Advanced Diploma of Ministry

About this course

The Advanced Diploma of Ministry provides students with the opportunity to undertake AQF Level 6 study in practical ministry-oriented disciplines. It is designated to inform and prepare men and women for ministry in one or more areas of pastoral service requiring some interpretive judgement and adaptive skills. 

The Advanced Diploma of Ministry will integrate studies in biblical and theological disciplines with pastoral practice. A specialisation in pastoral, leadership and/or church focused ministry is required in which biblical and theological knowledge is applied to Christian practice. The award requires the completion of course units in Biblical Studies, Theology, and Christian Life and Ministry. 

This award is not approved for CRICOS study.

  • Credit Points: 108 (12 units)

  • Award Level: AQF Level 6

Student Handbook
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Delivered at

Australian College of Ministries
  • NSW
  • Domestic

Course Details

Admission to the Advanced Diploma of Ministry requires:

  • Satisfactory completion of Year 12 in the Australian school system, or its equivalent; OR
  • Successful completion of a qualification at AQF Level 5 or above; OR
  • Special Entry Admission for those with evidence of capacity for successful study at this level; AND
  • Satisfactorily completes a pre-enrolment interview with a relevant course advisor.

 

English Proficiency

Applicants whose entry qualifications were obtained in an institution where English is not the language of instruction normally require a minimum IELTS (or equivalent) score of 6.0 with no subtest result below 5.5.

 

The Advanced Diploma of Ministry requires the completion of 108 credit points (12 units) which shall include:

 

  • at least 9 credit points in Biblical Studies
  • at least 9 credit points in Theology
  • at least 36 credit points in Christian Life and Ministry of which at least 18 credit points are Supervised Ministry units with the equivalent focus of hands-on ministry practice;
  • at least 18 credit points of focused study in Pastoral Theology units at AQF Level 6 or above;
  • A further 36 credit points from approved units.

 

Course units will be taken from the Sydney College of Divinity units coded within the 5100 series and above with at least 36 credit points taken at AQF Level 6 or above.

Knowledge

Graduates will have:

  • technical and theoretical knowledge and concepts with an integrated foundational knowledge in Biblical Studies, Theology, and Christian Life and Ministry,
  • reflective experience of focused and ethical practical ministry that will form the basis for further learning.

 

Skills

Graduates will have cognitive, communication, and technical skills in a ministry-related body of knowledge so that they are able to:

  • identify, analyse, and act on ministry-orientated information from a range of foundational and intermediate sources,
  • examine ideas and perspectives related to Christian Faith and Ministry,
  • communicate relevant ministry-related knowledge, skills, and ideas to others

 

Applications of Knowledge and Skills

Graduates will have the ability to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of biblical and theological knowledge, including ethical practice, in its application to Christian ministry,
  • perform technical operations within Christian ministry that have a level of complexity, taking personal responsibility for them,
  • organise, with initiative and judgement, the work of self and others, and plan, coordinate, and evaluate the work of teams with some autonomy (within well-defined parameters).

A candidate may seek credit up to a maximum of 72 credit points in the Advanced Diploma of Ministry.

 

Credit will be granted for units that are from an equivalent award or institution and have outcomes, content, demand hours, and assessment equivalent to that of units in the Advanced Diploma of Ministry.

 

Progress to Further Awards

Students who complete the Advanced Diploma of Ministry may articulate into the Bachelor of Ministry and receive credit awarded to equivalent Bachelor units for:

  • Units completed at AQF Level 6 or above.
  • For units completed at AQF Level 5 with a grade of Credit or higher; or subject to additional assessment requirements set by the Student Support and Administration Committee.

This award is not approved for CRICOS study.

The Advanced Diploma of Ministry is offered through the individual colleges and an application for enrolment must be made to the Registrar of the teaching institution. The registrar will be able to help you with any information regarding your study, including fees, units, mode of delivery and timetable.

 

A student is designated as full-time if enrolled in three units (27 credit points) or more in a semester or the equivalent in a trimester. Sydney College of Divinity offers a wide range of units and students have the option to study one or more units across the colleges delivering Sydney College of Divinity awards, whilst enrolled with one college.

 

If you have any questions email us at [email protected]