KERYGMA COHORT QUESTIONS
What does this degree look like?
The Master in Theological Studies is an extended opportunity to explore the Bible, theology and ministry for those who already hold a bachelor-level degree in any discipline. This degree program will enable you to reflect on aspects of your Christian faith and practice according to your ministry and/or vocational context. It can function as professional development for those already in vocation ministry, or constitute an entry point for those beginning theological study.
How are classes offered?
Classes are offered in a variety of formats such as intensives and blended delivery to that they can be accommodated within busy schedules and accessible to students outside of Melbourne. Applicants who have completed prior theological study may be eligible to receive advanced standing towards their Master of Theological Studies. Please contact the Ridley College Registrar team for further advice.
What are the degree requirements?
Summary of the MTS Degree Requirements: Core Requirements (4 classes) 1. Old Testament Foundations 2. OT Prophets and Writings 3. New Testament Overview 4. Early Church History Advanced Requirements (4-6 classes) 1. Old or New Testament 2. Knowledge/Doctrine of God OR 2. Creation and the Fall, the Person and Work of Christ 3. Ministry and Practice 4. Capstone OR Research Project (1-3 classes) Additional Requirements (9 classes) 1-9. Classes from any field of study, including languages Total Classes Required: 16
How long is the program?
The Master of Theological Studies (MATS) is 16 classes total. If attending full-time, the program can be completed in 2 years.
Can I do this program as a part-time student?
Yes, this program is designed to support women who are interested in a part-time school schedule. The program can be completed in 3-8 years.
How much does the program cost?
Tuition costs, aligning Ridley College with the major seminaries in the States: Ridley’s MTS is 192 credits, each unit (class) is 12 credits, and the program requires 16 units (classes). Each unit (class) is $3,432 AU. The full program of 16 classes would equal approximately $54,912 AUT. With the US conversion rate, the total program would cost approximately $39,401 USD. Ridley offers 3 semesters each year. Full-time students finish in 2 years, part-time students can take up to 8 years. To align Ridley’s program with the US system of per credit hour: Ridley’s tuition is about $615.00-$630.00 per US credit hour. The 16 classes in Ridley’s MTS is roughly equivalent to a 60 hour MATS with an average cost around $43,000 USD.
I see a place on the application for a police background check. Why do they require this?
Like US universities and institutions, Australian colleges and universities have established protocols to help protect the safety of students and children.
How do I obtain a police background check?
You may submit a Ministry Safe (ministrysafe.com) or Protect My Ministry (protectmyministry.com) background check for this requirement as long as it is dated within the last 6 months. If you need a new background check, Protect My Ministry is inexpensive and has a quick turn-around.
What does an Intensive Class look like?
For the first intensive in February 2027, Mike, Lisa, and Lynn will be your professors. There will be reading before class, using The New Testament in Its World (N.T. Wright, Mike Bird) and you will have assignments to turn in after the class.
What does an Online Class look like?
Every class has a tutor and a faculty liaison. The classwork will consist of weekly activities (not self-paced) but flexible to accommodate family/work situations.
When does the Ridley semester begin?
Australia uses a three semester cycle with each semester lasting for 16 weeks. The first semester begins in February and goes through May. The second semester is Mid-July though October. The third semester is November through February (optional) 2027 semester schedule: Semester 1: March 1-June 15 (our intensive is a bit early, but still counts as Semester 1) Semester 2: July 19 – November 2 Semester 3 (optional): November 15, 2027- February 18, 2028
I do not have a Bachelor's degree. Can I still apply?
Yes! You would work on the Graduate Certificate of Divinity, and if you have the ministry experience, a letter of reference, and an AQF level 5 qualification (similar to an associate degree in the States, 1-2 years of college level courses), Ridley can admit you to the Grad Cert Div without having completed a bachelor level qualification. After you finish these classes, you could then formally admitted to the MTS. The Grad Cert Div and the MTS share classes, so you would be in the same intensives as the rest of the Kerygma Cohort.
I'm not sure if I want an MTS or a MDiv. Can I switch to an MDiv later in the program?
Yes, the two degrees share many similarities so you can decide later if you’d like to switch to an MDiv.
Can I enroll in the Kerygma Cohort if I am attending another seminary?
No, the Kerygma Cohort will be studying exclusively at Ridley College. If you’d like to take an intensive class, you will need to check with your institution to see if they will allow you to transfer the credits to your program. If you are interested in transferring from your institution to Kerygma Cohort at Ridley, please contact admin@letherlead.com.
Can I audit some of the classes from Ridley that are part of the Kerygma Cohort?
Yes, the cost to audit is $300/class. Select 'audit' as the preferred course, rather than Master of Theological Studies. The only document you need to attach at the end is a photo to be used for your Ridley student ID.
I don't understand some of the Ridley/Australian terms. Can you translate?
Subject = 4 classes (in the US) Course = degree program (in the US) Unit = class (in the US) Each unit/class is 12 credits Level = 300/400/500/600/700 numbers for undergraduate and graduate in the US system. Ridley uses 8, 9 for their Master classes