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Postgraduate ACU-MRE-MAS-2023

Master of Religious Education

Learn to nurture religious belief in others.

Develop a creative approach to religious education. Prepare to work with students at a school, parish or diocesan level. Become a leader in the school religious community. Learn to communicate Christian and other religious traditions effectively.

Available loans

Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)

Total subjects

12

Price

From

$23,700

Study method

100% Online

Assessments

100% online

Credit available

Yes

Applications Close

  • No dates available
Australian Catholic University logo

Established in 1991 after amalgamating four eastern Australian Catholic tertiary institutes, Australian Catholic University now has seven campuses, from Brisbane to Melbourne and welcomes students of all beliefs. Specialising in arts, business, education, health sciences, law, theology and philosophy, ACU encourages its students to think critically and ethically and bring change to their communities and offer this online through Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about ACU.

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QS Ranking 2023

31

Times Higher Education Ranking 2023

16

  • 2023

Degree details

What you'll learn

This is a relevant, flexible and challenging masters degree that produces graduates who can:

  • access and communicate Christian and other religious traditions effectively
  • explore and critique issues in the literature of religious education
  • contribute to the professional discussion and writing in the field of religious education
  • lead others in their professional development in RE curriculum, pedagogy and assessment
  • demonstrate familiarity with creative approaches to religious education
  • assess the influence of cultural and historical factors in the development of religious education
Career opportunities

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.


Entry requirements

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.

Credit for previous study or work

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.

Description

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.

Degree structure details

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.
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