Bachelor of Divinity

Program Overview

Bachelor of Divinity

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Divinity, as a comprehensive foundational qualification, introduces students to both the breadth and depth of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. The degree is structured so that students select courses across the various theological disciplines.

Students in the Bachelor of Divinity will normally pursue studies in the Humanities (Philosophy, Ancient Languages, Church History and Patrology) before engaging the disciplines of Sacred Scripture (Old Testament and New Testament) and Theology (Spiritual, Fundamental, Dogmatic and Moral), which the Humanities naturally serve to support and contextualise. Students are also required to undertake courses in Pastoral Studies, allowing candidates to pursue electives in Pastoral Theology and Ministry, Liturgical Studies, and Canon Law as they approach the end of the degree.

To fulfil the requirements of this award, students must complete 600 units of credit comprised of:

• At least 50 units of credit in Philosophy
• At least 100 units of credit in Sacred Scripture (including 25 units of credit in each of Old and New Testament Studies)
• At least 100 units of credit in Dogmatic Theology
• An additional 50 units of credit in either Sacred Scripture or Dogmatic Theology
• At least 25 units of credit in Moral Theology
• At least 50 units of credit in Pastoral Studies and Practice
• At least 25 credits in Church History and Patrology, and
• 200 units of credit in electives

Entry Requirements

WA

• Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank of 70
• International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25
• Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher
• Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP
• Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
• Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry
• Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section
• Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above

NSW

• Prescribed ATAR/Selection Rank
• Equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB) score
• Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher
• Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP
• Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
• Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry
• Completion of STAT with scores of at least 150 in the Multiple Choice section and 150 in the Written English section
• Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Divinity, graduates will be able to:

1. Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of the Catholic faith, achieved through detailed study of the theological disciplines and Sacred Scripture, supported by philosophy, as a basis for independent lifelong learning
2. Critically analyse, synthesise, and evaluate Theological perspectives and methods, in the light of Catholic faith, across the main theological disciplines
3. Independently, and within teams, apply critical thought and theologically attuned judgement in a manner that demonstrates technical theological competence
4. Communicate theological concepts and knowledge, in a succinct, contextualised and doctrinally coherent way, to specialist and non-specialist audiences
5. Adapt their knowledge and skills to act with competence and ethical responsibility in their Christian living and ministry in the world

Partnership with the Catholic Institute of Sydney

This program is offered through an exclusive partnership with the Catholic Institute of Sydney (CIS) and provides the option to participate in this program externally, at one of the eligible CIS campuses or through Notre Dame, at the Fremantle or Sydney campus. By attending the CIS campus in Sydney, you will receive instruction from their internationally trained faculty and lecturers, and earn an accredited degree through the University of Notre Dame Australia.

Career Opportunities

A Bachelor of Divinity can lead to careers in teaching (with additional training), chaplaincy (hospitals, prisons, schools, defence), public service, non-government organisations, writing, communications, advertising, education support, pastoral work, or Church agencies.

Fees and Costs

This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

• Domestic Fee-Paying: A domestic fee-paying place is a place at university where the student is responsible for the full cost the program.
• Eligible domestic fee-paying students may apply for the FEE-HELP loan scheme which assists eligible fee-paying students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your FEE-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.