Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies

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The Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies from Charles Sturt University offers a graduate admission pathway into theological study for students with an undergraduate degree. It encourages and fosters the search for meaning and spiritual depth in the context of cultural and religious pluralism in contemporary Australia.

This theology degree provides a foundational component of training for ministry and offers you the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Bible. It comprises eight subjects, four core and four electives. You can choose to exit with a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies upon completion of four subjects.

This course is part of an articulated program of study. Articulated programs allow you to build on your study to achieve the right level of qualification for you.

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Key information

Study mode and sessions

On Campus
Online
Next session start: July 14, 2025
Session 1 : March 3, 2025
On Campus, Online
Canberra, United Theological College
Session 2 : July 14, 2025
On Campus, Online
Canberra, United Theological College
Session 3 : November 17, 2025
On Campus, Online
Canberra, United Theological College

Duration

Minimum time - 1 year(s)
Maximum time - 2 year(s)

Entry score

TBA

Indicative fees

Domestic on campus
Fee paying postgraduate:

Full-time - $18,720.00 pa
Part-time - $9,360.00 pa

Domestic online
Fee paying postgraduate:

Full-time - $18,720.00 pa
Part-time - $9,360.00 pa

Course points and codes

Credit Points: 64
AQF: Level 8
Cricos:

Additional information

    Applications close February 12

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    Find out more

    Why study with us?

    Learn from leading researchers

    At Charles Sturt University, you're guided by highly qualified lecturers working from their own research interests. The library resources are extensive, accessible and comprehensive. Areas of study range across subjects in biblical studies, Church history, practical theology and systematic theology.

    A holistic approach to theology

    Charles Sturt University has an established reputation for its emphasis on student learning, quality teaching and research in theology. Our approach is ecumenical, with staff drawn from a variety of Christian traditions, all committed to developing and delivering a comprehensive, rigorous and vibrant theological education.

    Choose your learning pathway

    Delivering courses within an online learning environment and across four teaching sites, we provide a wide range of learning opportunities to students who wish to explore their faith and beliefs as well as those of other cultures. You can study your theology degree on campus at our Canberra and Sydney campuses or online.

    We're #2 in Australia for postgraduate starting salaries.

    Our grads earn a median salary of $78,900.

    *Good Universities Guide 2022/23

    Career opportunities

    This theology degree will position you to either continue on to further postgraduate study or take on a role in a variety of areas, depending on your interests. These could include ministry, church leadership and chaplaincy; church-run non-governmental organisations; and missions. The course also develops your general skills areas in communication, critical thinking and judgement, application and problem-solving, which will be useful across any number of professional settings.

      What you will study

      For each 8-point subject you are enrolled in, you should expect to spend 10 to 12 hours per week working on assignments and assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, and attending lectures, intensive schools, or examinations. If you are studying four subjects per session, this is equivalent to a full-time job. The workload for some subjects may vary as a result of approved course design.

      Intensive school

      You may need to attend an online or on-campus intensive school for certain subjects in this course. These schools usually involve lectures, tutorials and practicals that will give you a deeper understanding of your subject.

      Core subjects 32 Credit Points

      Legend:
      • Intensive school
      • Workplace learning
      THL460Introduction to Christian Theology8 credit pts
      THL408Introduction to Old Testament Studies8 credit pts
      THL409Introduction to New Testament Studies8 credit pts
      THL410Early Church History8 credit pts

      Restricted electives32 Credit Points

      Legend:
      • Intensive school
      • Workplace learning
      Select four (4) subjects from the following:
      THL407Jesus the Christ8 credit pts
      THL416Biblical Hebrew 18 credit pts
      THL417New Testament Greek 18 credit pts
      THL418Christian Ministry8 credit pts
      THL419The European Reformations8 credit pts
      THL426The Diaconate8 credit pts
      THL427Guided Research in Theology8 credit pts
      THL438Mission, Evangelism and Apologetics8 credit pts
      THL440Anglican Foundations8 credit pts
      THL443New Testament Greek 28 credit pts
      THL457Biblical Hebrew 28 credit pts
      THL461Being the Church8 credit pts
      THL468The Triune God8 credit pts
      THL469Homiletics8 credit pts
      THL486Cross Cultural Ministry in Australia8 credit pts
      THL487World Religions and Christian Theology8 credit pts
      THL490Christian Worship8 credit pts
      THL491Practical Theology8 credit pts
      THL493Theological Ethics8 credit pts
      THL498Advanced Practical Theology8 credit pts
      THL499Sacramental Theology8 credit pts
      THP400Global Christianity since 17008 credit pts
      THP401God and Humanity8 credit pts
      THP402The Synoptic Gospels8 credit pts
      THP403Old Testament History and Narrative8 credit pts
      THP404Ecological Theology8 credit pts
      THP405Biblical Hebrew 38 credit pts
      THP406Christianity in Australian History8 credit pts
      THP407Judaism and Early Christianity8 credit pts
      THP408New Testament Greek 38 credit pts
      THP409The Pentateuch8 credit pts
      MIN428Pastoral Care8 credit pts

      Refer to 1720TH01 Master of Arts (Theological Studies) for details.

      Graduation requirements

      As a Charles Sturt University student, throughout your course you have a responsibility to continue to develop skills in English language, literacy and numeracy as appropriate to your discipline. This ongoing development will enable you to effectively participate in your course and graduate prepared to enter the workforce.

      Costs

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      How is this calculated?

      This is an estimate

      • Fees calculated based on 1 year of full-time study (ETSL).
      • Fees dependant on chosen subjects.
      • Subject to annual increase each year.

      Scholarships

      We have scholarships and grants, totalling over $11 million annually!

      They cover various areas such as academic performance, volunteering, sports achievements, community service, specific courses, on-campus living and individuals in unique circumstances.

      Explore scholarships

      Entry requirements

      Selection rank:

      TBA

      Learn about how our selection ranks are calculated (including ATARs and adjustment factors).

      View the course profile for this course.

      Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from an approved tertiary institution, other than an undergraduate degree in Theology.

      Standard English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements apply.  Click here to view the specific international course entry requirements.

      Credit and pathways

      If you’ve completed relevant tertiary study, or work experience related to your course, you could receive credit towards your degree. Which would mean completing your qualification quicker. Find out how to apply for credit and see our credit policy.

      Check your eligibility for credit

      We also have several admission pathways to help you take the step into your preferred course, even if you don't quite meet the entry requirements at first. Find out what admission pathways are available to you.

      How to apply

      Applying to Charles Sturt University is easy. Choose how you want to apply below, or get in touch with Charles Sturt University and we can help you with your application.

      Apply via UAC

      Important dates

      Refer to key dates on the UAC website

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      Apply via VTAC

      Important dates

      Refer to key dates on the VTAC website

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      Apply directly to Charles Sturt

      Important dates

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      The three main factors that influenced my decision to study with Charles Sturt University were location (Canberra), study mode (on campus) and the ethos and values of St Mark's National Theological Centre.

      Katherine Spackman - Graduate Diploma of Theology
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