Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts at Alphacrucis University College is a three-year degree built around religious studies. You'll take core units in biblical texts, Christian theology and church history, then choose electives in areas like pastoral care, youth work, missions or ethics. Class sizes are small, so tutorials turn into real discussions rather than lectures you could watch online. Assessment mixes essays, exegesis papers, exams and practical projects, with plenty of feedback along the way.

Australian bachelor degrees are made up of units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. You need to pass a required total to graduate, usually 144 credit points for a three-year degree, or 24 standard units. Most students take four units per semester across two semesters a year, with a mid-year break. The degree sits at Level 7 on the Australian Qualifications Framework. An honours year, if you choose it later, adds a fourth year and a research thesis. Alphacrucis delivers some units online and some on campus, so you can often fit study around work or ministry commitments.

Religious studies graduates pick up skills employers actually ask for: reading closely, writing clearly, handling primary sources, and understanding why people believe what they believe. You'll learn to present an argument, lead a small group, and reflect on your own assumptions. Some students take a placement unit in a church, school, NGO or community organisation, which counts towards the degree and gives you something concrete for your resume.

This degree suits people who want to think seriously about faith and culture, whether you're heading into ministry, teaching, chaplaincy or further study. It also works for career changers who want a broad humanities degree with a religious focus. International students should check the CRICOS register for current tuition and confirm English requirements on the official page, IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate standard, and the Student visa has its own separate English threshold. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight, and after graduating you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).

• Pastor, ministry worker or church planter in Australian churches and faith-based organisations
• Chaplain in schools, hospitals, aged care or the defence force
• Youth worker or community services coordinator in NGOs and local councils
• Teacher (with further study) in public and independent schools
• Communications, events or administration officer in not-for-profits
• Further study: honours year, Master of Teaching, Master of Divinity or postgraduate theology