Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies

The course requires 32 credit points in total. Students complete one core subject (Introduction to Christian Theology, THL460), two compulsory subjects (Introduction to Old Testament Studies and Introduction to New Testament Studies), and two restricted elective subjects chosen from a broad list of theological topics.

For each 8-point subject you are enrolled in, you should expect to spend 10 to 12 hours per week working on assignments and assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, and attending lectures, intensive schools, or examinations. If you are studying four subjects per session, this is equivalent to a full-time job.

You can study the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies on campus in Canberra or at United Theological College, or online. Session 1 (March 2, 2026) is available on campus and online in Canberra, while Sessions 2 and 3 also include United Theological College as a location.

Graduates can either continue on to further postgraduate study or take up a role in ministry, church leadership, chaplaincy, church-run non-government organisations or missions. The course also builds advanced skills in communication, critical thinking and judgement, application and problem-solving, which can be utilised across any number of career paths.

Yes, this course is part of an articulated program of study. Articulated programs allow you to build on your study to achieve the right level of qualification for you, meaning students can use this Graduate Certificate as a pathway into further theological qualifications.