Our courses and units are designed to meet the needs of lay people in their various vocations and in their family, church and community responsibilities, rather than as preparation for the ordained ministry.
To achieve this, SOCS is committed to high quality theological education at Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Degree level. We seek to make this accessible by providing evening lectures at our Macquarie Park campus, five or six day intensives, or by distance education. We also provide for some post-graduate studies in specialised fields such as School Chaplaincy and Christian Education.
One feature of SOCS is the availability to all students, should they wish, of elementary and advanced units in the biblical languages – Hebrew and Greek. Some language studies are compulsory for Theology and Ministry degrees, but are optional at Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Bachelor of Christian Studies degree levels.
Our lecturers
SOCS seeks to employ lecturers who are leading authorities in their fields or younger scholars who are beginning to make their mark. These include Paul Barnett (New Testament), Bill Dumbrell and Doug McNaught (Old Testament), Stuart Piggin (Church History), Greg Fox and Murray Smith (Biblical Languages), Scott Blackwell and Melissa Baker (Pastoral and Church-based ministries), John McIntosh and John McKinnon (Mission), and Grant Maple and Thomas Smith (Christian Education).
Our students
Our students range in age from their late teens to their eighties. Some are combining theological studies with a university degree, some are seeking specialised knowledge in areas such as biblical exegesis, church history, pastoral care or church leadership, others are simply following their personal interests.
Class sizes
Our class sizes are small by today’s standards. This allows students to get to know their lecturers very well indeed and to benefit from individualised attention. As well, we seek to provide a high level of student support.
Distance studies
SOCS lecture materials are provided in either book or loose bound form with CDs or DVDs of lectures. An expanding selection of resources is available online. You will be provided with email contact with the course supervisors and there is Student Support from the SOCS office.
Getting started
SOCS provides an introductory unit SOT21 Introduction to Theological Studies as a starting point for those who have not studied theology before and for those who are returning to study for the first time in some years. It is recommended that all Diploma students begin with this unit. Degree students are not able to count this unit towards their degree, but may find it helpful for providing an orientation to the main fields of theological studies.
