You are an overseas student if you are NOT one of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand citizen (or dual citizen)
- Australian permanent resident
- Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder
- Pacific Engagement visa holder.
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
If you are holding or applying for a Student Visa Subclass 500 you are required to enrol in a full-time course that is registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) in Australia. For more details, please visit the Department of Home Affairs and the CRICOS website.
Overview
The Advanced Diploma in Philosophy builds on the Diploma in Theology by enabling students to deepen their understanding through a specialised focus on Philosophy. It may be possible for students to undertake study in a ministry setting as part of the course.
Course learning outcomes
Graduates of the Advanced Diploma in Philosophy
- have significant foundational skills for critical study of Christian texts.
- have skills to articulate and reflect upon foundational theological, scriptural and philosophical knowledge.
- have strong analytical skills allowing them to analyse and communicate sound theological and philosophical arguments, especially in relation to worldview perspectives.
- apply their skills and knowledge to their own and other contexts and traditions through philosophical analysis and argument.
- apply their skills and knowledge to the service of others through practical engagement and in contexts such as practical support ministries or cultural and philosophical analysis.
Course structure
The Advanced Diploma in Philosophy consists of 288 points.
| Course Structure | Points |
|---|---|
| Units in the discipline of Old Testament | 18 |
| Units in the discipline of New Testament | 18 |
| Units in the discipline of Church History | 18 |
| Units in the discipline of Systematic Theology | 18 |
| Units in the discipline of Philosophy | 144 |
| Further units from the fields of Biblical Studies and/or Christian Thought and History | 36 |
| Further units in any discipline | 36 |
Locations and modes
Roman CatholicEast Melbourne VICClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes-
Roman CatholicBox Hill VICClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes
Duration
The standard full-time duration of the Advanced Diploma in Philosophy is two years. The Advanced Diploma in Philosophy must be completed in not less than two years and not more than eight years from the date on which the course is commenced.
| Standard full-time | 2 years |
| Maximum part-time | 8 years |
| Standard full-time | 2 years |
| Maximum part-time Part-time available to off-shore students only | 8 years |
Dual qualifications
Graduate pathways
Graduates may proceed to the Bachelor of Ministry or Bachelor of Theology.
Admission criteria
Successful completion of of the Victorian Certificate of Education in an Australian secondary school or the Diploma in Theology, or equivalent.
Prospective students apply by direct entry to a College of the University. The Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) is not used in selection at the University of Divinity.
It may be possible for students to receive credit into their course for prior post-secondary study in theology or ministry.
Credit
Credit of up to 180 points may be granted towards this award.
Credit may include:
| Prior qualification or training | Maximum credit | Specific application |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma of Catholic Youth Ministry (10603NAT or 11013NAT) | 144 points |
|
Credit is granted in accordance with the Credit Policy.
Fee summary
The Advanced Diploma in Philosophy requires completion of 288 points (16 standard undergraduate units).
Fees for 2026 are $2,184 per standard unit or $17,472 for a year of full-time study (8 units). The total course cost is $34,944.
Fees are subject to change from year to year. For more information about fees, please visit the Fees page.
