Diploma Awards

SECTION FOUR : Diploma Award Programs & Specific Regulations

  • Diploma of Ministry (DipMin)
  • Diploma of Theology (DipTh)
  • Diploma of Christian Studies (DipChSt)

 

DipMin Program and Academic Regulations

Diploma of Ministry (DipMin)

AQF Level 5 Diploma
Entry Requirements – Satisfactory completion of Year 10 in the Australian school system, or its equivalent; or
– Special Entry Admission for those with evidence of capacity for successful study at this level
Duration 1 year full-time or 3 years part-time
Mode Full-time, part-time
Structure 72 credit points (8 units)
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 result below 5.5.

Enrolment

Contact the Registrar of the college with whom you intend to study for enrolment and fee details.

Diploma of Ministry (DipMin) is offered at:

International students cannot enrol in the Diploma of Ministry.

Graduate Profile and Rationale

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

The Diploma of Ministry provides students with introductory study 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 practical Christian ministry but not necessarily of the breadth or depth required for professional ministry. The award requires the completion of course units in Biblical Studies, Theology, and Christian Life and Ministry.

Outcomes

Knowledge

Graduates will have:

    • technical and theoretical knowledge and concepts with introductory knowledge in Biblical Studies, Theology, and Christian Life and Ministry,
    • wider experience of practical ministry 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, and act on ministry-oriented information from a range of foundational sources,
    • express ideas and perspectives related to Christian faith,
    • 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).

ACADEMIC REGULATIONS for the Diploma of Ministry

1 Admission to Candidature
1.1 An applicant for admission to candidature for a Diploma of Ministry shall:
1.1.1 have satisfactorily completed Year 12 in the Australian school system, or its equivalent; or
1.1.2 have reached the age of 20 and so satisfy the requirements for Mature Age Entry; or
1.1.3 have adequate grounds for Special Entry.
1.2 A candidate for a Diploma of Ministry will be designated as full-time or part-time. A 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.
1.3 No candidate for the DipMin may be concurrently enrolled in any other undergraduate or postgraduate course within the Sydney College of Divinity or any other tertiary institution unless approval has been granted by the Academic Board.
1.4 Applicants whose entry qualifications were obtained in an institution where English is not the language of instruction normally will be required to demonstrate competency in English by an IELTS (or equivalent) result of 6.0 with no score below 5.5.
1.5 Application for enrolment in the diploma program is made to the Registrar of the appropriate Teaching Body offering the program.
2 Course Structure
2.1 The Diploma of Ministry requires the completion of 72 credit points (8 units) which shall include:
2.1.1 at least 9 credit points in Biblical Studies;
2.1.2 at least 9 credit points in Theology;
2.1.3 at least 36 credit points in Christian Life and Ministry of which at least 18 credit points are Supervised Ministry (or units with the equivalent focus of hands-on ministry practice);
2.1.4 a further 18 credit points chosen from approved units.
2.2 All course units shall be taken from SCD units coded within the 5100 series.
3 Period of Candidature
3.1 The period of candidature for the Diploma shall normally be 1 year full-time and up to 3 years part-time.
3.2 In certain circumstances, the Student Support and Support and Administration Committee may grant extensions.
4 Leave of Absence
4.1 The Student Support and Administration Committee may grant leave of absence from the Diploma of Ministry. The period of leave shall not be counted as part of the period of candidature for the Diploma.
4.2 The period of leave shall normally be one semester after which a candidate may apply for a further period of one semester or will be required to complete candidature.
5 Assessment
5.1 The assessment of subject units shall be in the manner approved by the Academic Board in line with the College’s established guidelines for assessment packages.
5.2 Students may be required by the Academic Board to present themselves for oral examination.
5.3 Academic and non-academic misconduct will be penalised in accordance with the regulations of the Sydney College of Divinity, whose stipulations are severe.
6 Credit
6.1 A candidate may seek credit up to a maximum of 36 credit points in the Diploma of Ministry.
6.2 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 Ministry.
7 Progress to Further Awards
7.1 Students who complete the Diploma of Ministry 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 SCD Student Support and Administration Committee.
8 Saving Clause
8.1 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Academic Board of the Sydney College of Divinity may, in any case in which it may deem it appropriate to do so, vary, dispense with or suspend any requirement or prescription by these regulations, and report forthwith to the Council of the Sydney College of Divinity.

 

DipTh Program and Academic Regulations

Diploma of Theology (DipTh)

AQF Level 5 Diploma
Entry Requirements – Satisfactory completion of Year 12 in the Australian school system, or its equivalent; or
– Mature Age and Special Entry Admissions for those who have reached the age of 20
Duration 1 year full-time or 3 years part-time
Mode Full-time, part-time
Structure 72 credit points (8 units)
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 result below 5.5

Enrolment

International students cannot enrol in the Diploma of Theology.

