Diploma of Christian Studies (Korean)

The Diploma of Christian Studies (Korean) is a one-year qualification taught in Korean at the Australian University College of Divinity. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which means it is a shorter, focused course of study that can stand alone or serve as a pathway into a bachelor degree. Students complete units of study worth credit points across one year of full-time study, usually split into two semesters or trimesters. The Korean-language delivery makes it accessible to students who want to study theology and ministry in their first language while living in Australia.

What you study

You will cover core areas of Christian thought: biblical studies, theology, church history, and practical ministry. Units are taught in Korean, with assessments that may include essays, exams, and ministry reflections. The course is structured so that each unit builds on the last, giving you a coherent grounding in the Christian tradition and how it applies to church and community life. Because it is a diploma, the focus is on foundational knowledge and practical skills rather than advanced research.

How it fits into the Australian system

Australian qualifications are organised by the AQF. A diploma is typically one year of full-time study, while a bachelor degree is three years (four with honours), a master's is one to two years, and a doctorate is three or more. The Diploma of Christian Studies (Korean) can be a stepping stone: many students use it to enter a bachelor degree with credit for the units they have completed. Credit is granted as units of study and credit points, not as time off in a vague sense. The course is registered on CRICOS (code 082723G), so it is available to international students.

Learning and support

Teaching happens in small classes, often with discussion and pastoral input. There is no mandatory professional placement in this diploma, but some units may include practical ministry components or service in a local church. The college provides academic support in Korean and English, and you will be part of a community that includes students from Korean-speaking backgrounds and others. The aim is to help you think clearly about Christian faith and practice, and to prepare you for further study or ministry roles.

Who it suits

This diploma suits people who want to explore Christian studies without committing to a three-year degree, or who need a pathway into higher education. It is also for church leaders, missionaries, and volunteers who want formal training in Korean. If you are an international student, you will need to meet English requirements: IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for undergraduate and coursework postgraduate courses, though some fields like teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work require 7.0–7.5. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university's own English programmes are accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After graduation, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. Always check the official CRICOS page and the university's website for current details on tuition, intake dates, and English requirements.

• Church ministry assistant or pastoral worker in Korean-speaking congregations
• Chaplaincy support in schools, hospitals or aged care (with further study)
• Community and welfare roles in faith-based not-for-profit organisations
• Further study: bachelor degree in theology, ministry or counselling
• Volunteer or lay leadership in churches and missions
• Roles in Korean community organisations and cultural groups

Australian industries that hire graduates include religious organisations, community services, education support, and aged care. The diploma also provides a pathway to bachelor degrees, which can lead to professional roles in ministry, education, or social work with additional qualifications.