Bachelor of Ministry

The Bachelor of Ministry at the University of Divinity is a three-year undergraduate degree for people who want to work in churches, faith-based organisations or community settings where theology matters. You study the Bible, Christian doctrine, church history, ethics and pastoral practice. The degree is built around the classical theological disciplines, but it also asks you to think about how those disciplines shape the everyday work of ministry, preaching, leading congregations, pastoral care, and engaging with the wider community.

Australian bachelor degrees are made up of units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. You normally enrol full-time over two semesters a year, though many students in this field study part-time while working or volunteering in a church or community role. The degree usually includes a capstone unit in the final year, where you bring together what you have learned, often through a supervised project or a piece of applied theological reflection. Some students take a research pathway that can lead to honours. The University of Divinity is a specialist institution, so its courses are taught by people who work in theology and ministry, and you are part of a network of colleges rather than a single large campus.

You gain skills in reading and interpreting texts, writing clearly, public speaking, pastoral listening, and thinking through ethical questions with care. You also learn how to plan and lead worship, work with volunteers, and handle the practical side of ministry, from governance to community engagement. Work-integrated learning is part of the degree. You go on placement in a parish, a school, a hospital chaplaincy service or a community organisation, supervised by an experienced practitioner, and you reflect on that experience in writing. That placement is where a lot of students work out what kind of ministry they are called to.

This degree suits people preparing for ordained ministry, lay leadership, chaplaincy, or further study in theology. It also suits people who already work in a church or faith-based NGO and want formal qualifications. If you are an international student, you can work up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session. After you graduate, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may let you stay and work in Australia, check the Department of Home Affairs for current rules. English requirements for international applicants are usually IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, or an accepted equivalent. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register. Confirm entry requirements, unit offerings and placement arrangements on the official University of Divinity page before you apply.

• Ordained minister or pastor in a local church
• Lay ministry leader or pastoral worker
• Chaplain in hospitals, aged care, prisons, schools or the defence force
• Youth or community worker in a faith-based organisation
• Missions or outreach coordinator
• Church administrator or ministry team leader
• Further study in theology, divinity or ministry at honours or master's level

Employers include churches and denominations, faith-based NGOs, hospitals and aged care providers, school chaplaincy services, and community welfare organisations across Australia.