Graduate Profile and Rationale

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 BTh or BMin 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 an 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 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 the completion of course units in Biblical Studies, Theology, Church History, and Christian Life and Ministry.

Outcomes

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 experience of theology generally that will form the basis for further learning.

Skills

Graduates will have cognitive, communication, and technical skills in a theology-related body of knowledge, so that they are able to:

    • identify, analyse, synthesise, and act on theological information from a range of foundational sources
    • express ideas and perspectives related to the Christian faith
    • communicate theologically-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.)

ACADEMIC REGULATIONS for the Diploma of Theology

1 Admission to Candidature
1.1 An applicant for admission to candidature for the Diploma of Theology will:
1.1.1 have satisfactorily completed Year 12 in the Australian school system, or its equivalent; or
1.1.2 have reached the age of 20 and so satisfy the requirements for Mature Age Entry; or
1.1.3 have adequate grounds for Special Entry.
1.2 A candidate for a Diploma of Theology will be designated as full-time or part-time. A 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.
1.3 No candidate for the DipTh may be concurrently enrolled in any other undergraduate or postgraduate course within the Sydney College of Divinity or any other tertiary institution unless approval has been granted by the Academic Board.
1.4 Applicants whose entry qualifications were obtained in an institution where English is not the language of instruction normally will be required to demonstrate competency in English by an IELTS (or equivalent) result of 6.0 with no score below 5.5.
1.5 Application for enrolment in the diploma program is made to the Registrar of the appropriate Teaching Body offering the program.
2 Course Structure
2.1 The Diploma of Theology requires the completion of 72 credit points (8 units) which will include:
2.1.1 at least 27 credit points in Biblical Studies;
2.1.2 at least 27 credit points in Theology;
2.1.3 at least 9 credit points in Church History;
2.1.4 a further 9 credit points chosen from approved units.
2.2 All course units shall be taken from SCD units coded within the 5100 series.
3 Period of Candidature
3.1 The period of candidature for the Diploma shall normally be 1 year full-time and up to 3 years part-time.
3.2 In certain circumstances, the Student Support and Support and Administration Committee may grant extensions.
4 Leave of Absence
4.1 The Student Support and Administration Committee may grant leave of absence from the Diploma of Theology. The period of leave will not be counted as part of the period of candidature for the Diploma.
4.2 The period of leave will normally be one semester, after which a candidate may apply for a further period of one semester, or will be required to complete candidature.
5 Assessment
5.1 The assessment of subject units shall be in the manner approved by the Academic Board in line with the College’s established guidelines for assessment packages.
5.2 Students may be required by the Academic Board to present themselves for oral examination.
5.3 Academic and non-academic misconduct will be penalised in accordance with the regulations of the Sydney College of Divinity, whose stipulations are severe.
6 Credit
6.1 A candidate may seek credit up to a maximum of 36 credit points in the Diploma of Theology.
6.2 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.
7 Progress to Further Awards
7.1 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 SCD Student Support and Administration Committee.
8 Saving Clause
8.1 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Academic Board of the Sydney College of Divinity may, in any case in which it may deem it appropriate to do so, vary, dispense with or suspend any requirement or prescription by these regulations, and report forthwith to the Council of the Sydney College of Divinity.

 

DipChSt Program and Academic Regulations

Diploma of Christian Studies (DipChSt)
CRICOS : 071257J

AQF Level 5/7 Diploma
Entry Requirements – Satisfactory completion of Year 12 in the Australian school system, or its equivalent; or
– Mature Age and Special Entry Admissions for those who have reached the age of 21.
Duration 1 year full-time or 3 years part-time
International students on an Australian student visa are required to study full-time.
Mode Full-time, part-time
Structure 72 credit points (8 units in 7100-7200 series)
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 6.5 with no score less than 6.0 in all bands of the test. A student can be admitted provisionally into the DipChSt when they have an IELTS result of 6.0 with no score less than 6.0 in all bands of the test.

Enrolment

Contact the Registrar of the college with whom you intend to study for enrolment and fee details.

Diploma of Christian Studies (DipChSt) is offered at:

Graduate Profile and Rationale

The Diploma of Christian Studies course is an undergraduate award that introduces students to Christian studies within higher education.  Graduates will have acquired basic knowledge, skills, and values of Christian relevance to their professional, family, church, social, or personal lives, and have deepened their awareness of the nature and scope of theology and their affinity with it as a field of study within higher education.

It provides an opportunity to undertake some theological study with a special focus on Christian Thought (including Biblical Studies, Theology, and Humanities in the Christian Tradition) or on Christian Practice (Christian Life and Ministry). The special focus is achieved by completing a sub-major in the area of interest (see Academic Regulations section 2.1).

Outcomes

Knowledge

Graduates will have:

    • technical and theoretical knowledge and concepts with introductory knowledge in Biblical Studies and Theology
    • wider knowledge of the theological disciplines generally that will form the basis for further learning.

