At a glance
48 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Pastoral LeadershipSpecialisation
- Chaplaincy StudiesSpecialisation
- Theology/Biblical StudiesSpecialisation
- Youth and Family MinistrySpecialisation
- 72 credit pointsTotal Credits
- Part-time studyStudy Mode
The Master of Arts (MA) program at Avondale University is designed for Christian leaders seeking to enhance their effectiveness in various ministry settings, including churches, schools, hospitals, and the wider community. This program offers advanced knowledge and understanding in ministerial and theological studies, incorporating evidence-based approaches to specialized issues and professional practice. Students can choose to specialize in one of four areas: Pastoral Leadership, Chaplaincy Studies, Theology/Biblical Studies, or Youth and Family Ministry. The program engages students in critical thinking, research application, and the development of communication skills essential for disseminating research outcomes to diverse audiences. Please note that the availability of Chaplaincy Studies and Youth and Family Ministry specializations is subject to sufficient student numbers.
Curriculum
The Master of Arts requires 72 credit points, comprising 12 units. It is offered on a part-time basis over four years, with students typically completing three units per year. Students will complete three core units, five specialisation units, and choose one of three options for their remaining credits: four electives, two electives plus a research methods unit and a 6-credit research project, or a research methods unit plus an 18-credit extended research project. Please note that not all units or specialisations are available every year, and guidance from the Course Convenor is recommended.
- Overall Course Structure
- Graduate Studies in Biblical SpiritualityCMIN51100
- Theology, Theory & Practice of Leadership for MinistryTHBB56600
- Discipleship & Disciple-making – Meaning, Context & ApplicationCMIN52110
- Pastoral Leadership Specialisation: Perspectives on Luke-ActsTHBB54100
- Pastoral Leadership Specialisation: Theology of MissionTHBB56500
- Pastoral Leadership Specialisation: Theological Framework for Pastoral LeadershipTHBB57000
- Pastoral Leadership Specialisation: Church Planting in Biblical & Contemporary PerspectiveCMIN53100
- Pastoral Leadership Specialisation: Mission into Pluralistic SocietiesCMIN56110
- Chaplaincy Studies Specialisation: Fundamentals of Counselling for ChaplainsCHPL41500
- Chaplaincy Studies Specialisation: Therapeutic Communication for ChaplainsCHPL45100
- Chaplaincy Studies Specialisation: Ethics, Diversity & Spiritual Integration for ChaplainsCHPL45130
- Chaplaincy Studies Specialisation: Clinical Pastoral Education 1CMIN56500
- Chaplaincy Studies Specialisation: Theological Framework for ChaplaincyTHBB56900
- Research Project (6 credit points)THRE51000
- Extended Research Project (18 credit points)THRE52000
Careers
The Master of Arts program prepares graduates for enhanced leadership and ministry roles within Christian contexts and the wider community. The specialised knowledge and skills gained will enable you to serve effectively in various capacities.
- Pastoral Leader
- Chaplain
- Theologian
- Biblical Scholar
- Youth Minister
- Family Minister
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Master of Arts program?
- To be eligible, you need an Australian Bachelor of Ministry and/or Theology, Avondale's Graduate Certificate in Arts, or a comparable overseas qualification. You must also have at least two years of ministry or chaplaincy experience and current or recent employment in the field. International students must meet English language proficiency requirements, such as an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no sub-band less than 6.0.
- How long does the Master of Arts program take to complete?
- The Master of Arts program is offered on a part-time basis and typically takes four years to complete, with students usually finishing three units per year.
- What are the tuition fees for this program?
- Tuition fees are charged per unit and are in Australian Dollars (AUD). For the most current and detailed fee information, please consult the '2026 Postgraduate Units' PDF on the Avondale University website or contact Student Administration Services.
- What specialisations are available within the Master of Arts?
- Students can choose to specialize in one of four areas: Pastoral Leadership, Chaplaincy Studies, Theology/Biblical Studies, or Youth and Family Ministry. Note that Chaplaincy Studies and Youth and Family Ministry specializations are subject to sufficient student numbers.
- How do I apply for the Master of Arts program?
- International students outside Australia should check admission criteria, document their ministry experience with a written summary, and submit an online application through the Avondale University 'Apply Now' portal. If admitted and on-campus study is required, you will need to obtain an appropriate visa.
- What are the career prospects after completing the Master of Arts?
- The program prepares graduates for enhanced leadership and ministry roles within Christian contexts and the wider community, such as Pastoral Leader, Chaplain, Theologian, Biblical Scholar, Youth Minister, or Family Minister.
