Graduate Diploma in Theology Course Information
Description
The purpose of the Graduate Diploma in Theology is to allow those with a degree in a discipline other than theology to engage in theological study. This is the ‘General' Graduate Diploma, which will introduce you to the study of theology through an engagement with the texts of the Church - both Old and New Testaments - and through an introduction to Christian Thought and History.
If you already have a degree in theology, you may undertake study towards a Specialised Graduate Diploma in Theology, specialising in an approved discipline from the following: Biblical Languages, Biblical Studies, Chaplaincy, Church History, Faith Leadership, Faith Community Care, Liturgy, Ministry Studies, Missiology, Moral Theology, Pastoral Care, Philosophy, Religious Education, Social Justice, Spiritual Direction, Spirituality, or Systematic Theology.
Course Graduate Attributes
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Theology are able to demonstrate:
- a critical awareness of issues pertaining to the study of theology as an academic discipline;
- fundamental skills in exegesis, historical and theological methodologies;
- the development of skills relevant to tertiary study in the humanities; to read, think, and critically interpret; to write coherently, with the ability to develop an argument drawing on a range of appropriate resources; to work cooperatively as part of a group; and to present information orally;
- skilled use of electronic databases, journals and other scholarly literature;
- (Specialised GradDipTheol only) highly developed skills in one discipline of study.
Pathways to Further Study
Academically, the GradDipTheol articulates to the Master of Arts (coursework mode), Master of Divinity and Master of Theological Studies. Candidates who complete a 12,000 word Research Essay at Distinction standard or higher may enter one of the Masters by Research courses.
Course Structure
The course represents the equivalent of one year of fulltime study (six semester units totalling 90 points), but may be taken part time, with a maximum time of three years.
General:
90 points of units at postgraduate level are required. 45 points (3 standard units) must be in Foundation studies, introducing candidates to three theological disciplines (typically Old Testament, New Testament, Systematic Theology, Church History, Ethics, Spirituality Pastoral Theology etc) in at least two fields. The remaining 45 points may be chosen from the postgraduate level offerings of the MCD.
Special:
90 points of postgraduate level units are required. At least 60 points must be in the area of specialisation (see Regulation 20 for further details).
Entry Requirement
The Graduate Diploma in Theology (General) is open to candidates with a degree from an Australian University or equivalent.
The Graduate Diploma in Theology (Specialised) is open to candidates with a theological degree, from an Australian University or equivalent.
International students need to have achieved an average IELTS score of at least 7.0, with a minimum of 6.5 in each area.
Assessment Methods
Assessment methods range from traditional academic essays, assignments and examinations to writing journals, 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 Graduate Diploma must be completed in not less than one year and not more than three years.
Study Modes
Candidates normally attend classes on campus. The course 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
General stream: 90 points of postgraduate-level units including 45 points of Foundational units, taken across three specialisations in at least two fields.
Specialised stream: 90 points of postgraduate-level units, normally including at least 60 points in the area of specialisation. Please see Regulation 20 for further details.