Master of Religious Education

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

• education and teaching
• education research
• education administration
• policy making
• curriculum development

Professional recognition

There is no formal national accreditation or registration related to the teaching of religious education. However, at the local diocesan level, teachers are required to meet local diocesan accreditation requirements to teach religious education in Catholic schools. The Master of Religious Education has been designed in a flexible manner so that the specific requirements of the various dioceses across Australia are able to be met. The review also includes a special studies unit at both the 500- and 600-level to enable specific diocesan requirements that may not be fully covered in the existing units, to be developed and offered for cohort groups for Catholic partners.

For other faith-based schools there is sufficient variety in the unit offerings for their needs to be met regarding the qualifications required to teach religious education in schools.

Higher education

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites:

• Bachelor degree in education; or
• Bachelor degree in an area other than education; and
  • a recognised teaching qualification; or
  • a Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies or equivalent.

English Proficiency Requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - overall score of 7.0.Individual score of 6.0 in all tests.

Pearson Test of English (PTE) - 68 with a minimum of 50 in all four communicative skills

Test of English as a Foreign Language - Academic (TOEFL) - Internet based total of 100: minimum 21 in writing, 18 in speaking, 20 in reading and 19 in listening

ACU English Language Test - A (75-100%)

Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) - Overall CAE 185. Minimum individual scores of 169 in all tests.

If you have already studied at university level and/or gained relevant skills, knowledge and/or competencies through pathways other than formal study (e.g. substantial work experience within the past 10 years), you may be eligible to receive some credit towards your course. Credited units replace units you would otherwise study, so you can finish your course earlier.

The Master of Religious Education is for those with a special interest in religious education at school, parish, or diocesan level. It will enable religious educators to become thinkers, researchers, evaluators and leaders in their field.

Recommended Study Pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include: 

• Issues in the Teaching and Coordination of School Religious Education
• Faith, Moral Development and Values Education
• Educating for Social Justice
• Spirituality and Religious Education

Plus there’s a selection of electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you. 

Award Requirements

To qualify for the degree, a student must complete 120 cp from the schedule of subject offerings, consisting of:

• 40-50cp from Religious Education subjects (600 level);
• 30cp from Research subjects;
• 40-50cp from Electives*

* (students may also include electives from other ACU Postgraduate programs with the prior approval of the course coordinator).

Exit Points

• A student who has completed 40cp from the schedule of unit offerings may exist with a Graduate Certificate in Religious Education.
• A student who has completed 80cp from the schedule of unit offerings may exist with a Graduate Diploma in Religious Education.