Yarra Theological Union is an inclusive community of theological education and formation. We are Catholic in tradition & ecumenical in Spirit.
An extensive array of courses taught by more than 50 elite theologians from diverse backgrounds
Located within the tranquil grounds of the Franciscan Friary of St. Paschal the facilities at YTU open onto the beauty of the cloister.
We seek to promote and resource the participation of all people in the mission of God, for the building up of a healthy church and for the transformation of the world.
Jun 4, 2025
Jun 2, 2025
It is fitting that the Therese D’Orsa Mission Education bursaries have been created in recognition...
Apr 17, 2025
Apr 10, 2025
A part-time job opportunity is now available at Yarra Theological Union for a Business...
Lecturer: Rosie Joyce
Mode: Blended
Semester 1: Monday 9.30am
This unit serves as an introduction to the canon law of the Catholic Church. Emphasis will be placed on the historical development of the Canon Law and its relationship with theology. The basic content of the unit will be found in the 1983 Code of Canon Law and the unit is designed to provide an overview of this document with particular attention being paid to the basic principles of interpretation of the law and their pastoral application in areas of general relevance such as the People of God and the Sacraments. Topics covered will include General Norms, Persons in the Code of Canon Law, Consecrated Life and the Sacraments, except Orders.
For further information click on the links below:
People study theology for all sorts of reasons.
Some study theology to train for ministry, whether lay or ordained. Some study theology to help clarify where God is calling them to be. Some study theology to gain a deeper personal understanding of their faith, of the scriptures, or of the traditions of the church. For some people, theological study is like study in the liberal arts, providing training in thinking and argumentation and in the breadth and depth of Christian culture.
All of these are valid reasons to study theology, and this list is not exhaustive!
Theological graduates use their qualifications as preparation for ministry, as further qualifications to enrich careers in teaching, pastoral care, educational leadership, mission, welfare and many other roles within the churches and beyond.
Whatever your reasons for wanting to study theology I encourage you to come and have a chat with us about how YTU can help you achieve your goals in theological studies.
Professor John McDowell
(Academic Dean)
Lecturer: Francis Otobo
Mode: Blended
Semester 1: Tuesday 6pm
This unit aims to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the formation, socio-historical setting and literary forms of the New Testament literature. Whilst studying the various books of the New Testament, students will be introduced to contemporary methods of critical biblical interpretation. The theological issues of these writings will also be explored.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Greg Brett
Mode: Blended
Semester 2: Wednesday 6.00pm
The Second Vatican Council (1962 to 1965) remains the defining event in the Catholic Church since the Reformation. The Council “undertook its labours under the standards of ressourcement and aggiornamento. Ressourcement indicated the council’s efforts to rediscover, with fresh eyes, the well springs of the faith, in particular the Scriptures themselves and the reception of and reflection upon the Scriptures by early bishops and theologians of the church…thereby recovering a deeper sense of tradition. By aggiornamento, the council indicated its intention to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ into the world today, addressing the aspirations and concerns of contemporary women and men. The Council itself was able to hold these two movements of rediscovery and renewal in creative tension.” (Robert Imbelli, Rekindling the Christic Imagination, xiii). This unit explores the theological story of Vatican II that grew out of these two movements by examining the theology of key documents of the Council and locate the development of current theology to them. Priority will be given to the four Constitutions of the Council as the interpretative key to the theology of the Council.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Michael Kelly
Mode: Enrol in either face -to-face or online synchronous mode
Semester 1: Thursday 14th March, Friday 15th March & Thursday 16th May, Friday 17th May
This unit will address the changing context in which Catholic schools operate and the import this has for school leaders. It will focus on the centrality of ‘mission’ in a context where the historical partnership between family, school and parish has diminished. The unit will then address the need for openness to the Spirit as we re-contextualise by drawing on the wisdom of Tradition, Scripture, church and human experience as we negotiate the needs of an increasingly pluralist and multi-faith school community. It will also examine the responsibilities of those aspiring to or involved in leadership under the rubrics of educational, spiritual and managerial leadership.
For further information click here:
Lecturer: Mary Reaburn, Anne Gardner, Francis Otobo, Paul Creevey
Mode: Offered in two modes (Enrol in either Face to Face or online synchronous mode)
Semester 2: Thursday 8th August, Friday 9th August & Thursday 17th October, 18th October
This unit develops skills in the narrative-critical investigation of biblical texts, and in understanding how the narrative works to convey the theological perspective/s of its author/s. The narratives, chosen because of teacher and curriculum needs, will be the Book of Exodus, and either two of the Passion narratives and two of the Resurrection narratives, or two discrete sections of the Gospels chosen from The Lukan Journey to Jerusalem (9:51-19:48), or Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount (5:1-7:29), or Mark 8:22- 10:52, or John’s Cana to Cana (2:1-4:54).
