MCD University of Divinity

What is Theology Online?

Theology Online at the MCD University of Divinity exists to provide English language distance theological education to students in Australia and around the world at the highest possible standard in an online environment.

Theology Online at the MCD University of Divinity offers:

• Diploma in Theology, Graduate Diploma in Theology, the Master of Divinity, and the Master of Arts (Theology) wholly online in part-time mode
• all three units towards the Graduate Certificate of Educational Chaplaincy
• units towards the Bachelor of Theology
• flexibility for students who are unable to attend face-to-face classes
• a unique opportunity to be part of an ecumenical and international theological learning community.

Trinity College  pioneered teaching theology courses online in 1999 and is today a key partner with the United Faculty of Theology and other Recognised Teaching Institutions of the MCD University of Divinity in offering the world-class Theology Online program. This innovative program provides students from around Australia and all over the world the opportunity to study for undergraduate and post-graduate degrees in theology as part of an online, ecumenical, theological learning community.

Students from Great Britain, the United States, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, Germany, Mongolia and Kenya have enrolled in Theology Online.

How online study works

Theology Online at the MCD University of Divinity is delivered as accompanied online learning program, where students engage with their peers and teachers using the technology of the Internet. 

Study units are based on 12 week semesters consisting of six fortnightly sessions.  A typical session might comprise online lesson notes, links to required readings, a short video lecture, an online quiz and a virtual tutorial.  Some units require students to acquire two or more set texts.

Virtual tutorials occur by means of an online discussion forum, where students post their tutorial responses and engage with their peers and teachers.  Students can access and participate in the online tutorials at any time during the fortnightly session.

Assignment tasks must be completed and posted online for assessment. There is an occasional requirement for online collaboration to complete group projects and some units require Skype conferencing for small group tutorials.  All students in the Theology Online at the MCD University of Divinity program have access to a vast selection of online journal articles and books through the Dalton McCaughey and other libraries.  Students residing in Australia also have borrowing privileges where books can be sent by mail.

What courses are offered through Theology Online?

Courses offered wholly online in part-time mode include:

• Diploma of Theology (starting in 2012).   
• Graduate Diploma in Theology (general or specialised)
• Graduate Certificate in Educational Chaplaincy
• Master of Divinity 
• Master of Arts (Theology)

Students who undertake units in the Diploma of Theology can transfer these directly into the Bachelor of Theology and complete the rest of the Bachelor degree with classes in any Recognised Teaching Institution of the MCD University of Divinity.

What do I need?

Students need a reasonably up to date computer with Windows, Apple OSX, or Unix operating system that includes the following:

• an up to date version of Firefox web browser (download for free from www.mozilla.com) 
• sound speakers (for Skype tutorials students need a microphone and video camera)
• an up to date version of Acrobat pdf reader (download for free from http://get.adobe.com/reader/)
• Microsoft Word or compatible word processor
• Broadband or cable internet connection

Whom to contact for more information?

Dr David Gormley-O'Brien
Theology Online Coordinator
Trinity College
Royal Parade
Parkville
Vic 3042

Email: theologyonline@mcd.edu.au
Phone: +61 3 9348 7478

Theology Online at MCD University of Divinity website: https://online.mcd.edu.au