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 Theology introduces students to the key theological disciplines of Biblical Studies and Christian Thought and History. This may be extended by further study in those disciplines or by electives in the area of practical ministry studies. It may be possible for students to undertake study in a ministry setting as part of the course.
Course learning outcomes
Graduates of the Diploma in Theology
- have sound foundational skills for critical study of Christian texts.
- have skills to articulate foundational theological and scriptural knowledge and reflection.
- have developed clear analytical skills allowing them to analyse and communicate sound theological arguments.
- apply their skills and knowledge to their own and other contexts and traditions.
- apply their skills and knowledge to the service of others through practical engagement and in contexts such as conversation.
Course structure
The Diploma in Theology consists of 144 points.
| Course Structure | Points |
|---|---|
| Units in the field of Biblical Studies | 36 |
| Units in the field of Christian Thought and History | 36 |
| Further units in any discipline | 72 |
Locations and modes
The Salvation ArmyRingwood VIC, and Parramatta NSWClassroom, Mixed and Online modes-
Uniting Church in AustraliaParkville VICClassroom, Mixed and Online modes
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Uniting Church in AustraliaBrooklyn Park SAClassroom, Mixed and Online modes
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LutheranNorth Adelaide SAClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes
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Roman CatholicEast Melbourne VICClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes
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Uniting Church in AustraliaParkville VICClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes
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Coptic OrthodoxDonvale and Melbourne VICClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes
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AnglicanNorth Adelaide SAClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes
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BaptistBox Hill VICClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes
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Roman CatholicBox Hill VICClassroom, Limited mixed and Online (off-shore students only) modes
Duration
The standard full-time duration of the Diploma in Theology is one year. The Diploma in Theology must be completed in not less than one year and not more than four years from the date on which the course is commenced
| Standard full-time | 1 year |
| Maximum part-time | 4 years |
| Standard full-time | 1 year |
| Maximum part-time Part-time available to off-shore students only | 4 years |
Graduate pathways
Graduates may proceed to an Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry, an Advanced Diploma in Philosophy, or to the Bachelor of Ministry or Bachelor of Theology.
Admission criteria
Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education or equivalent. Probationary admission may be available to approved persons aged 21 or greater who have not completed the Victorian Certificate of Education.
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 may include:
| Prior qualification or training | Maximum credit | Specific application |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Ageing and Pastoral or Spiritual Care (10642NAT) | 72 points | 72 points towards Mission and Ministry |
| Diploma in Ageing and Pastoral Care (91561NSW) | 72 points | 72 points towards Mission and Ministry |
Credit is granted in accordance with the Credit Policy.
Fee summary
The Diploma in Theology 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.