For further information click here:
Lecturer: Ross Fishburn
Mode: Blended
Semester 1: Thursday 6pm
This survey unit gives students a sense of the history of the Christian community since the time of the New Testament to today – and helps them get a sense of the God at work in human activity and institutions. It also introduces students to historical skills like textual criticism, material culture studies and historical research. It is a chance to meet the people and ideas that made Christianity what it is today.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Barry Rogers
Mode: Blended
Semester 1: Thursday 6pm
This unit explores the impacts and experiences of trauma in human experience, including via industrial and workplace disasters, natural disasters, tragic accidents, domestic violence, child abuse, assaults and murder. It will begin by helping students to develop a broad understanding of the trauma and its psychobiological impacts on individual development and relationships. It will then focus on trauma in these contexts, including an exploration of complex trauma which emerges as a consequence of international conflict/war and terrorism. The unit also explores theological and spiritual perspectives on trauma, as well as psychological,
pastoral and spiritual support strategies for victims of trauma. It also introduces concepts of post-traumatic
growth in relation to pastoral care.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Albano Da Costa
Mode: Blended
Semester 1: Thursday 9.30am
The unit will offer students a review of the major Asian theologians as well as the major theological themes that have developed in the Asian context of religious pluralism, different cultures, the poor, and marginalised groups like women, dalits, and others.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Carmel Posa
Mode: Blended
Semester 1: Wednesday 6pm
This unit explores the meaning of Christian spirituality using the writings of women throughout history. Emphasis will be placed on the historical context of the primary sources used, the struggles of women in coming to find their own voices within their contexts, and their specific literary genres. This study aims to bring the reader to an appreciation of both the significance of these writings for their own times, as well as their continuing relevance to our life and mission in the Christian Church today.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Greg Brett
Mode: Blended
Semester 1: Wednesday 6pm
“Where there is salvation, its name is Jesus; its grammar is the cross and resurrection” (Rowan Williams). This unit explores the key theological questions in the doctrine of salvation: what are we saved from? What are we saved for? How are we saved? What does it mean to be saved?
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Brendan Connell
Mode: Blended
Semester 1: Wednesday 9.30am
Taking its direction from Scripture, Church Tradition and principles of Catholic Social Teaching, this unit explores the essential components for understanding and appreciating Moral Theology as a challenge to a more authentic discipleship. Drawing from aspects of Theology, Philosophy, Church History, Pastoral Ministry, Spirituality and Church Law, the unit explores what has, and continues to, contribute to a Catholic understanding of moral living. Particular emphasis will be given to how the Catholic/Christian tradition understands the relationship between morality and discipleship.
The unit seeks to examine how our understanding of discipleship offers a framework for making responsible moral choices as a Christian in the context of everyday life.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Matthew Beckmann
Mode: Blended
Semester 2: Wednesday 6pm
A study of the theologies, history, and spiritualities of the patristic period from the apostles’ deaths to the pontificate of Gregory the Great (600 CE). This unit considers the diverse cultures and experiences that marked the earliest centuries of the church. These events have enduring relevance to the contemporary church.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Chris Monaghan
Mode: Blended
Semester 1: Tuesday 6pm
The Matthean community stands at the crossroads wrestling with how to preserve and honour their Jewish past while welcoming Gentiles into the Christian community. Matthew articulates an inclusive vision where both Jew and Gentile are welcome, and unity can be found in putting into practice the higher righteousness espoused in the Sermon on the Mount. This unit will undertake a literary, exegetical and theological study of Matthew’s Gospel. Special attention will be paid to the manner in which Matthew makes use of his sources (Gospel of Mark, the Q source and special Matthean material).
For further information click on the links below:
Lecture: Michael Kelly
Mode: Blended
Semester 1 & 2: Monday 1.30pm – 3pm
This unit is recommended for students who have not previously done tertiary study in Australia, or who have not undertaken tertiary studies in a number of years.
This unit will focus on an understanding of the University of Divinity as a collegiate and specialist university, degree paths, study methods, utlising the library and the library HUB for research, theological language, academic style for footnotes and bibliography, reading skills, note-taking, electronic research resources, skill development in essay writing, time management, plagiarism and paraphrasing, the use of the software program Turnitin and a range of academic skills for tertiary studies in theology.
