Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry

Applicants need successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education in an Australian secondary school, or the Diploma in Theology, or equivalent. Prospective students apply by direct entry to a College of the University, and the ATAR is not used in selection. It may also be possible to receive credit for prior post-secondary study in theology or ministry.

Fees for 2026 are $2,184 per standard unit or $17,472 for a year of full-time study (8 units). The total course cost is $34,944 for the 288-point course (16 standard undergraduate units). Fees are subject to change from year to year.

Graduates of the Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry may proceed to the Bachelor of Ministry or Bachelor of Theology.

The course is available at 12 schools or colleges, including Australian Lutheran College (Adelaide SA), Catholic Theological College (East Melbourne VIC), Eva Burrows College (Ringwood VIC and Parramatta NSW), Pilgrim Theological College (Parkville VIC), St Athanasius College (Donvale and Melbourne VIC), St Barnabas College (North Adelaide SA), St Francis College (Milton QLD), Trinity College Theological School (Parkville VIC), Uniting College for Leadership and Theology (Brooklyn Park SA), Whitley College (Box Hill VIC), Wollaston Theological College (Mount Claremont WA), and Yarra Theological Union (Box Hill VIC).

Graduates have significant foundational skills for critical study of Christian texts; skills to articulate and reflect upon foundational theological and scriptural knowledge and apply this to ministry practice; strong analytical skills to analyse and communicate sound theological arguments especially in relation to ministry tasks or worldview perspectives; and the ability to apply their skills to their own and other contexts through culturally relevant ministry practices and practical engagement such as support ministries or cultural and philosophical analysis.