The Theological School offers a wide selection of undergraduate and postgraduate awards of the University of Divinity, as well as a range of continuing education events.
Undergraduate awards
Diploma in Theology (DipTheol)
The Diploma of Theology introduces students to the key theological disciplines of Biblical Studies and Christian Thought and History. Students complete 8 standard units, equivalent to 1 year of full-time study. Units can be at AQF level 5 (class-based only) or level 7 (Bachelor). Graduates are eligible to proceed, with credit, to the Advanced Diploma. Please see the DipTheol brochure for further information and a standard course plan.
Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry (AdvDipTheolMin)
The Advanced Diploma of 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. Please see the BTheol brochure for further information and a standard course plan.
Postgraduate awards
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, wtih 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, wtih credit, to the Master of Theological Studies (MTS).
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
The Master of Theological Studies is an advanced postgraduate award for students with a 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 12,000-word Research Essay. 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 12,000-word Research Essay. Graduates who have completed a Research Essay at a specified standard may be eligible for admission to a Higher Degree by Research. Please see the MDiv brochure for further information and a standard course plan.
Research Degrees
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 12,000-word Research Essay (worth 2 units). Currently the recommended Research unit is offered through the Catholic Theological College (CTC), and is available in Semester 1 only each year.
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 can be taken by Major Thesis (40,000 words), or by Minor Thesis (25,000 words) and 2 coursework units. 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
You are welcome to sit in on a unit as an audit student. Those interested in attending any of our units on a not-for-credit basis, should complete the PDF (270KB) enrolment form. Audit units at Trinity cost $350 each. Assessment cannot be submitted or marked, and no feedback can be given on your work or progress.
The Parish-based Trinity Certificate
Please note that the Trinity Certificate in Theology and Ministry is no longer offered by Trinity College Theological School. A revised program - the Australis Certificate of Ministry - has been created by the Diocese of Bendigo. For more information visit the website: www.bendigoanglican.org.au/australis-certificate-of-ministry or email: australiscm@bendigoanglican.org.au.