For further information please contact the YTU Registrar.
Lecturer: Paul Creevey
Mode: Blended
Semester 1: Monday 9.30am
This unit introduces students to the study of biblical Greek. It includes a brief history of the language, a detailed study of the morphology and syntax of selected New Testament passages, and an introduction to textual criticism.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Gavin Brown
Mode: Blended
Semester 1: Monday 6pm
This unit explores the history of the Church’s liturgy, focussing especially on key developments in the ancient/patristic, medieval and modern periods. Taking “heaven” and “earth” as metaphors of “transcendence” and “immanence,” the course explores how the liturgy expressed a different matrix or relationship between transcendence and immanence in each major historical period. . With special reference to the Eucharist throughout, students are encouraged to discover the dynamic role liturgy has played in the Church’s navigation of two millennia of history.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Carmel Posa
Mode: Blended
Semester 2: Monday 6pm
This capstone unit focuses on the framework of the Church’s affirmation of faith as found in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. Through interdisciplinary reflections that draw on at least two theological disciplines, students will critically explore the basic components of the Christian belief how believing informs responsible living in the present and hope for the future. Consideration will be given to how the various components of these articulations of faith arise from the biblical witness and are shaped by the experience of Christian communities.
For further information click on the link below:
Lecturer: Gavin Brown
Mode: Blended
Semester 2: Thursday 6pm
This unit aims to present with ecumenical sensitivity the origin, meaning and purpose of the Christian sacraments. It begins by outlining foundational concepts upon which contemporary sacramental theology rests, including the importance of symbol, ritual, Jesus as primordial sacrament and the Church as fundamental sacrament. Using this framework, the unit then undertakes a survey of the seven sacraments, paying particular attention to their historical, symbolic, liturgical and pastoral dimensions. Finally, the unit explores and evaluates more recent directions within sacramental theology as a discipline.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Ross Fishburn
Mode: Blended
Semester 2: Thursday 6pm
“No-one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart who has made him known” (John1:18). Ultimately, the normative source of our knowledge of God is what God reveals of Godself through Jesus the Christ. This unit introduces the study of theology, its sources and methods, through the study of Christology. It focusses on Jesus Christ, his life and ministry, his death and resurrection, and the subsequent reflection of the Church on his identity.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Albano Da Costa
Mode: Blended
Semester 2: Thursday 9.30am
This unit explores the nature and historical development of Mission while exploring current definitions and perspectives within Missiology. The importance and practice of mission within the contemporary context is emphasized. Both the historical and contemporary aspects of Mission are explored by examining key Catholic mission documents.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Greg Brett
Mode: Blended
Semester 2: Wednesday 6pm
The Second Vatican Council (1962 to 1965) remains the defining event in the Catholic Church since the Reformation. The Council “undertook its labours under the standards of ressourcement and aggiornamento. Ressourcement indicated the council’s efforts to rediscover, with fresh eyes, the well springs of the faith, in particular the Scriptures themselves and the reception of and reflection upon the Scriptures by early bishops and theologians of the church…thereby recovering a deeper sense of tradition. By aggiornamento, the council indicated its intention to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ into the world today, addressing the aspirations and concerns of contemporary women and men. The Council itself was able to hold these two movements of rediscovery and renewal in creative tension.” (Robert Imbelli, Rekindling the Christic Imagination, xiii). This unit explores the theological story of Vatican II that grew out of these two movements by examining the theology of key documents of the Council and locate the development of current theology to them. Priority will be given to the four Constitutions of the Council as the interpretative key to the theology of the Council.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Carmel Posa/Janette Elliott
Mode: Blended
Semester 2: Wednesday 6pm
The unit addresses understandings of spirituality and various approaches to its study (e.g., historical, theological and anthropological). Traditional Christian spiritualities, both apostolic and mystical are examined, as well as other selected spiritualities, including indigenous and eco-spiritualities. The unit includes a transformational perspective, inviting students to relate the study of spirituality to their own personal contexts.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Barry Rogers
Mode: Blended
Semester 2: Wednesday 9.30am
This unit explores a comprehensive range of personal, professional, and ethical issues common to pastoral ministry, providing students with opportunities to engage in a reflexive process for reviewing their pastoral practice. The unit emphasises evidence-based practice in ministry, and the intersection of personal and professional outlooks in forming ministry practice. It focusses on: personal calling and discernment; personal virtues, strengths and professional skills as key foundations to for ethical practice; professional ethics and ethical decision making; confidentiality; and keeping professional boundaries; power and trust issues; and potential areas of professional misconduct. The unit also explores the significance of reflexive practice, professional consultation and supervision in maintaining a compassionate and just ministry; and the benefits of spiritual health and wellbeing for ministry practice.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: John McDowell
Mode: Blended
Semester 2: Wednesday 9.30am
This unit offers students the opportunity to draw together the various elements of their bachelor award, in order to integrate their learning and articulate their insights. Students will identify key theological, historical and Biblical themes that have implications for life and ministry in the contemporary context. Students will work with a faculty mentor as well as engage in seminar conversations to develop a bibliography and develop key theological concepts. Students will identify a topic or theme as the basis for their work, which eliminates in a signficant piece of writing. The intent is for students to demonstrate their skills to reflect theologically and produce work of sound academic skill.
