Master of Ministry [96 CPS]

Course Overview

The Master of Ministry program provides the opportunity for graduates in theology or ministry to extend their knowledge and understanding to an advanced level in selected areas of ministry. The program embraces a range of study programs relating to specified areas of interest and desired outcomes (e.g. pastoral, educational, intercultural).

Students will engage in original investigation or testing of ideas and thoroughly and competently review and critique literature in a specialised field of study. Students will also demonstrate a thorough understanding of research methods and techniques relevant to the field of study and make a worthwhile contribution to a selected field of academic endeavour, presenting this in written form according to academic conventions. The Master of Ministry provides a pathway into the Doctor of Ministry course.

Prerequisites

An applicant for entry into the first year of the Master of Ministry is required to have qualified for a Bachelor of Ministry degree with a minimum GPA of 5.0 (CR), or an approved equivalent. Students who have a BTh degree are required to complete a year's undergraduate study in Ministry, thus qualifying with a double degree in Theology and Ministry. Students may enter the second year of the Master of Ministry after completing the qualifying requirements of a Graduate Diploma award or an Honours year in ministry.

Professional Outcomes

The Master of Ministry can be customised to meet the training needs of people preparing for ministry roles or theprofessional development needs of ministers working in general or specialised areas.

Course Content and Outline

The MMin consists of a coursework strand and a research strand.

Coursework Strand (36-60 Credit Points)

The coursework strand involves one-week, on-campus, 12cps intensive seminars taught by local and overseas leaders and scholars offering students the opportunity to draw from the insights of top thinkers and practitioners in the fields of ministry, theology and intercultural studies. Lecturers in recent years have included Scot McKnight, Ben Witherington III, Edith Humphrey, John & Olive Drane, Colin Harbinson, David Baer, Dudley Woodberry, Soong-Chan Rah, Tom & Christine Sine, David Wilkinson, Colin Greene, Stephen Barton, Mike McNichols, and Steve Taylor. On-campus intensives may be substituted with 12cps subjects delivered online, where available. Students normally complete their coursework strand first.

Research Strand (36-60 Credit Points)

The methodology component (12 cps) forms an integral and formative part of the research strand, and consists of two 6cps subjects (usually delivered online):

•               Research Methodology; and

•               Developing a Research Proposal

In some circumstances, RPL may be available for one or two of these methodology subjects.

Students then undertake the thesis component (24-48 cps) of their research strand under the guidance of a principal supervisor and one co-supervisor. At least one of the supervisors will be a member of the Tabor Adelaide faculty, while other supervisors are sourced either nationally and internationally for their relevant expertise in the student's field of enquiry. The thesis component will vary according to the type of Masters degree undertaken. For example, the assessment may be in the form of a well-ordered thesis or a project addressing a matter of substance concerning ministry practice. A thesis handbook is provided as a valuable and comprehensive resource to help students with the various requirements and protocols for writing and submitting their thesis. In the case of extenuating circumstances, provision exists to apply for up to one year's 'Leave of Absence' whilst enrolled in thesis studies.

Coursework and Research Options

The total number of credit points for the Master of Ministry course is 96. Flexibility in the possible ratios between the coursework and research strands gives each candidate the ability to tailor the MMin according to their ability, preferences, and chosen area of research. Selection of coursework subjects and thesis focus takes place in consultation with the Director of Postgraduate Studies in the School of Ministry, Theology and Culture. Candidates who complete a satisfactory amount of the coursework strand may exit the Master of Ministry course with a Graduate Certificate of Ministry (24 cps) or a Graduate Diploma of Ministry (48 cps).Candidates who are studying the thesis component of the course may, under appropriate circumstances and with the approval of the Academic Postgraduate Committee, apply to transfer directly into the Doctor of Ministry course.  The ratio of coursework to research options is generally as follows:

Master of Ministry (Grad Dip Min & Grad Cert Min exits) (pdf 698kb)