Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies

CRICOS 107373D

About this course

The Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies 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 Diploma of 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.

  • Study Mode: Full Time, Part Time,

  • Credit Points: 72 (8 units)

  • Award Level: AQF Level 8

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Delivered at

Australian College of Ministries
  • NSW
  • Domestic
BBI The Australian Institute of Theological Education (BBI-TAITE)
  • NSW
  • Domestic
NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community
  • VIC
  • Domestic
Nazarene Theological College
  • QLD
  • Domestic
  • International
Nisibis Assyrian Theological College
  • NSW
  • Domestic
Perth Bible College
  • WA
  • Domestic
  • International
Planetshakers College
  • VIC
  • Domestic
  • International
St Andrew's Greek Orthodox Theological College
  • NSW
  • Domestic
  • International
St Cyril's Coptic Orthodox Theological College
  • NSW
  • Domestic

Course Details

Admission to the Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies requires:

  • Hold a Sydney College of Divinity Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies; OR
  • Holding, from a university or other tertiary institution, qualifications approved by the Student Support and Administration Committee as equivalent to such an award; AND
  • Satisfactory completion of 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) result of 7.0 with no score less than 6.5 in all bands of the test.

The Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies requires the completion of 72 credit points (8 units).

 

36 credit points of core units (4 units) will be taken from the discipline of Biblical Studies and the subdiscipline of Systematic Theology.

 

The course may be taken with a specialisation in the discipline of Biblical Studies or in the subdiscipline of Systematic Theology. A specialisation in the Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies comprises 36 credit points in the respective sub/discipline with at least one 9200-series unit.

 

Units coded “A” are not counted towards a concentration in any discipline or subdiscipline.

 

Students who enter the program from a Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of Ministry, Master of Divinity or equivalent course cannot enrol in units with content similar to those covered in their earlier studies.

Knowledge

Graduates will have:

  • an advanced understanding, within a coherent body of knowledge inSystematic Theology and Biblical Studies;
  • potential for acquiring and applying knowledge and skills in a new or existing discipline or professional area.

 

Skills

Graduates will have cognitive and technical skills specifically in Theology and Biblical Studies, so as to be able independently to:

  • review, reflect on and synthesise theological information, and identify and provide resources towards complex problems;
  • think critically and evaluate complex ideas;
  • apply specialised and creative skills for Christian living and ministry;
  • research, analyse and communicate theologically-related ideas to a variety of audiences.

 

Applications of Knowledge and Skills

Graduates will have the ability to:

  • make high level, independent and theologically informed judgements;
  • plan and evaluate activities and projects within a particular ministry setting;
  • identify ways that this body of knowledge relates to Christian living and /or ministry.

A candidate may seek credit up to a maximum of 36 credit points in the Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies.

 

Credit can only be granted for Bible and Theology units at graduate level, that are from an equivalent award or institution and have outcomes, content, demand hours, and assessment equivalent to that of units in a Sydney College of Divinity award.

 

Progress to Further Awards

Students are eligible to articulate to the Master of Theological Studies offered by the Sydney College of Divinity, on completion of which students are required to surrender their Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies.

The Graduate Diploma of 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 all information regarding your study, including fees, units, mode of delivery, and timetable.

 

In 2024 Nazarene Theological College is not currently accepting students into this award at the Queensland campus located at 40 Woodlands Dr, Thornlands QLD, 4164.  Please contact the SCD Academic Registrar for other location options ([email protected]).

 

In 2024 PlanetShakers College is not currently accepting students into this award at the Melbourne campus located at 129 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC, 3006.  Please contact the SCD Academic Registrar for other location options ([email protected]).

 

A domestic student at Sydney College of Divinity 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.

 

International students

International students are subject to the conditions of their Australian student visa and are required to maintain a full-time enrolment of four units (36 credit points) per semester. If you are planning to enrol as an international student, you have the responsibility to ensure that you comply with your visa conditions at all times. Learn more about your responsibilities, rights, and what studying in Australia can offer you. Not all our teaching institutions offer study programs for international students.

 

Check out the locations and courses offered to international students, and for more information email us at [email protected]