For further information click on the link below:
Lecturer: Bernard Teo
Mode: Blended
Semester 2: Tuesday 6pm
This unit will trace the historical development and understanding of human rights and their relation to justice. It will examine some influential contemporary theories of justice and human rights and explore how they have found expression and consensual agreement in internationally ratified documents. Particular attention will be given to the Roman Catholic understanding of justice and rights and how they found expression in official Catholic documents and in the writings of Catholic theologians. Finally, this unit will explore a range of contemporary social issues such as: immigration and refugees, cultural identity and diversity; religious liberty and freedom of worship; the role of political authority vis a vis the political rights, responsibilities and participation of citizens; the tragedies of genocides and works of national reconciliation in the aftermath; torture; moral responsibility for the environment; modern forms of economic and sexual slavery and human trafficking.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Francis Otobo
Mode: Blended
Semester 2: Tuesday 6pm
The unit will commence with a brief study of the historical setting and literary forms of the New Testament writings, with special emphasis on the origin, literary character and theology of the Markan narrative. The methodology of biblical exegesis will be explained and illustrated in relation to the Gospel – and also in relation to the broader scope of the Synoptic Gospels.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Mary Reaburn
Mode: Blended
Semester 2: Tuesday 6pm
This unit is an introduction to the Old Testament. It consists of a study of the history and geography of biblical Israel, as well as a survey of the literature of the Old Testament and its formation. It includes an introduction to some contemporary critical methodologies used to explore biblical texts and an application of these to specific texts.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Michael Kelly
Mode: Blended
Semester 2: Tuesday 9.30am
This unit will invite students to a consideration of issues and concerns in the theology and practice of ministry in contemporary Christian pastoral contexts. It will address the origins of Christian ministry in the Scriptures and the historical developments that have formed and informed the contemporary practice and theology of mission and ministry in both Catholic and ecumenical contexts. Ministry shapes the church but the church shapes ministry so we will examine the role that ecclesiology plays in the theology and practice of ministry. Lay and ordained ministry will be examined in the context of pastoral leadership and the necessity for a ministerial spirituality to sustain and develop the future shape of ecclesial ministry.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Chris Monaghan
Mode: Blended
Semester 2: Monday 6pm
This unit will study the foundation of the Corinthian Community by Paul and the history of its relationship with the Apostle, and its pastoral problems as they emerge from the Corinthian Correspondence. It will include an exegetical and thematic study of 1-2 Corinthians focusing on Paul’s theological and pastoral responses to the issues that arose at Corinth. Paul is in dialogue with his own Jewish tradition, the community of Corinth, the first century world of the Roman Empire, and his own experience. The problems faced in Corinth helped Paul to articulate new maps of time, space and people as these communities learned how to be Christian as they awaited the Lord’s return.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: John McDowell
Mode: Blended
Semester 2: Monday 6pm
Michael Buckley once argued that theology’s friends caused it damage, and contributed to the emergence of modern atheism. This unit charts a course through a variety of modern forms of atheism in order to understand not only the variety of atheisms and atheistic arguments, but to appreciate the contribution of theologies to forms of agnostic and atheistic denial. The unit functions to provide two things: first, it introduces students to modern philosophies insofar as they pertain to the question of God; and, second, it serves as a course in the doctrine of God and the Christian traditions of negative theology.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Paul Creevey
Mode: Blended
Semester 2: Monday 9.30am
This unit continues the introduction to biblical Greek begun in AL1011Y. Further knowledge of the morphology and syntax of the language will be developed as the student translates more selected passages. Further issues of textual criticism will be explored.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Rosie Joyce
Mode: Blended
Semester 2: Monday 9.30 am
This unit provides further examination of the 1983 Code of Canon Law with emphasis on selected topics relevant to an understanding of the role of law in the life of the Church. Topics to be covered include: the Supreme Authority of the Catholic Church; Particular Churches and their Groupings; the Internal Ordering of Particular Churches; Governance; Orders; Sacred Ministers or Clerics; the Teaching Office of the Church; and Temporal Goods. Sanctions in the Church and processes will be covered as required.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Barry Rogers
