Diploma of Theology

About this course

The Diploma of Theology provides students with the opportunity to undertake AQF Level 5 study in theological disciplines. It is designed for those who have a less formal educational background than those undertaking the Bachelor of Theology or Bachelor of Ministry awards, or those who are seeking an award requiring less overall commitment than AQF Level 6 or 7 studies. 

The Diploma of Theology provides students with introductory study across a range of theological disciplines. It is designed for Christians seeking a foundation for informed participation in the local church, para-church ministries, and in the wider community. It also provides some opportunity to gain knowledge and skills appropriate for Christian ministry, but not necessarily of the breadth or depth required for professional ministry. The award requires completion of course units in Biblical Studies, Theology, Church History, and Christian Life and Ministry.


This award is not approved for CRICOS study.

  • Study Mode: Full Time, Part Time,

  • Credit Points: 72 (8 units)

  • Award Level: AQF Level 5 Award

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Delivered at

Australian College of Ministries
  • NSW
  • Domestic
Nazarene Theological College
  • QLD
  • Domestic
  • International

Course Details

Admission to the Diploma of Theology requires:

  • An Australian Tertiary Admission Rand (ATAR) of 65, or its equivalent (e.g. OP≤18); OR
  • Satisfactorily completed Year 12 (or equivalent); OR
  • Mature Age Special Entry Admission for those who have reached the age of 21; AND
  • Satisfactorily complete 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 score less than 5.5 in all bands of the test.

 

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

 

  • at least 27 credit points in Biblical Studies;
  • at least 27 credit points in the subdiscipline of Systematic Theology; 
  • at least 9 credit points in Church History;
  • a further 9 credit points chosen from approved units.

 

Course units shall normally be taken from the Sydney College of Divinity units coded within the 5100 series. Candidates who have completed 36 credit points towards the Diploma of Theology may select up to 36 credit points from the Schedule of 7100 and 7200 series units. Within these units, a candidate may select up to 18 credit points of 7200 series units, provided they have completed 7100 units and achieved a grade point average of 2.0 in all 7100 units.

 

Knowledge

Graduates will have:

  • technical and theoretical knowledge and concepts with introductory knowledge in Biblical Studies, Christian Life and Ministry, Humanities within the Christian Tradition, and Theology; 
  • wider knowledge of theology generally 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, synthesise, and act on ministry-oriented information from a range of foundational sources; 
  • the ability to express ideas and perspectives related to Christian faith; 
  • the ability to communicate ministry-related knowledge, skills and ideas to others.

 

Applications of Knowledge and Skills

Graduates will have the ability to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of theological knowledge by applying it in Christian ministry; 
  • perform technical operations within Christian ministry that have some complexity, taking personal responsibility for them; 
  • organise, with initiative and judgment, the work of self and others and plan, coordinate and evaluate the work of teams (within broad but generally well-defined parameters).

Articulating students with an AQF 5 award from an institution approved by the Academic Board will receive 36 credit points in the Diploma of Theology.

 

Candidates from other institutions or with other awards may seek credit up to a maximum of 36 credit points in the Diploma of Theology.

 

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 Theology.

 

Progress to Further Awards

Students who complete the Diploma of Theology and desire to undertake the Bachelor of Ministry or Bachelor of Theology will receive credit awarded to equivalent Bachelor units for Diploma units completed with a grade of Credit or higher; or subject to additional assessment requirements set by the Student Support and Administration Committee; to a maximum of 72 credit points, on condition that the Diploma of Theology will be surrendered prior to graduation in the further award.

 

This award is not approved for CRICOS study.

The Diploma of Theology 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]