HDR studies, under the specified conditions.

• Program summary

  The Master of Divinity, as a comprehensive foundational qualification, introduces students to both the breadth and depth of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. The degree is structured so that students select courses across the various theological disciplines.

  Students in the Master of Divinity will normally pursue studies in the Humanities (Philosophy, Ancient Languages, Church History and Patrology) before engaging the disciplines of Sacred Scripture (Old Testament and New Testament) and Theology (Spiritual, Fundamental, Dogmatic and Moral), which the Humanities naturally serve to support and contextualise. Students are also required to undertake courses in Pastoral Studies, allowing candidates to pursue electives in Pastoral Theology and Ministry, Liturgical Studies, and Canon Law as they approach the end of the degree.

  Suitably qualified students who elect the HDR pathway will undertake a Research Methods and Thesis Proposal course and a Supervised Thesis (75 credit points) in their final year of the degree. This pathway is offered only in Sacred Scripture or Dogmatic Theology, and should be opted for no later than the second year of the program, in consultation with the Academic Dean of the Catholic Institute of Sydney.

  To fulfil the requirements of this award, students must complete 600 units of credit comprised of:

  • At least 50 units of credit in Philosophy
  • At least 100 units of credit in Sacred Scripture (including 25 units of credit in each of Old and New Testament Studies)
  • At least 100 units of credit in Dogmatic Theology
  • An additional 50 units of credit in either Sacred Scripture or Dogmatic Theology
  • At least 25 units of credit in Moral Theology
  • At least 25 units of credit in Pastoral Studies and Practice
  • At least 25 credits in Church History and Patrology
  • At least 25 credits in a research project (unless an HDR pathway is chosen), and
  • 200 units of credit in electives

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

• Entry requirements

  To be eligible for admission to The University of Notre Dame Australia, all applicants must meet the University’s minimum requirements for admission. The requirements for admission are detailed in the University’s Policy: Admissions.

  Applications must also meet the following requirements:

  • Students who have completed the BDiv at UNDA are able to earn the MDiv in 400 credit points (2 years). Such students may select from any level 5000 courses on offer but may not select a course that covers the same content area at AQF Level 9 of a course that they have studied at AQF Level 7.
  • For students without the prior study in the English language, IELTS of 7.0 in all bands.

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Master of Divinity, graduates will be able to:

  1. Integrate an extended knowledge of the Catholic faith, achieved through detailed study of the theological disciplines and Sacred Scripture, supported by philosophy, as a basis for independent research and lifelong learning;
  2. Demonstrate mastery of theological perspectives and methods and research principles, evident in honed cognitive skills, applied in the light of Catholic faith, across all the main theological disciplines;
  3. Analyse and synthesise complex information, methods, and theories in a manner that demonstrates advanced theological and/or ministerial competence, using cognitive, technical, and creative skills;
  4. Communicate complex theological and pastoral insights, obtained via research, in a succinct, contextualised and doctrinally coherent way, to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
  5. Adapt knowledge and skills to act with competence, creativity, autonomy, and ethical responsibility in their Christian living in the world.

• Partnership with the Catholic Institute of Sydney

  This program is offered through an exclusive partnership with the Catholic Institute of Sydney (CIS) and provides the option to participate in this program externally, at one of the eligible CIS campuses or through Notre Dame, at the Fremantle or Sydney campus. By attending the CIS campus in Sydney, you will receive instruction from their internationally trained faculty and lecturers, and earn an accredited degree through the University of Notre Dame Australia.

  Learn more about our partnership.

• Career opportunities

  A Master of Divinity can lead to careers in teaching (with additional training), chaplaincy (hospitals, prisons, schools, defence), public service, non-government organisations, writing, communications, advertising, education support, pastoral work, Church agencies, or research.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. There are no practicum requirements for this program.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  Domestic Fee-Paying
  A domestic fee-paying place is a place at university where the student is responsible for the full cost the program.

  Eligible domestic fee-paying students may apply for the FEE-HELP loan scheme which assists eligible fee-paying students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your FEE-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session.

  Phone: 1800 878 916
  Email: sydney@nd.edu.au
  Address: 128-140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008

  International students
  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, fill out our Make an Enquiry form, and you can book a session with one of our friendly International Student Advisors.

  Fremantle and Broome International Office
  Phone: +61 8 9433 0873
  Address: 19 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160
  Postal address: PO Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959

  Sydney and Melbourne International Office
  Phone: +61 2 8204 4229
  Address: 140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
  Postal address: PO Box 944, Broadway NSW 2007

  Catholic Institute of Sydney
  If you need advice about studying the dual campus program, you can contact the Catholic Institute of Sydney.

  Phone: +61 2 9752 9522
  Email: cisinfo@cis.catholic.edu.au
  Address: 99 Albert Road, Strathfield NSW 2135