Skills

Graduates will have cognitive, communication, and technical skills in a theologically-related body of knowledge so that they are able to:

    • identify, analyse, synthesise, and act on theological information from a range of foundational sources
    • express ideas and perspectives in theology
    • communicate theologically-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 their professional, family, church, social, or personal lives
    • perform technical operations of some complexity in relation to Christian living, taking personal responsibility for them.
    • exercise initiative and judgment in reflecting on issues of Christian living, including some ability to do so with others.

Articulation to other awards

The Diploma of Christian Studies is both a stand-alone award and a nested award in the Associate Degree of Christian Thought and Practice, the Bachelor of Theology, and the Bachelor of Ministry. As a result, it articulates directly into any of these awards. On completion of any of these further awards, the student would surrender the Diploma of Christian Studies. The award may be retained if no credit is granted into the further award.

ACADEMIC REGULATIONS for the Diploma of Christian Studies

1 Admission to Candidature
1.1 An applicant for admission to candidature for the Diploma of Christian Studies will:
1.1.1 have satisfactorily completed Year 12 in the Australian school system, or its equivalent; or
1.1.2 have reached the age of 21 and so satisfy the requirements for Mature Age Entry; or
1.1.3 have adequate grounds for Special Entry.
1.2 A candidate for a Diploma of Christian Studies will be designated as full-time or part-time. A 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.
1.3 No candidate for the DipChSt may be concurrently enrolled in any other undergraduate or postgraduate course within the Sydney College of Divinity or any other tertiary institution unless approval has been granted by the Academic Board.
1.4 Applicants whose entry qualifications were obtained in an institution where English is not the language of instruction normally will be required to demonstrate competency in English by an IELTS (or equivalent) result of 6.5, with no score less than 6.0 in all bands of the test.  A student can be admitted provisionally into the DipChSt when they have an IELTS result of 6.0 with no score less than 6.0 in all bands of the test. They must pass all subjects in the first two semesters to be permitted to continue.
1.5 Application for enrolment in the Diploma of Christian Studies is made to the Registrar of the appropriate Teaching Body offering the program.
2 Course Structure
2.1 The disciplines, sub-disciplines, majors, and submajors are:

Discipline Sub-disciplines Majors / Submajors
Biblical Studies Biblical Studies
Theology Systematic Theology
Christian Ethics
Worship & Liturgy		 Theology (discipline)
Systematic Theology
Christian Ethics
Worship & Liturgy
Humanities in the Christian Tradition Church History
Philosophy 		 Humanities in the Christian Tradition (Discipline) 
Church History
Philosophy
Christian Life & Ministry Christian Spirituality
Mission
Pastoral Counselling
Pastoral Theology		 Christian Life & Ministry (Discipline)
Christian Spirituality
Mission
Pastoral Counselling
Pastoral Theology
2.2 The Diploma of Christian Studies requires the completion of 72 credit points which will include:
2.2.1 at least 9 credit points within the discipline of Biblical Studies;
2.2.2 at least 9 credit points within the subdiscipline of Systematic Theology;
2.2.3 at least one sub-major (36 credit points) in the domain of Christian Thought (drawn from Biblical Studies, Theology, and Humanities in the Christian Tradition), or in the domain of Christian Practice (drawn from the Christian Life and Ministry discipline and its sub-disciplines).
2.3 Units coded “A” are not counted towards a major/sub-major in any discipline or sub-discipline.
2.4 All course units shall be taken from SCD units coded within the 7100-7299 series.
3 Period of Candidature
3.1 The period of candidature for the Diploma will normally be 1 year full-time and up to 3 years part-time.
3.2 In certain circumstances, the Student Support and Support and Administration Committee may grant extensions.
4 Leave of Absence
4.1 The Student Support and Administration Committee may grant leave of absence from the Diploma of Christian Studies. The period of leave will not be counted as part of the period of candidature for the award.
4.2 The period of leave will normally be one semester, after which a candidate may apply for a further period of one semester, or will be required to complete candidature.
5 Assessment
5.1 The assessment of subject units shall be in the manner approved by the Academic Board in line with the College’s established guidelines for assessment packages.
5.2 Students may be required by the Academic Board to present themselves for oral examination.
5.3 Academic and non-academic misconduct will be penalised in accordance with the regulations of the Sydney College of Divinity, whose stipulations are severe.
6 Credit
6.1 A candidate may seek credit up to a maximum of 36 credit points in the Diploma of Christian Studies.
6.2 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 Christian Studies.
7 Saving Clause
7.1 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Academic Board of the Sydney College of Divinity may, in any case in which it may deem it appropriate to do so, vary, dispense with or suspend any requirement or prescription by these regulations, and report forthwith to the Council of the Sydney College of Divinity.

 

 

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