Program Overview

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Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies

The Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies from Charles Sturt University offers a graduate admission pathway into theological study for students with an undergraduate degree. It encourages and fosters the search for meaning and spiritual depth in the context of cultural and religious pluralism in contemporary Australia.

This theology degree provides a foundational component of training for ministry and offers you the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Bible. It comprises eight subjects, four core and four electives. You can choose to exit with a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies upon completion of four subjects.

Key Information

• Study mode and sessions: On Campus, Online
• Duration: Minimum time - 1 year, Maximum time - 2 years
• Entry score: TBA
• Indicative fees:
  • International on campus: Full-time - $23,760.00 pa, Part-time - $11,880.00 pa
  • International online: Full-time - $23,760.00 pa, Part-time - $11,880.00 pa
• Course points and codes: Credit Points: 64, AQF: Level 8, Cricos: A

Why Study with Us?

Learn from leading researchers at Charles Sturt University, guided by highly qualified lecturers working from their own research interests. The library resources are extensive, accessible, and comprehensive. Areas of study range across subjects in biblical studies, Church history, practical theology, and systematic theology.

Career Opportunities

This theology degree will position you to either continue on to further postgraduate study or take on a role in a variety of areas, depending on your interests. These could include ministry, church leadership, and chaplaincy; church-run non-governmental organizations; and missions. The course also develops your general skills areas in communication, critical thinking, and judgment, application, and problem-solving, which will be useful across any number of professional settings.

What You Will Study

For each 8-point subject you are enrolled in, you should expect to spend 10 to 12 hours per week working on assignments and assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, and attending lectures, intensive schools, or examinations. If you are studying four subjects per session, this is equivalent to a full-time job. The workload for some subjects may vary as a result of approved course design.

Core Subjects

• THL460: Introduction to Christian Theology
• THP528: Indigenous Australian Cultures and Spiritualities
• THL410: Early Church History
• THL408 or THL409: Introduction to Old Testament Studies or Introduction to New Testament Studies

Restricted Electives

Select four subjects from the following:

• THP500: Jesus the Christ
• THP501: Anglican Foundations
• THP502: Being the Church
• THP503: Biblical Hebrew 1
• THP504: Biblical Hebrew 2
• THP505: Biblical Hebrew 3
• THP506: Christian Worship
• THP507: Christianity in Australian History
• THP508: Ecological Theology
• THP509: Global Christianity since 1700
• THP510: God and Humanity
• THP511: Homiletics
• THP512: Judaism and Early Christianity
• THP513: Mission, Evangelism, and Apologetics
• THP514: New Testament Greek 1
• THP515: New Testament Greek 2
• THP516: New Testament Greek 3
• THP517: Old Testament History and Narrative
• THP518: Pastoral Care
• THP519: Practical Theology
• THP520: Sacramental Theology
• THP521: The Diaconate
• THP522: The European Reformations
• THP523: The Pentateuch
• THP524: The Synoptic Gospels
• THP525: The Triune God
• THP526: Theological Ethics
• THP527: World Religions and Christian Theology
• THP529: Introduction to Biblical Languages
• THP530: Paul and His Letters
• THP531: Wisdom and Worship Traditions
• THP532: Christian Spirituality
• THP533: Medieval Church History
• THP534: New Religious Movements and Alternative Spiritualities
• THP536: Hebrews and the General Epistles
• THP537: The Johannine Literature
• THP538: The Prophetic Literature
• THP539: Reconciliation: The Theological-Political Nexus in Indigenous Public Policy
• THP540: Interfaith Dialogue
• THP541: Theology International Study Experience
• THP543: Cross Cultural Ministry in Australia
• THP544: Christian Ministry
• THL532: Doing Theology on Indigenous Australian Countries

Costs

• Course Fees:
  • International on campus: Full-time - $23,760.00 pa, Part-time - $11,880.00 pa
  • International online: Full-time - $23,760.00 pa, Part-time - $11,880.00 pa
• Payment Options:
  1. Pay all of your student contribution up front direct to the university
  2. Pay part of your student contribution to the university and defer the balance via a HECS-HELP loan through the Australian Government (if eligible)
  3. Defer all of your student contribution via a HECS-HELP loan through the Australian Government (if eligible)

Entry Requirements

• Selection rank: TBA
• Academic entry requirements: Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from an approved tertiary institution, other than an undergraduate degree in Theology.
• Language requirements: Standard English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements apply.

Credit and Pathways

If you’ve completed relevant tertiary study, or work experience related to your course, you could receive credit towards your degree. Which would mean completing your qualification quicker. Find out how to apply for credit and see our credit policy.

How to Apply

Applying to Charles Sturt University is easy. Choose how you want to apply below:

• Apply via UAC: Refer to key dates on the UAC website
• Apply via VTAC: Refer to key dates on the VTAC website
• Apply directly to Charles Sturt: Check out our direct application closing dates

Related Courses

Other courses that you might be interested in:

• Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies
• Master of Arts (Theological Studies)