Diploma of Arts

About this course

The Diploma of Arts provides students with the opportunity to undertake introductory study in the humanities and traditional theological disciplines, in order to grasp a basic appreciation of the Christian heritage, theology, philosophy and practice in service of contemporary society. It also lays foundations for further learning.

Graduates of the Diploma of Arts will have introductory theological knowledge and skills for reflective engagement with a focused area of human interest and/or further learning. 

The graduate of the SCD Diploma of Arts will apply foundational concepts drawn from theological studies to a particular area of human endeavour in a broad range of life contexts. 

This award is not approved for CRICOS study.

  • Study Mode: Full Time, Part Time,

  • Credit Points: 72 (8 units)

  • Award Level: AQF Level 5

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Delivered at

Australian College of Ministries
  • NSW
  • Domestic
Nisibis Assyrian Theological College
  • NSW
  • Domestic
Planetshakers College
  • VIC
  • Domestic
  • International

Course Details

Admission to the Diploma of Arts requires:

  • An Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 65, or its equivalent (e.g. OP≤16); OR
  • Satisfactorily completed Year 10 (or equivalent) from an institution recognised by the Academic Board; 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 requires a minimum IELTS (or equivalent) score of 6.0 in all bands of the test. A student can be admitted provisionally into the Award Name when they have an IELTS result of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in all bands of the test. 

The Diploma of Arts requires the completion of 72 credit points (8 units) which shall include:

 

One core Unit (9 credit points) selected from:

  • A51151 Christian Worldview; OR
  • A5176 Faith, Texts and Meaning.

 

9 credit points (one unit) in Biblical Studies, selected from:

  • B5100 Introduction to Reading Interpreting and Applying the Bible; OR
  • B5101 Survey of the Bible; OR
  • B5110 Survey of the Old Testament; OR
  • B5150 Introduction to New Testament.

 

9 credit points (one unit) in Theology, selected from:

  • T51xx Introduction to Theology; OR
  • T5105 Introduction to Christian Doctrines; OR
  • T51xx Theology of Mission

 

AQF 5 and 6 Units credited towards the Diploma of Arts may be used to satisfy the requirements of an Area of Focus. 

  • an area of focus consisting of 18 credit points (two units) (from Schedule below);
  • a further 27 credit points (three units) chosen from Sydney College of Divinity Schedule of approved units of study.

 

Course units shall normally be taken from Sydney College of Divinity units coded within the 5100 series but may also be taken from the 6100 or 7100-7299 series. All specified units may be substituted with the corresponding unit at AQF 6 or 7.

 

SCHEDULE

The Diploma of Arts requires an ‘Area of Focus’.

 

An Area of Focus consists of 2 units (18 credit points) which have a defined coherence. They may be from the same (sub) discipline, or interdisciplinary units that contribute to a field of study with a defined coherence.

 

For the Diploma of arts, Units coded “A” may be included in an Area of Focus.

 

Not all Areas of Focus are available at all Member Institutions. However, students may be able to complete a desired Area of Focus by completing units offered at another Member Institution.

 

Areas of Focus may vary from time to time, depending upon the offerings of the Member Institutions, or the interests of students.

 

Areas of Focus (Examples)

  1. Leadership and Society
  2. Christianity and Human Services
  3. Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy
  4. Event Management
  5. Theological Studies (Bible and Theology)
  6. Christianity and Creative Arts
  7. Theological Heritage and Human Cultures
  8. Christian Worship
  9. Linguistics, Language, Texts and Translation
  10. Religious Experience and Spirituality
  11. Patristic Thought and Contemporary Culture
  12. Media and Communication
  13. Christianity and Education
Knowledge

Graduates will have: 

  • introductory theoretical knowledge and concepts in Theological Studies, with a particular focus in one area of the humanities.

 

Skills

Graduates will have: 

  • emerging cognitive, communication, and technical skills drawing upon the resources of Christian heritage, theology, philosophy, and practice so that they are able to:
  • identify, reflect on, and bring aspects of the Christian heritage, theology, philosophy, and practice to bear upon one area of the humanities from a range of foundational sources; 
  • express ideas and perspectives related to Christian faith within one humanities-related area; 
  • communicate humanities-related knowledge, skills, and ideas, enriched by the Christian heritage, to others.

 

Applications of Knowledge and Skills

Graduates will have the emerging ability to: 

  • demonstrate an understanding of theological knowledge by applying it in human interest areas;
  • engage theologically with issues in the humanities that have some complexity, taking personal responsibility for them.

A candidate may seek credit up to a maximum of 36 credit points in the Diploma of Arts in accordance with the Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.

 

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 Diploma of Arts.

 

Progress to Further Awards

Students who complete the Diploma of Arts and desire to undertake an AQF 6 or 7 award will receive direct credit to equivalent AQF 6 or 7 units for successfully completed units at the same AQF level, and for Diploma units at AQF 5 completed with a grade of Credit or higher; or subject to additional assessment requirements set by the SCD Student Support and Administration Committee.

This award is not approved for CRICOS study.

The Diploma of Arts 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]