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 2020 which include:
MA805 Inner Healing – Dr Phil Halstead
MA806 Integrative Theology: Studying God, Gospel and Communities – Andrew Picard and Rev Dr Stephen Holmes (University of St Andrews)
MA812 Leadership: Divine and Human – Insights from Bonhoeffer – Dr Michael (Mick) Duncan
MA815 Isaiah: Biblical and Missional Readings – Jonathan Robinson and Emma Stokes
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 2019 which include:
MA805 Inner Healing – Dr Phil Halstead
MA806 Integrative Theology: Studying God, Gospel and Communities – Andrew Picard and Rev Dr Stephen Holmes (University of St Andrews)
MA812 Leadership: Divine and Human – Insights from Bonhoeffer – Dr Michael (Mick) Duncan
MA815 Isaiah: Biblical and Missional Readings – Jonathan Robinson and Emma Stokes
MA821 Research Essay guided research option
2020 Courses
Research Methods in Applied Theology
Integrative Theology: Studying God, Gospel and Communities
This course examines the intersection of theology and lived experiences of the gospel within cultural contexts.
It integrates theology with critical cultural studies in order to resource the church for faithful embodiment and performance of the gospel. Students will explore historic and/or contemporary ways the gospel has been reflected and lived out in different ecclesial communities and theologically reflect on such practices as faithfulness, justice, reconciliation and love.
They will be exposed to a range of methods in interdisciplinary theology and social scientific enquiry, including ethnography, in order to generate critical and contextual accounts of integrative theology and its expressions in ecclesial communities.
Taught by Andrew Picard and Rev Dr Stephen Holmes
MA806
Isaiah: Biblical and Missional Readings
In complex and turbulent times God’s people have always turned to the scriptures for help in making sense of what God is doing in human history (God’s mission) and what is expected of those faithful to God (the mission of God’s people).
This course will focus the question of interpretation through the biblical book of Isaiah. Isaiah is an example of interpretation of earlier scriptures and is itself extensively reinterpreted in the New Testament. Isaiah invites and enables readers to interpret its meaning in various contexts, ancient and modern, helping make sense of God and the world around.
Utilising the latest scholarship we will examine selected examples of explicit citations of scripture and more allusive, implicit references; seeking to understand what techniques and convictions were guiding their interpretation and re-use of scripture. Using insights gained from the NT’s use of Isaiah (particularly Mark and Luke), students will work towards readings of Isaiah and its legacy for integration into their own contexts of mission and ministry.
Taught by Jonathan Robinson and Emma Stokes
MA815
Use your research to make a difference
Programme Objectives
Upon completion graduates will be able to demonstrate the following attributes:
- Assess critically the most recent published research in applied theology.
- Reflect critically on issues of society and contemporary life from advanced, appropriate, and soundly-based biblical and theological perspectives.
- Develop critical skills in the interpretation of biblical texts and theological evaluation.
- Analyse life contexts for contemporary ecclesial and missional practice in Aotearoa, New Zealand and related contexts.
- Implement assessment skills including, finding strengths, weaknesses, multiple options, as well as identifying obstacles.
- Evidence planning skills including, the collaborative construction of preferred outcomes, finding ways around obstacles, ways to mobilize strengths and resources to achieve
- Practise interdisciplinary research skills.
- Display advanced, independent, critical research, and writing skills that insightfully interact with existing scholarship in a chosen area of study.
- Practise self-discipline, and demonstrate the ability to plan and achieve goals
Entry Requirements
There are three entry points for the Masters 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 Head 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 Head 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 2019.
International student admission requirements, including English language requirements, can be found here.
What is the cost?
See our full Fees Schedule for costs
What courses are part of the Programme?
View our 2020 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.