Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies

CRICOS 107373D

About this course

The Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies (GradDipThSt) is an AQF Level 8 Graduate Diploma. The course 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.

Course Details

Admission to the Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies requires:

  • Satisfactory completion of a three-year AQF 7 award or equivalent in any discipline.

 

Students with a Sydney College of Divinity Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies may enter the program. To receive the award students are required to complete a further 36 credit points (4 units), and surrender the Sydney College of Divinity GradCertThSt prior to graduation.

 

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) overall score of at least 7.0 with no subtest below 6.5.

The Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies requires the completion of 72 credit points (8 units) taken from the Schedule of Units of Study in the 8100 and 9200 series. Four core units (36 credit points) 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 GradDipThSt comprises 36 credit points in the respective sub/discipline with at least one 9200-series unit.

Knowledge

Graduates will have:

  • an advanced understanding, within a coherent body of knowledge in Systematic 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 the graduate level, that are from an equivalent award or institution, and have outcomes, content, demand hours, and assessment equivalent to that of units in the Sydney College of Divinity award.

 

Articulation into other 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 Sydney College of Divinity GradDipThSt.

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 any 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 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.

 

For more Information contact us at [email protected]