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 of study:
- 18 points in each of the disciplines of Old Testament, New Testament, Church History and Systematic Theology
- 36 additional points from Field B (Biblical Studies) and/or Field C (Christian Thought and History)
- 36 points from Field D (Theology: Mission and Ministry)
- A further 144 points
Locations and modes
The Salvation ArmyRingwood VIC, and Parramatta NSWClassroom, Mixed and Online modes-
Uniting Church in AustraliaParkville VICClassroom, Mixed and Online modes
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Uniting Church in AustraliaBrooklyn Park SAClassroom, Mixed and Online modes
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LutheranNorth Adelaide SAClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes
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Roman CatholicEast Melbourne VICClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes
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Uniting Church in AustraliaParkville VICClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes
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Coptic OrthodoxDonvale and Melbourne VICClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes
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AnglicanNorth Adelaide SAClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes
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AnglicanParkville VICClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes
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Uniting Church in AustraliaBrooklyn Park SAOnline (off-shore students only) mode
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BaptistBox Hill VICClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes
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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
Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education in an Australian secondary school or the Diploma in Theology, or equivalent.
Prospective students apply by direct entry to a College of the University. The Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) is not used in selection at the University of Divinity.
It may be possible for students to receive credit into their course for prior post-secondary study in theology or ministry.Graduates may proceed to the Bachelor of Ministry or Bachelor of Theology
Credit
| Award | Maximum credit | Specific rules |
| None | 180 | |
| Diploma in Ageing and Pastoral or Spiritual Care (10642NAT) | 72 points | Credit granted for units in Mission and Ministry |
| Diploma in Ageing and Pastoral Care (91561NSW) | 72 points | Credit granted for units in Mission and Ministry |
| Diploma of Catholic Youth Ministry (10603NAT or 11013NAT) | 144 points | 18 points Biblical Studies Level 1 18 points Systematic Theology Level 1 108 points Mission and Ministry |
Fee summary
The Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry requires completion of 16 standard undergraduate units. Fees for 2025 are $2,109 per standard unit or $16,872 for a year of full-time study (8 units).
Fees are subject to change from year to year. For more information about fees, please visit the Fees page.
