Master of Religious Education

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

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

Professional recognition

Professional recognition may differ between dioceses. Applicants are advised to contact the Catholic or state education office in the area in which they teach to ascertain the status of the course.

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

IELTS overall score of 7.0.Individual score of 6.0 in all tests.

If you have previously undertaken tertiary study 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.

Credit granted replaces units you would otherwise study, allowing you to complete your course sooner.

You can apply for credit by submitting an application form, along with the relevant supporting documents.

Visit the ACU website for more information (including how to apply).

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.

Award Requirements

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

Pathway 1

• 50 cp from Religious Education subjects (600 level);
• 30 cp from Research subjects;
• 40 cp from electives (level 8 or level 9 from other masters, graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, or postgraduate certificates approved by the course coordinator)

Pathway 2

• at least 40 cp from Religious Education subjects (600 level);
• at least 40 cp from Theological Studies subjects (with at least 20 cp at 600 level);
• 30 cp from Research subjects;
• up to 10 cp from other masters, graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, or postgraduate certificates approved by the course coordinator.

Exit Points

A student who has completed the requirements prescribed for the Postgraduate Certificate in Religious Education may exit from the course with that award.

A student who has completed the requirements prescribed for the Graduate Certificate in Religious Education, Graduate Diploma in Religious Education or Postgraduate Certificate in Religious Education may exit from the course with that award.

Graduate Certificate in Religious Education

• 40 cp from Religious Education or Theological Studies (500 level) or 20 cp from Religious Education and 20 cp from Theological Studies (500 Level) or 30 cp from Religious Education and 10 cp from Theological Studies (500 level)

Graduate Diploma in Religious Education

• 40 cp from Religious Education or 20 cp from Religious Education and 20 cp from Theological Studies or 30 cp from Religious Education and 10 cp from Theological Studies (500 level); and
• 40 cp from Religious Education or 30 cps from Religious Education and 10 cp from Theological Studies; or 20 cp from Religious Education and 20 cp from Theological Studies at 600 level

Postgraduate Certificate in Religious Education

• 40 cp from Religious Education subjects (600 level)