Advanced Diploma in Ministry Course Information
Description
The MCD Advanced Diploma in Ministry (AdvDipMin) extends the Diploma to a three-year course, requiring further study in Scripture and Christian Thought, while enabling a fuller coverage of Ministry units.
Course Outcome
Candidates for Christian ministries can use this course to meet some of the academic prerequisites for ordination; the course is flexible, with a wide range of options.
Course Structure
To be awarded the AdvDipMin, a total of 360 credit points (24 standard units) must be completed.
Each standard Diploma unit (15 credit points) runs for one semester of 15 weeks, including three weeks for reading and examination, and normally has three class hours in each teaching week, including tutorials. Teaching methods typically include lectures, seminars and tutorials with class sizes rarely over 30, and many much smaller classes
Units focused on ministry practice will involve supervised field placements, in which preparation, participation and evaluation of practical work play a key part with class work, observation, and reading.
AdvDipMin students may take a specialisation in one of a number of areas: Pastoral Ministry, Philosophy or Social Justice.
Entry Requirement
The Diplomas are open to persons who have completed Year 12, International Baccalaureate or overseas equivalent. Probationary entry is available to mature-age (21 years or over) students without a Year 12 qualification.
Assessment Methods
Assessment methods in Diploma courses range from traditional academic essays, assignments and examination to writing a journal, group projects or competency assessment. The methods used for each unit must be approved by the MCD Coursework Studies Committee, to ensure equity in standards.
Duration
The Advanced Diploma in Ministry must be completed in not less than three and not more than eight years.
Study Modes
Candidates normally attend classes on-campus. The Advanced Diploma is also available online via the Theology Online program at the United Faculty of Theology. On-campus students may study some units online.
Requirement to Receive Qualification
360 points, normally 24 units, including at least 30 points in each of the disciplines of Old Testament, New Testament, Systematic Theology and Church History.
Students taking a specialisation must in addition complete 180 points in the area of specialisation.