Program Overview
This one-year full-time or four-year part-time program provides a comprehensive foundation in theology and biblical studies, preparing students for ministry in contemporary society. It includes core subjects in faith, professional practice, pastoral ministry, and biblical foundations, along with elective options. Graduates are equipped for careers in ministry, not-for-profit organizations, and missions-focused roles.
Program Outline
You will gain the practical expertise required for ministry and make a positive contribution to society. You will also develop your writing and communication skills, and apply your knowledge in various ministry contexts.
Outline:
It comprises 8 subjects in total: 5 core subjects and 3 electives.
The 5 core subjects are:
- Faith and Purpose (ACA001)
- Professional Practice (EXP001)
- Introduction to Pastoral Ministry (MIN001)
- Character Formation and Ministry (MIN012)
- Old Testament Foundations (BIB009) or New Testament Foundations (BIB010)
The face-to-face classes can be delivered weekly or via intensives. Some subjects must be completed face-to-face to meet professional accreditation requirements.
Careers:
Graduates of this course may find employment in a relevant occupational field that requires skills in research and critical thinking, such as:
- Ministry or church-based organizations
- Missions-focused organizations
Other:
Entry Requirements:
Academic:
- Recent Secondary Education:
- Applicants must have completed the NSW Higher School Certificate (or an equivalent international qualification) with passing grades.
- Vocational Education and Training (VET):
- Applicants must have completed an AQF Level 3 Certificate III or higher from an authorized institution or registered training organization.
- Higher Education Study:
- Applicants must have completed a AQF Level 5 Higher Education Diploma (or higher) from an authorized institution.
- Work and Life Experience:
- Applicants under 21 can apply on the basis of provisional entry and complete the required qualifying period to become a full candidate.
- Applicants over 21 can apply for provisional entry and complete the qualifying period to become a full candidate.
Language:
- Overseas Students:
- Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency with an overall IELTS (or equivalent) score of 5.5 (with no score below 5.0 in any of the four skills areas).
- This requirement is waived for applicants who have completed five years of higher education in English from an approved country or who have completed an Australian AQF Level 4 Certificate or higher in English.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Minimum IELTS score: 5.5 (with no band below 5.0)
- Alternatives to IELTS:
- Completion of five years of higher education in English from an approved country
- Completion of an Australian AQF Level 4 Certificate or higher in English
- The required subjects for this course have changed in 2022. Students who commenced before 2022 are encouraged to contact Student Services for enrollment support and consult the pre-2022 enrollment guide for this course.
- The Diploma of Ministry is a one-year full-time program or a four-year part-time program.
- The program is offered fully online, with some subjects also available on campus in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, and Adelaide.
- Students are required to complete at least one subject (10 credit points) of Professional Practice, which usually involves finding their own workplace/employer/mentor to be approved by AC.
