In some courses, such as the Masters of Arts, Leadership and Divinity, you have to do at least one “research” unit. Any of the above options can satisfy that requirement.

However, IGS units are more about studying an area of interest in greater depth, where your research is reading and writing assignments. You can design a set plan of reading and then write 1, 2 or 3 assignments based on your learning. It is like a self-designed coursework unit.

A Research Project or Essay is just one assignment/essay. It is usually investigating something that is more original, and this may involve a survey, experiment or hypothesis testing to help you discover that something original. A research project or essay requires a clear research question and appropriate methodology. The unit ‘Research Methodology’ is a pre-requisite for a Research Project or Essay. If you are considering higher study, such as the MTh or Doctoral work, then the Research Project or especially the Research Essay will prepare you better. An 18 credit point Research Project or Essay is usually a pre-requisite for entry into Higher Degrees by Research (HDR). The Research Essay is the highest form of research unit, with markers external to ACOM and the top standards expected.

The Capstone unit is designed to be the last or near-last unit in a course of study. Students read 1050/1200 pages of self-selected readings and complete two assignments. In the first, students seek to summarise and synthesise their academic learning to date. In the second, students examine how they will further implement what they have learnt, often with the creation of a ministry tool.