Master of Religious Education

Course information for - 2025 entry

Offered at 1 locations

Duration
1.5 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fees (first year)*

$22234 Fee-paying

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025
Applications open August 2024
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2025
Applications open April 2025

Overview

This course is designed to meet the needs of those with a special interest in religious education at the school, parish, or diocesan level. The Master of Religious Education aims to provide opportunities for professionals to explore values, attitudes, knowledge and skills in religious education as they pursue advanced study and apply new learning with confidence. You will analyse the challenges and changing demands of religious education in the context of social justice, religious pluralism, and equity and ethics, preparing you for transforming and improving practice.

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.


Careers

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

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

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1 - Full Time

  • Religious Education Units (600 level)Religious Education Unit 1 (600 level unit)10 cp
  • Religious Education Units (600 level)Religious Education Unit 2 (600 level unit)10 cp
  • ElectivesElective

    Students may also include electives from other ACU Postgraduate programs with the prior approval of the Course Coordinator.

    10 cp
  • Research UnitsTHEL619Introduction to Theological and Philosophical Research10 cp
  • Religious Education Units (600 level)Religious Education Unit 3 (600 level unit)10 cp
  • Religious Education Units (600 level)Religious Education Unit 4 (600 level unit)10 cp
  • Research UnitsTHRE622Theology and Religious Education Project

    (Pre: THEL619)

    This unit will be completed over two semesters, continuing in the following semester.

    20 cp
  • ElectivesElective

    Students may also include electives from other ACU Postgraduate programs with the prior approval of the Course Coordinator.

    10 cp

Commencing Semester 2 - Full Time

Commencing Semester 1 - Part Time

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Commencing Semester 2 - Part Time

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Masters (Coursework) - AQF Level 9

Exit Points

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

Additional course information

EXIT QUALIFICATIONS

Students who have completed the requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Religious Education or Graduate Diploma in Religious Education may exit with that award.

Overseas study available

A diverse range of international study tours are offered. Overseas study tours often provide 20 credit points (with units delivered in intensive mode). Study tours, while providing an overseas experience, also give fully online students an opportunity to complement their study with invaluable face-to-face interaction with academics and peers.

Explore the available study abroad opportunities

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

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

  1. Bachelor degree in Education; or
  2. Bachelor degree in an area other than Education; and
  3. a recognised teaching qualification; or
  4. a Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies or equivalent.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.

English language requirements

English Language Proficiency Requirements Overall score: 7.0

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 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%)

C1 Advanced Overall score: 185. Minimum individual score of 169 in all tests.

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of the course or unit. Learn more about inherent requirements and how they affect you, and explore the requirements for your course.

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$22234 Fee-paying

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • the number of units studied per semester;
  • the choice of major or specialisation; and
  • elective units.

The University reviews fees annually.

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support. 

Explore your options 

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.  

Search our scholarships  

How to apply

Domestic applicants

Direct application

Apply now

Deferment

Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment.

 

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