(AQF LEVEL 6ADVANCED DIPLOMA) 

Course Rationale

The aim of the Advanced Diploma of Theology is to introduce students in a systematic manner to the body of coherent

knowledge that is the classical discipline of theology as a means of preparing men and women for well-informed participation in the life of the church and, if students so choose, for ministry in one or more areas of pastoral practice. 

Pathway 1

The undergraduate Advanced Diploma of Ministry requires 64 credit points for completion, including at least 16 credit points at advanced (300-400) level. The course duration is 2 years full time, with no part time time limit. The aim of the course is to introduce students in a systematic manner to the body of coherent knowledge that is the classical discipline of theology as a means of preparing men and women for well-informed participation in the life of the church and, if students so choose, for ministry in one or more areas of pastoral practice,
The course does aim to provide a foundation of knowledge and skills appropriate to Christian ministry, but not of the breadth and depth required for leaders and teachers in congregations for which vocation the BTh, BMin and the Master of Divinity have been devised.

Candidates are normally admitted upon satisfactory completion of Year 12 in an Australian school system or equivalent. Consideration will also be given to other factors such as practical experience, maturity and motivation, and the likelihood of satisfactory completion of the academic requirements of the course.
Read more: Undergraduate Handbook Advanced Diploma of Theology (PDF)

Pathway 2

The undergraduate Advanced Diploma of Ministry taking Pathway 2 requires 48 credit points for completion, taken using 300-400 level units. The course duration is 1.5 years full time, with no part time time limit. The aim of the course is to introduce students in a systematic manner to the body of coherent knowledge that is the classical discipline of theology as a means of preparing men and women for well-informed participation in the life of the church and, if students so choose, for ministry in one or more areas of pastoral practice,

The course does aim to provide a foundation of knowledge and skills appropriate to Christian ministry, but not of the breadth required for leaders and teachers in congregations for which vocation the BTh, BMin and the Master of Divinity have been devised. This course provides a smooth pathway from a one year course to a bachelor degree, should a student wish to articulate.

Candidates are normally admitted upon achieving a Universities Admission Index (UAI) of 75.00 or its equivalent. Consideration will also be given to other factors such as practical experience, maturity and motivation, and the likelihood of satisfactory completion of the academic requirements of the course.
Read more: Undergraduate Handbook Advanced Diploma of Theology (PDF)

Admission Requirements – Pathway 1

Academic Qualifications

Candidates are normally admitted upon satisfactory completion of Year 12 in an Australian school system or equivalent. Consideration will also be given to other factors such as practical experience, maturity and motivation, and the likelihood of satisfactory completion of the academic requirements of the course. 

Language Qualifications for Non-English Speaking Background Applicants (NESB)

Candidates who (a) have an assessable qualification that was undertaken solely in English in one of a set of prescribed countries OR (b) have experienced English in an English-speaking country for at least five (5) years are NOT required to provide proof of English language proficiency for consideration for admission to an ACT course. All other domestic and international candidates MUST provide proof of English language proficiency for consideration for admission to an ACT course. Such proof will normally be by provision of the results of an IELTS test (Academic Version).

For admission to an ACT course at Advanced Diploma level (Pathway 1), the minimum IELTS result required is 6.0 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each subtest.

Mature Age Entry

Mature age entry is available for candidates 20 years and older. 

Admission Requirements – Pathway 2

Academic Qualifications

(i) Open to persons who have achieved an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) score of no less than 75 or its equivalent.

(ii) Consideration will be given to other factors such as practical experience, maturity and motivation, and the likelihood of satisfactory completion of the academic requirements of the course.

(iii) The ACT is prepared to enrol year 12 students in up to two (2) 300 level units at the discretion of the school and the particular ACT affiliated colleges. These students would not be admitted to the award, but permitted to take 300 level units, which would later be credited to an ACT award, should the student wish to continue and be permitted to enrol. 

Language Qualifications for Non-English Speaking Background Applicants (NESB)

Candidates who (a) have an assessable qualification that was undertaken solely in English in one of a set of prescribed countries OR (b) have been a resident in Australia with English being the language spoken at home and at work for ten (10) or more years are NOT required to provide proof of English language proficiency for consideration for admission to an ACT course. All other domestic and international candidates MUST provide proof of English language proficiency for consideration for admission to an ACT course. Such proof will normally be by provision of the results of an IELTS test (Academic Version).

For admission to the Advanced Diploma of Theology (Pathway 2), the minimum IELTS result required is 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each subtest. 

Mature Age Entry

Mature age entry is available for candidates 21 years and older. 

Course Structure 

Pathway 1 – 200 level units plus 300-400 level units

64 credit points over 2 years F/T or P/T equivalent, 16cps of which must be completed at 300-400 level:

  • 4-8 cps Old Testament introduction (either OT200; or OT*01 and OT*02)
  • 4-8 cps New Testament introduction (either NT200; or NT*01 and NT*02)
  • 4 cps Church History (CH*01, CH*02, CH*05 or CH206-209)
  • 4 cps Theology (TH210, TH211, or TH401-404)
  • Additionally the following units are required :
    • 4 cps Old Testament exegesis
    • 4 cps New Testament exegesis
    • 4 cps in Theology
    • 4 cps in Church History
    • 24 cps minimum of Electives, including a maximum of 8 cps Type B Electives

Pathway 2 – 300-400 level units only

48 credit points over 1.5 years F/T or P/T equivalent (up to 4.5 years) at 300-400 level:

  • 8 cps Old Testament introduction (OT301 and OT302)
  • 8 cps New Testament introduction (NT301 and NT302)
  • 4 cps Church History (CH301-305)
  • 4 cps Theology (TH401-404)
  • Additionally the following units are required:
    • 4 cps Old Testament exegesis at 300-400 level
    • 4 cps New Testament exegesis at 300-400 level
    • 4 cps in Theology at 300-400 level
    • 4 cps in Church History at 300-400 level
    • 8 cps Electives at 300-400 level, including a maximum of 4 cps Type B Electives 

Learning Outcomes

  • ability to interpret the biblical deposit, especially those books which have played a crucial role in the development of the Christian tradition, with a knowledge of their original context and their major themes and ideas,
  • knowledge of the major theological tenets of the Christian faith which underpin any coherent theological worldview and philosophy of ministry, and
  • having successfully completed units in the Department of Ministry and Practice, graduates should possess skills appropriate for ministry in at least one area of ministry practice demonstrating that they are able to bring the intellectual and pastoral dimensions of the Faith to bear upon issues affecting their special study area, in a way which is integrated with personal experience,
  • ability to communicate and minister in his or her special study area in a manner which appropriately brings together knowledge and social context.

 

Occupational Functions of Graduates

Graduates might expect to fulfil the following roles—

(i) a well-informed member of a church ministry team with shared responsibility for the Christian education program,

or

(ii) depending on the units taken in the course, a member of a church pastoral ministry team under the leadership of a qualified practitioner with a degree in theology or ministry. 

Rules

i. Students may not enrol in more than 20 credit points per semester.

ii. A student taking 300+ level units must fulfil the entry requirements for those units. If a student does not fulfil the normal entry requirements for 300-400 level units, the student may take these units after successful completion of 32cps at 200 level.

Available units

2012 SOCS Lecture units click here

2012 SOCS Online units click here

Fees and enrolments

2012 Fees and bursary assistance click here

2012 Enrolment form click here