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 Diploma in Ministry equips students with foundational knowledge and skills to engage in practical Christian ministry in a range of contexts. It explores the biblical and theological basis of ministry and assists students to utilise tools of personal and theological reflection to understand themselves in relation to their ministry contexts, grow their capacity and respond effectively to their call to serve others.
Course learning outcomes
Graduates of the Diploma in Ministry:
- demonstrate foundational knowledge of Christian texts and traditions, particularly those relating to personal formation and ministry with others.
- apply foundational ministry knowledge and skills to ministry contexts in responsible ways.
- demonstrate interpersonal and teamwork skills.
- reflect theologically on their ministry practice.
Course structure
The Diploma in Ministry consists of 144 points.
| Course Structure | Type | Points |
|---|---|---|
| XD1001Z The Practice of Christian Ministry | Core | 18 |
| XD1002Z Introduction to Christian Spirituality and Discipleship | Core | 18 |
| One of: | Core | 18 |
| Units in the disciplines of Biblical Studies or New Testament | Elective | 18 |
| Units in the discipline of Practical Theology or work integrated learning | Elective | 36 |
| Further units in any discipline | Elective | 36 |
Locations and modes
Uniting Church in AustraliaBrooklyn Park SAClassroom, Mixed and Online modes
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Uniting Church in AustraliaBrooklyn Park SAOnline (off-shore students only) mode
Duration
The standard full-time duration of the Diploma in Ministry is one year. The Diploma in Ministry must be completed in not less than one year and not more than four years from the date on which the course is commenced, not including any approved periods of leave of absence, unless the Academic Board decides otherwise.
| Minimum duration | 1 year |
| Standard full-time | 1 year |
| Maximum part-time | 4 years |
Graduate pathways
Graduates may proceed to an Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry, or to the Bachelor of Ministry or Bachelor of Theology.
Admission criteria
A person may apply to the Academic Board to enrol as a candidate for the Diploma in Ministry if the person has satisfactorily completed a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education approved by the Curriculum, Assessment and Certification Authority in the relevant state or territory or an equivalent qualification approved by the Academic Board.
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 90 points may be granted towards this award.
Credit is granted in accordance with the Credit Policy.
Fee summary
The Diploma in Ministry requires completion of 144 points (8 standard undergraduate units).
Fees for 2026 are $2,184 per standard unit or $17,472 for a year of full-time study (8 units).
Fees are subject to change from year to year. For more information about fees, please visit the Fees page.
