Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies
The Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies (GradCertThSt) is an AQF Level 8 award. It is designed for those who hold a three-year undergraduate tertiary qualification in a non-theological discipline and who wish to pursue a graduate qualification in theology. Students will be able to critically engage Christian thought and traditions, enhance their professional work and give expression to insights for Christian living.
The Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies focuses on introducing students to the discipline of Biblical Studies and the subdiscipline of Systematic Theology equipping them with foundational knowledge for further study in these two areas.
The Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies is not offered to international students.
The Award Summary lists the full program and the academic regulations for students enrolling in 2022. The Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies is offered through the individual colleges. Contact the Registrar of the teaching institution for study information, including mode of delivery and timetable, and to make an application for admission. Domestic students may be eligible for FEE-HELP, an Australian government scheme, assisting students to access a loan to help cover all or part of their tuition fees.
An applicant for admission to candidature for a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies shall hold a three-year AQF 7 award or equivalent in any discipline.
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 7.0 in all bands of the test.
The Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies requires the completion of 36 credit points (4 units), which include
- One foundational unit (9 credit points) in Systematic Theology;
- One foundational unit (9 credit points) in Biblical Studies; and
- Two elective units (18 credit points).
The course may be taken with or without a concentration. A concentration in the Graduate Certificate comprises 18 credit points in the discipline of Biblical Studies or the subdiscipline of Systematic Theology.
Knowledge
Graduates will have:
- an understanding, within a coherent body of knowledge in Systematic Theology and Biblical Studies serving both as an introduction to the study of theology and its related disciplines and as the basis for independent lifelong learning.
Skills
Graduates will have cognitive and technical skills specifically in Theology and Biblical Studies, so as to be able independently to:
- review and synthesize theological information and reflect on complex problems,
- think critically and evaluate complex ideas.
- research, analyse and communicate theologically related ideas.
Applications of Knowledge and Skills
Graduates will have the ability to:
- make high level, independent and theologically informed judgements related to a range of issues pertaining to Christian living and/or ministry.
A candidate may seek credit up to a maximum of 18 credit points in the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies.
Credit can only be granted for Bible and Theology units at the graduate level, that is from an equivalent award or institution and have outcomes, content, demand hours, and assessment equivalent to that of units in the SCD award.
Articulation into Other Awards
Students are eligible to articulate to the Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies (36 cps further), on completion of which students are required to surrender their SCD Graduate Certificate. Students are also eligible to enter the Master of Theological Studies program.
The Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies is not offered to international students on an Australian student visa.
The Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies 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 domestic Sydney College of Divinity student is designated as full-time if enrolled in three units (27 credit points) or more in a semester or part-time if enrolled in less than three units (27 credit points) per semester. SCD offers a wide range of units and students have the option to study one or more units across the colleges delivering SCD awards, whilst enrolled with one college.
For any additional information contact us at scd@scd.edu.au