Entry requirements
Bachelor of Ministry and/or TheologyAn Australian Bachelor of Ministry and/or Theology or equivalent.
Avondale Graduate Certificate in ArtsCompletion of Avondale’s Graduate Certificate in Arts.
Overseas Ministry or Theology QualificationAn overseas ministry or theology qualification comparable to an Australian Bachelor’s degree or higher.
Bachelor in Chaplaincy/Education/TeachingFor Youth & Family Ministry or Chaplaincy specialisations, a Bachelor in Chaplaincy with a Theology major, or a Bachelor of Education or Teaching with a Religious Studies major, as approved by the Course Convenor.
IELTS6.5 overall with no sub-band less than 6.0
Prior Qualification in EnglishDocumentary evidence of a prior qualification (or at least two years of tertiary study) conducted and assessed in English in a recognised country (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, or the United States of America) and completed within the last two years.
Applicants must also have a minimum of two years of ministry or chaplaincy experience and current (or recent) employment in the field. A written summary (250 words) of ministry/chaplaincy experience and reasons for applying is required. In exceptional circumstances, applicants may be admitted based on qualifications deemed equivalent by the Course Convenor in consultation with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic). Advanced standing (credit recognition) may be available for prior study; discuss eligibility with the Admissions Team or Course Convenor. This course is available online for international students residing outside Australia, but they must obtain an appropriate visa for compulsory on-campus intensive study periods. It is not available to international students residing in Australia.
Fees
Tuition (international)Information not provided on the program or fees page. Please refer to the '2026 Postgraduate Units' PDF for detailed fee schedules per unit.
Tuition (home)Information not provided on the program or fees page. Please refer to the '2026 Postgraduate Units' PDF for detailed fee schedules per unit.
LivingInformation not provided on the program or fees page. Please refer to the university's general student information for estimated living costs.
Tuition fees are charged per unit. For the most current and detailed fee information, students should consult the '2026 Postgraduate Units' PDF available on the Avondale University website or contact Student Administration Services. All fees are in Australian Dollars (AUD).
How to apply
1. Check Admission CriteriaEnsure you meet the academic qualifications (e.g., Bachelor of Ministry/Theology or equivalent) and English language proficiency requirements (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent). Refer to Appendix 2 of the Admission Policy (HE) for other accepted English proficiency methods.
2. Document Ministry ExperiencePrepare a written summary (250 words) detailing your two years of ministry or chaplaincy experience and explain your reasons for wanting to undertake this course. You must also have current or recent employment in the field.
3. Complete Online ApplicationSubmit your application through the Avondale University 'Apply Now' portal.
4. Visa Information (for On-Campus Study)If admitted, you will need to obtain an appropriate visa to visit Australia for any compulsory on-campus intensive study periods. For visa information, refer to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/study.
5. Advanced Standing (Optional)If you have prior study, discuss your eligibility for advanced standing (credit recognition) with the Admissions Team or the Course Convenor.
Accreditation
Avondale University is a self-accrediting higher education provider. This program is accredited by Avondale University.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Master of Arts program?
+
To be eligible, you need an Australian Bachelor of Ministry and/or Theology, Avondale's Graduate Certificate in Arts, or a comparable overseas qualification. You must also have at least two years of ministry or chaplaincy experience and current or recent employment in the field. International students must meet English language proficiency requirements, such as an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no sub-band less than 6.0.
How long does the Master of Arts program take to complete?
+
The Master of Arts program is offered on a part-time basis and typically takes four years to complete, with students usually finishing three units per year.
What are the tuition fees for this program?
+
Tuition fees are charged per unit and are in Australian Dollars (AUD). For the most current and detailed fee information, please consult the '2026 Postgraduate Units' PDF on the Avondale University website or contact Student Administration Services.
What specialisations are available within the Master of Arts?
+
Students can choose to specialize in one of four areas: Pastoral Leadership, Chaplaincy Studies, Theology/Biblical Studies, or Youth and Family Ministry. Note that Chaplaincy Studies and Youth and Family Ministry specializations are subject to sufficient student numbers.
How do I apply for the Master of Arts program?
+
International students outside Australia should check admission criteria, document their ministry experience with a written summary, and submit an online application through the Avondale University 'Apply Now' portal. If admitted and on-campus study is required, you will need to obtain an appropriate visa.
What are the career prospects after completing the Master of Arts?
+
The program prepares graduates for enhanced leadership and ministry roles within Christian contexts and the wider community, such as Pastoral Leader, Chaplain, Theologian, Biblical Scholar, Youth Minister, or Family Minister.