Mode: Blended
Semester 1: Wednesday 6pm
This unit explores concepts of developmental theory and selected theological works linking pastoral theory and pastoral practice. It introduces some theories of psychosocial development across the lifespan, and explores how we reach an under-standing of the self within personal, familial, social and cultural contexts.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Thien Nguyen
Mode: Blended
Semester 1: Tuesday 6pm
This unit is designed to explore the significance and importance of interreligious dialogue in a multi-religious context. It will underline the theological unity based on the common origin and destiny of all, the divine Mystery, who is in dialogue with humanity. This unit will further examine the biblical and theological foundations for interreligious dialogue and address its related challenges and opportunities. It will engage in some actual dialogue, leading to a harmonious society in the Australian context and beyond.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Anne Gardner
Mode: Blended
Semester 1: Tuesday 9.30am
This unit concerns the Pentateuch and its importance as a foundational text in both Judaism and Christianity. It outlines the ways that the Pentateuch has been interpreted in the past by both ancient and modern exegetes. In the examination of particular passages which highlight themes such as creation, covenant, law, purity, holiness and theodicy, both literary and historical-critical methodologies are used in the interpretation of the text. Consequently the distinctive contribution of Israel to the understanding of God within the Ancient Near Eastern context is brought to the fore. Attention is drawn also to the reception in the Old and New Testaments of passages studied, as is the continued relevance of their message in the present.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Greg Brett
Mode: Blended
Semester 1: Monday 6pm
“In view of the critical environmental problems confronting the modern world, reflection on the nature and meaning of the world and on humanity’s place in it becomes increasingly important. While Christian theology has done this for centuries, the present situation calls for a serious rethinking of many issues in the light of contemporary physics, biology and cultural history.” (Hayes, The Gift of Being, 2001). Developments in Science and Ecology challenge theology to reimagine who we are, who the Spirit of God is, who Christ is, where creation is going/moving. This unit will present a renewed Theology of Creation in the light of these challenges. In addition, this unit engages these challenges particularly in response to the developments in our expanded understanding of the world through science, especially cosmology and a significant response to the ecological crisis through an examination of the landmark encyclical, Laudato Si (2015).
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Cecilia Tam
Mode: Blended
Semester 1: Tuesday 9.30am
This unit is a study of Christian reflection on what it means to be human in relation to God and what makes up our humanity. It explores biblical, philosophical and theological foundations in understanding humanity as created in the image of God, human freedom, grace, nature and sin. The dialectic of authentic human living within the intersubjectivity of community and how these are embodied through human arrangements in response to historical, cultural and religious factors such as family, race, identity, the limitations of sickness and disability, ageing and death, and the ecological crisis of our times.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: John McDowell
Mode: Blended
Semester 1: Monday 6pm
Why think, and what difference does it make to the shaping of living? Is there a common good, and if so what can we know about it? Are we free, determined, or something more complex? On what lines should society be politically organised? What is the logic of a good argument? Is it reasonable believe in the existence of God? What justification do claims to ‘religious experience’ have as public arguments for the existence of God? What can be reasonably claimed about the miraculous? In addressing some of the most significant issues in the history of Western philosophy, students will be introduced to many of the most significant writings and thinkers within the study of the philosophical traditions.
For further information click on the links below:
Lecturer: Rosie Joyce
Mode: Blended
Semester 1: Monday 9.30am
This unit serves as an introduction to the canon law of the Catholic Church. Emphasis will be placed on the historical development of the Canon Law and its relationship with theology. The basic content of the unit will be found in the 1983 Code of Canon Law and the unit is designed to provide an overview of this document with particular attention being paid to the basic principles of interpretation of the law and their pastoral application in areas of general relevance such as the People of God and the Sacraments. Topics covered will include General Norms, Persons in the Code of Canon Law, Consecrated Life and the Sacraments, except Orders.
For further information click on the links below:
Undergraduate
Postgraduate
