Master of Religious Education
Postgraduate | ACU-MRE-MAS | 2022
Course information for 2022 intake View information for 2024 course intake
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.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Total subjects
- 12
- Price from
- $23,700
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Master of Religious Education
About this degree
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
- demonstrate familiarity with creative approaches to religious education
- assess the influence of cultural and historical factors in the development of religious education
- reflect critically on the integration of the personal, spiritual and professional dimensions of religious education.
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)
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.
Explore ACU courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 34
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 29
How to apply
Australian Catholic University manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Australian Catholic University who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
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.
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).
Career opportunities
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.
Career outlook
- Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teachers:
- $75K to $93K
- Primary School Teachers:
- $93K to $120K
- Private Tutors and Teachers:
- Unknown average
- Secondary School Teachers:
- $93K to $120K
- University Lecturers and Tutors:
- Over $120K