You are an overseas student if you are NOT one of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand citizen (or dual citizen)
- Australian permanent resident
- Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder
- Pacific Engagement visa holder.
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
If you are holding or applying for a Student Visa Subclass 500 you are required to enrol in a full-time course that is registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) in Australia. For more details, please visit the Department of Home Affairs and the CRICOS website.
Overview
The Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry builds on the Diploma in Theology by enabling students to deepen their understanding of the key theological disciplines of Biblical Studies and Christian Thought and History and in Ministry. This is extended by further study in those disciplines and in the area of practical ministry studies. It may be possible for students to undertake study in a ministry setting as part of the course.
Course learning outcomes
Graduates of the Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry
- have significant foundational skills for critical study of Christian texts.
- have skills to articulate and reflect upon foundational theological, scriptural knowledge and apply this to ministry practice.
- have strong analytical skills allowing them to analyse and communicate sound theological arguments, especially in relation to ministry tasks or worldview perspectives.
- apply their skills and knowledge to their own and other contexts and traditions through culturally relevant ministry practices.
- apply their skills and knowledge to the service of others through practical engagement and in contexts such as practical support ministries or cultural and philosophical analysis.
Course structure
The Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry consists of 288 points.
| Course Structure | Points |
|---|---|
| Units in the discipline of Old Testament | 18 |
| Units in the discipline of New Testament | 18 |
| Units in the discipline of Church History | 18 |
| Units in the discipline of Systematic Theology | 18 |
| Units in the discipline of Practical Theology | 36 |
| Further units from the fields of Biblical Studies and/or Christian Thought and History | 36 |
| Further units in any discipline | 144 |
Locations and modes
The Salvation ArmyRingwood VIC, and Parramatta NSWClassroom, Mixed and Online modes
Uniting Church in AustraliaParkville VICClassroom, Mixed and Online modes
Uniting Church in AustraliaBrooklyn Park SAClassroom, Mixed and Online modes
LutheranAdelaide SAClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes
Roman CatholicEast Melbourne VICClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes-
Uniting Church in AustraliaParkville VICClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes
Coptic OrthodoxDonvale and Melbourne VICClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes
AnglicanNorth Adelaide SAClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes
AnglicanParkville VICClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes-
Uniting Church in AustraliaBrooklyn Park SAOnline (off-shore students only) mode
BaptistBox Hill VICClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes
Roman CatholicBox Hill VICClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes
Duration
The standard full-time duration of the Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry is two years. The Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry must be completed in not less than two years and not more than eight years from the date on which the course is commenced.
| Standard full-time | 2 years |
| Maximum part-time | 8 years |
Dual qualifications
Graduate pathways
Graduates may proceed to the Bachelor of Ministry or Bachelor of Theology
Admission criteria
Minimum Academic Requirement
One of:
- Australian Year 12 qualification
- Diploma in Ministry
- Diploma in Theology
Probationary admission is not available.
Credit
Credit of up to 180 points may be granted towards this award.
Credit may include:
| Prior qualification or training | Maximum credit | Specific application |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Ageing and Pastoral or Spiritual Care (10642NAT) | 72 points | 72 points towards Mission and Ministry |
| Diploma in Ageing and Pastoral Care (91561NSW) | 72 points | 72 points towards Mission and Ministry |
| Diploma of Catholic Youth Ministry (10603NAT or 11013NAT) | 144 points |
|
Credit is granted in accordance with the Credit Policy.
Fee summary
The Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry requires completion of 288 points (16 standard undergraduate units).
Fees for 2026 are $2,184 per standard unit or $17,472 for a year of full-time study (8 units). The total course cost is $34,944.
Fees are subject to change from year to year. For more information about fees, please visit the Fees page.
