Courses & Further Study

People speaking to each other at a table
0001-01-01

What can I study at Trinity College Theological School?

We have a variety of courses to suit undergraduates, postgraduates, non-audit students, full-time & part-time students. To view units available for the upcoming semester, click here.

Apply now

Undergraduate awards

Graphic depicting the undergraduate progression in Theological School, Trinity College i.e. Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Bachelor of Theology

Diploma in Theology (DipTheol)

The Diploma in Theology introduces students to the key theological disciplines of Biblical Studies and Christian Thought and History. Students complete 8 standard Undergraduate units, equivalent to 1 year of full-time study. Graduates are eligible to proceed, with credit, to the Advanced Diploma.

Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry (AdvDipTheolMin)

The Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry builds on the DipTheol by deepening understanding. This is extended by further study in those disciplines and in the area of practical ministry studies. Students complete 16 standard units, equivalent to 2 years full-time study. Graduates are eligible to proceed, with credit, to the Bachelor of Theology. 

Bachelor of Theology (BTheol)

The Bachelor of Theology is the standard undergraduate degree for all students wishing to complete tertiary qualifications in Theology, especially those intending on ordained ministry. It critically examines life and faith through the study of scriptures, theological traditions and historical contexts. Students complete 24 standard units. 

Here's what one of our first-year students has to say about studying with us:

Studying at Trinity's Theological School has helped me to more deeply engage with both my understanding of Christianity and what it means for me personally to express my faith. All the lecturers have been incredibly helpful and accommodating, especially with online classes. They always do what they can to give me the best theological education possible. It has truly been a blessing to study here.

Postgraduate awards

Graphic depicting the postgraduate progression at Trinity College Theological School, including Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, MTH or MTS and the Master of Divinity

Graduate Certificate in Theology (GradCertTheol)

The Graduate Certificate in Theology is an introductory postgraduate award for students with a degree in another area. It enables students to lay sound foundations in selected theological disciplines within Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology, Church History, Mission and Ministry. It consists of 3 Foundational units taken across 3 disciplines, in at least 2 fields.

Graduate Certificate in Divinity (GradCertDiv)

The Graduate Certificate in Divinity allows students to explore areas of interest in divinity and its associated disciplines. It serves as an introduction to the broad field of study of theology or philosophy. It consists of any 3 Foundational or Elective units.

Graduate Diploma in Theology (GradDipTheol)

The Graduate Diploma in Theology is an introductory postgraduate award for students with a tertiary award in another area. It consists of 6 postgraduate units, 3 of which must be Foundational units. Graduates are eligible to proceed, with credit, to the Master of Theological Studies (MTS).

Graduate Diploma in Divinity (GradDipDIV)

The Graduate Diploma in Divinity allows students to explore multiple areas of interest in divinity and its associated disciplines or engage with one or two areas of depth. It serves as a foundation for study of theology or philosophy. It consists of 6 postgraduate units, in any discipline or field. Graduates are eligible to proceed, with credit, to the Master of Theological Studies (MTS).

Master of Theology (MTh)

The Master of Theology enables students with an undergraduate degree in theology or ministry to deepen their engagement with select areas of study in preparation for professional practice and/or further learning. The MTh requires completion of 10 standard postgraduate units (equivalent of two years full-time): up to 2 at Foundational level; further units at Elective or Praxis level; and a Capstone unit or a 16,000-word Minor Thesis.

Master of Theological Studies (MTS)

The Master of Theological Studies is an advanced postgraduate award for students with an existing tertiary award in another area. It enables students to deepen their engagement and skills in selected areas of theological study. It consists of 12 postgraduate units, including a Capstone unit or a 16,000-word Minor Thesis. Graduates are eligible to proceed, with PARTIAL credit (up to 9 units), to the Master of Divinity (MDIV).

Master of Divinity (MDiv)

The Master of Divinity is a primary theological degree for students with a degree in another area. It requires in-depth study in at least one specialisation. It consists of 18 postgraduate units, including a Capstone unit or a 16,000-word Minor Thesis. Graduates who have completed a Minor Thesis at a specified standard may be eligible for admission to a Higher Degree by Research.

Research Degrees

Graphic depicting the research progression at Trinity College Theological School including Grad Cert Research Methods, Master of Philosophy and the Doctor of Philosophy

Graduate Certificate in Research Methodology (GradCertResMethod)

The Graduate Certificate in Research Methodology is a postgraduate award for students preparing for a higher degree by research. It enables students to survey a range of research methodologies, and to undertake a short piece of original research. It consists of 1 unit in Research Methodology and a 16,000-word Minor Thesis (worth 2 units). Currently the recommended Research unit is offered through the Catholic Theological College (CTC), and is available in Semester 1 each year face-to-face and online in Semester 2.

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

The Master of Philosophy allows students to apply advanced knowledge in a range of contexts, and can be a pathway to further study. The MPhil requires completion of a thesis of 40,000 words. All candidates must attend a minimum of 8 hours of research seminars each year, and complete a postgraduate unit in Research Methodologies. The course is usually taken over 3 semesters full-time or up to 3 years part-time.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy enables students to add to the existing body of knowledge through new research. Candidates submit a thesis of not more than 100,000 words for external examination. A supervised publication portfolio or exegeted research project may also qualify. All candidates must attend a minimum of 8 hours of research seminars each year, and complete a postgraduate unit in Research Methodologies. The degree is usally completed over 3 years of full-time study, or up to 6 years part-time.

Non-Award Courses

Audit Students

With permission from the lecturer, you are welcome to sit in on a unit as an audit participant. Those interested in attending any of our units on a not-for-credit basis, should complete the enrolment form. Audit units in 2024 cost $500 each. While you may complete the assessment tasks yourself, they cannot be submitted or marked, and no feedback can be given on your work or progress. Ordinarily, audit participation will be limited to two units without further consultation with the College.