Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies

The Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies are AQF Level 8 nested awards in the Master of Theological Studies. They can be destination courses or exit points, thus allowing flexibility for students who may wish to start with a short postgraduate course before committing to an AQF Level 9 award or for students who need to exit the Master’s award earlier than intended, due to unforeseen personal or professional reasons.

Course Structure

This course structure applies from Semester 1, 2024 onwards.

The course structure is based on two semesters (each of 13 weeks duration), with four subjects taught in each semester. It comprises:

  • Core Subjects — 40 credit points
  • Electives — 40 credit points

To qualify for award of the degree of Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies a candidate shall complete at least 80 credit points, including satisfactory completion of the core subjects.

For more information see the Student Handbook.

Core / 4 Subjects (40 credit points)

  • ACA401 Faith and Purpose
  • BIB404 Old Testament Foundations
  • BIB405 New Testament Foundations
  • THE405 Introduction to Theology

Elective / 4 Subjects (40 credit points)

  • 40 credit points at 400 level or above*

*Electives may be taken in the disciplines of Biblical Studies (BIB), Cross Cultural Ministry (CCM), History (HIS), Ministry (MIN), Theology (THE), or Worship Studies (WOR)

Academic

Applicants with Recent Secondary Education

This course of study requires the completion of a higher education qualification by an authorised institution. Applicants with recent high school education only are not eligible for direct entry into this course.

Applicants with Vocational Education and Training Study

This course of study requires the completion of a higher education qualification by an authorised institution. Applicants with a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification only are not eligible for direct entry into this course.

Applicants with Higher Education Study

Applicants whose highest level of study enrolment since leaving secondary education is a higher education qualification must demonstrate the completion of an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree (or higher) by an authorised institution for admission into this course.

Applicants with Work and Life Experience

This course of study requires the completion of a higher education qualification by an authorised institution. Applicants who have not completed formal higher education study are not eligible for direct entry into this course.

Language

Overseas students are required to demonstrate their English proficiency skills. Such students admitted into our programs must attain an overall IELTS (or equivalent) score of 7.0 (with no score below 6.5 in any of the four skills areas). IELTS (or equivalent) is not required for applicants who have undertaken five years of required higher education study (or equivalent) in English from an approved country or who have completed a Certificate IV or higher qualification awarded in English under the Australian Qualification Framework by an authorised institution or registered training organisation.

Study Modes

Locations: Fully Online. Some subjects available at Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide campuses
Full-time Duration: 1 year
Part-time Duration: Up to 4 years
2024 Intakes: Sem 1, Sem 2, Nov Intake

See the timetable to confirm individual subject location and mode availability.

FEES & TIMETABLE

A complete Fee Schedule for all Alphacrucis programs and courses can be found in our Fees Information section.

For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students, please see our Timetables.

FEE-HELP is available for eligible students to assist you in financing your studies. For more information and other options, please visit the Financing Your Study page. For students who cannot access government loans, an alternative option is Study Loans, a private student loan provider. To learn more about loans provided by Study Loans, click here.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

Demonstrated:

  • advanced and integrated understanding of key issues and practices within the disciplines studied.

Skills

Demonstrated ability to:

  • analyse, synthesise and critically engage the theoretical knowledge in the relevant areas of study;
  • examine a complex problem or issue using appropriate methodologies and theories from the discipline;
  • analyse and synthesise ideas and theories from related disciplines;
  • communicate effectively complex ideas and proposed solutions to peers and general audiences;
  • identify and critically evaluate new developments of research and scholarship in the selected disciplinary fields.

Application of knowledge and skills

Demonstrated ability to:

  • articulate new questions or issues and apply the knowledge and skills developed within the selected disciplinary fields to develop appropriate solutions;
  • design, implement and evaluate broad conceptual frameworks in the selected disciplinary fields;
  • work independently, responsibly and with the level of professionalism expected of an expert in the selected disciplinary fields.
OpenDaySlider

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies Graduates will demonstrate an ability to apply a body of knowledge in a range of contexts to undertake advanced professional positions.

WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING

To qualify for the award of the Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies, a candidate is not required to complete any Professional Practice subjects. Students who chose to complete a professional practice subject are usually required to find their own workplace/ employer/ mentor to be approved by AC. In some cases, a new aspect within a student’s current paid employment may be suitable as a work placement.

STUDENT SERVICES

For more information on the suite of student support services available, please see our Student Services section.

CRICOS Course Code: 115073E