Course Overview

About This Course

Are you wanting to build your life and ministry on the richness of Scripture and Christian Theology? Deepen your understanding of theological principles and their application to contemporary life with the Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies. This comprehensive program is designed for those who wish to explore theology at an advanced level and apply it effectively in ministry and professional contexts. Balancing flexibility with academic rigor, this course fits seamlessly into your life while preparing you for further studies or advanced roles in ministry and professional settings. This 8-subject postgraduate course provides an extensive foundation in Theology and Biblical studies, suitable for those looking to deepen their scriptural and theological knowledge and apply it to life and ministry. This course is suitable for pastors and other ministry leaders as subjects can be taken at any pace and mode. You may choose electives in a wide range of Bible, Theology or Ministry subjects. The Graduate Diploma serves as a stand-alone qualification and also provides a pathway to higher academic pursuits, such as the Master of Theological Studies at Alphacrucis University College.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Hobart

45 Melville Street, HOBART, TAS 7000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Entry Requirements Higher Education Study Completion of an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline by an authorised institution. International Students – Language Requirements IELTS (or equivalent) Score of 7.0 (with no score below 6.5 in any of the four skills areas). Additional Information Proof of Identity Applicants must submit a proof of identity document for every application. Accepted forms of identification: Birth Certificate Passport (current and valid) A supporting document must be submitted in addition to the identity document if an applicant’s name is different on their primary document. (Marriage Certificate or Change of Name Certificate) Applicants may be required to provide a certified copy of their identity documents upon request. AC does not accept a driver’s license or photo card as sufficient ID.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates will demonstrate an ability to apply a body of knowledge in a range of contexts to undertake advanced professional positions. Career opportunities include: qualifies you theologically to be a minister in any church in the Australian Christian Churches movement; provides a strong foundation for current leadership and ministry roles; qualifies you for advanced professional or ministry positions, including pastoral and leadership roles; opportunities in education, chaplaincy, mentoring and pastoral care.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian College of Theology (ACT) / relevant denominational body

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

VETASSESS

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units59 units

ACA401

Faith and Purpose

BIB404

Old Testament Foundations

BIB405

New Testament Foundations

THE405

Introduction to Theology

THE523

Globalization of Pentecostalism [Third Party Only]

THE522

Pentecostal Theology [Third Party Only]

BIB581

Special Elective in Biblical Studies: Pentecostal Theology

BIB517

Destruction and Hope in the Prophets

THE406

Advanced Research in Theology

THE501

Christ and Salvation

THE503

Pneumatology

THE504

Christian Ethics

THE508

Trinity and Christian Life

THE512

Apologetics

THE513

Creation and Humanity

THE530

Theology and Psychology

THE511

Ecclesiology

MIN401

Introduction to Pastoral Ministry

MIN402

Christian Spirituality

MIN501

Pastoral Administration and Management

MIN503

Pentecostal Ministry Foundations

MIN504

Preaching and Public Communication

MIN505

Relationships

MIN506

Healing Ministry

MIN507

Church and Society

MIN508

Church Planting

MIN509

Discipleship

MIN510

Communicating the Christian Faith

MIN520

Youth Ministry

MIN521

Children’s Ministry

MIN531

Women and Men in Christian Ministry

CCM509

Pentecostal Ministry in Spirit World Aware Contexts

BIB535

Wisdom and Worship

ANL402

New Testament Greek I

ANL501

Old Testament Hebrew II

ANL502

New Testament Greek II

ANL503

New Testament Greek III

ANL504

Old Testament Hebrew III

BIB504

Biblical Interpretation

BIB515

The Spirit in the Old Testament

BIB516

John’s Gospel and Revelation

BIB520

The Pentateuch

BIB523

Historical Books of the Old Testament

BIB532

Isaiah

BIB534

World of the Old Testament

ANL401

Old Testament Hebrew I

BIB536

The Community in Exile

BIB540

Jesus and the Gospels

BIB541

Acts of the Apostles

BIB552

The Prison Epistles

BIB554

The World of the New Testament

BIB558

Building Pauline Churches—The Pastoral Epistles and Thessalonians

BIB562

Romans and Galatians

BIB563

I & II Corinthians

BIB590

New Testament Field Study

BIB592

Old Testament Field Study

CCM401

Introduction to Cross Cultural Ministry

CCM505

Exploring Islam

CCM508

World Religions

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies qualify me for ordained ministry?

Yes. This course meets the theological qualification requirements to be an ordained minister in churches that are part of the Australian Christian Churches movement, which represents over 1,100 churches throughout Australia and neighbouring countries. If your church is part of another denomination, you should check with your church or denomination office if this course is also recognised for credentialled ministry.

Can the Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies lead to further postgraduate study?

Yes. The Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies is a nested award within the Master of Theological Studies at Alphacrucis University College. It can serve as a pathway into the Master of Theological Studies, and students who have successfully completed this course may progress into that postgraduate course. Graduates are advised to contact the Future Students Team for information on eligibility requirements for further study.

How flexible is this course in terms of study mode and pace?

The course offers considerable flexibility. It can be studied full-time over 1 year or part-time for up to 4 years. Available study modes include Online Recorded, Online Live, Mixed Mode, and Face to Face. Study locations include online and on campus at Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Adelaide (noting that some subjects are available on campus — check the timetable to confirm location and mode). Start dates are available in March (Semester 1), August (Semester 2), and November (Summer).

What is the course structure of the Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies?

The course consists of 8 subjects worth 80 credit points in total. It comprises 4 core subjects (40 credit points) — Faith and Purpose (ACA401), Old Testament Foundations (BIB404), New Testament Foundations (BIB405), and Introduction to Theology (THE405) — plus 4 elective subjects (40 credit points) chosen from disciplines including Biblical Studies, Cross Cultural Ministry, History, Ministry, Theology, or Worship Studies at 400 level or above.

How much does the Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies cost and is financial assistance available?

The course is priced at $3,150 per subject. FEE-HELP is available for eligible domestic students, which means you may be able to defer your fees through the Australian Government's FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Application

How to Apply

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Step 02

Submit Documents

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Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

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