Diploma of Theology (Religious Studies)

The Diploma of Theology is a one-year qualification for students who want a serious introduction to Christian thought before deciding whether to continue into a degree. You study the Bible, Christian doctrine, church history and the practice of ministry. At diploma level the assessment tends to be practical: close reading of set texts, short essays, tutorial participation and exams. The point is to build a working knowledge of the Christian tradition, not to specialise yet.

Australian qualifications are built on the AQF, and a diploma sits below a bachelor degree. It is normally one year of full-time study, made up of units of study, each carrying credit points. Most institutions run two semesters or three trimesters a year, with census dates that matter for fees and withdrawals. Because the diploma is nested, the credit points you earn usually count towards a bachelor degree if you choose to keep going. Work-integrated learning is common in ministry training: supervised field education or a placement in a local church, school or community organisation, where you reflect on practice under a supervisor.

You finish with the ability to read Scripture in context, explain core doctrines, write clearly about theological questions and work with people in a pastoral setting. Those skills transfer to further study and to paid or volunteer roles in churches and faith-based organisations.

This course suits school leavers who want a year of theological grounding before a degree, mature-age students exploring a call to ministry, and people already serving in a congregation who want formal training without committing to three years. International applicants need to meet the university's English requirement and the separate Student visa English threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs. While studying, a student visa generally allows work of up to 48 hours per fortnight, and graduates may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 054649A. Check the official page for current unit lists, intake dates and fees.

• Pastoral or ministry assistant in a local church
• Chaplaincy support in schools, hospitals or aged care
• Youth or children's ministry worker
• Church administration and operations roles
• Community services and faith-based not-for-profit organisations
• Further study towards a Bachelor of Theology or Ministry