Master of Applied Theology
Programme Summary
Carey’s Master of Applied Theology provides an advanced theological qualification for those who are committed to career-long education.
The Masters aims to support professional development for pastors, including senior pastors, and other Christian ministry and missional practitioners who have high levels of curriculum knowledge, research skills, and leadership capacity.
In addition the academic programme aims to equip students interested in advancing academic scholarship and research in the field of applied theology. It is therefore also intended as a pathway for those interested in continuing on to doctoral studies, particularly through one of the established pathways Carey has with Auckland University of Technology, Otago University, or other tertiary institutions.
There are three different starting points to the Masters of Applied Theology depending on your prior education and experience. The full programme is a 240 credit (two years full-time) and there are options for a 180 credit and 120 credit (thesis only) programme of study. Please refer to the entry requirements for further details.
Programme Options
120 Credit thesis only
This could be the option for you if you have an undergraduate Bachelor of Theology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Theology and have studied Postgraduate Research Methods.
180 Credits
Parts of your ministry experience might count towards prior learning, as well as any post graduate study you have already done.
MA801 Research Methods in Applied Theology– Dr Sandy Kerr, Dr George Wieland
AND
90 or 120 credit thesis with the remainder of credits from the range of postgraduate courses on offer in 2021 which include:
MA804 Intercultural Bible Reading– Dr George Wieland
MA826 Kingdom Economics – Dr Michael Rhodes & Dr Sarah Harris
MA827 Theology, Race and Church – Dr Christa McKirland & Andrew Picard
MA828 Discipleship and Gospel Transformation – Dr Mick Duncan
MA821 Research Essay guided research option
240 Credits
MA801 Research Methods in Applied Theology – Dr Sandy Kerr, Dr George Wieland
AND
90 or 120 credit thesis with the remainder of credits from the range of postgraduate courses on offer in 2021 which include:
MA804 Intercultural Bible Reading– Dr George Wieland
MA826 Kingdom Economics – Dr Michael Rhodes & Dr Sarah Harris
MA827 Theology, Race and Church – Dr Christa McKirland & Andrew Picard
MA828 Discipleship and Gospel Transformation – Dr Mick Duncan
MA821 Research Essay guided research option
Use your research to make a difference
Programme Objectives
Upon completion graduates will be able to demonstrate the following attributes:
- Ability to critique scholarly publications in applied theology
- Demonstrate critical skills in the interpretation of Biblical texts, demonstrating sound theological evaluation.
- Critically reflect on current societal issues from informed Biblical and theological perspectives
- Critically evaluate contexts in order to identify strengths and weaknesses, and suggest possible ways forward to better meet the needs of communities
- Work collaboratively with (and within) communities to achieve learning and research outcomes.
- Demonstrate advanced critical research and writing skills in your chosen field
- Be self managing, able to plan for and achieve research goals
Entry Requirements
There are three entry points for the Master of Applied Theology depending on prior education and experience.
Level 8 Entry – 240 credit : An applicant will normally have completed one of the following:
- a recognised undergraduate degree in Theology or Ministry with a grade point average of B in courses of the undergraduate programme at levels 6 and 7 (or equivalent)
- a professional or other qualification which, in the judgement of the Academic Director and the Director of the Carey Graduate School, can be recognised as equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in theology or Christian ministry.
Level 8 Entry – 180 credit : An applicant will normally have both:
- completed a recognised undergraduate degree in Theology or Ministry with a grade point average of B in courses of the undergraduate programme at levels 6 and 7 (or equivalent)
AND - Acquired professional/ministry experience and training that, in the judgement of the Academic Director and the Director of the Carey Graduate School, warrants advanced standing
Level 9 Entry – 120 credit: An applicant will normally have:
- A recognised 3-year Undergraduate degree in Theology or Christian Ministry with a grade point average of B in courses at Level 6 and 7, or equivalent,
AND - A recognised Postgraduate Diploma (eg: Carey’s Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Theology) in a related discipline wherein the applicant is deemed by the Academic Director as having completed an equivalent to the MA801 Research Methods in Applied Theology course
This programme is open to full-time and part-time New Zealand students and full-time International students.
For full information please see the Academic Regulations and Calendar.
International student admission requirements, including English language requirements, can be found here.
What is the cost?
See our full Fees Schedule for costs
Scholarships are available. Contact us for more information.
What courses are part of the Programme?
View our 2021 Timetable
Note: The Schedule of courses in the Academic Regulations and Calendar indicates the planned cycle of what courses will be offered in which years.
However, please note that due to timetabling constraints and lecturer availability some courses may not be offered as planned.
Course selection and advice is provided via the Academic Registrar to ensure that your programme of study meets the requirements of the qualification you are enrolled in.
Alumni Stories
Grahame Walker
Mental Health Chaplain at Auckland District Health Board
It’s really worthwhile not just for your professional development but also the spiritual aspect where you are learning and growing in an area that’s of interest to you.
So many doors have opened up as a result of this piece of research and it’s been immediately transferrable to my role.