Bachelor of Theology

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Theology aims to deepen students' faith understanding in whatever context they live or work.

Students complete a combination of core and elective subjects, covering Biblical Studies (including Biblical languages), Church History, Practical Theology and Systematic Theology. Students looking to ordination or professional ministry will find offerings that are vocationally oriented, ecumenically sensitive and integrated with practical experience. However, the degree also provides students with a wide range of skills that are applicable in a variety of professions or complement studies in another discipline. The program aims to:

• provide broad-based knowledge and critical skills in the four classic sub-disciplines of theology as a contribution to liberal education
• provide students with a rich learning experience that is attentive to student needs from transition to tertiary study to successful progression towards graduation and beyond
• provide students with a well-designed curriculum structured to embody a classic theological framework and to reflect the inherent dynamic of context
• provide students with a theological and ethical framework for critical and constructive engagement in the social institutions within which they participate
• encourage and foster the search for meaning and spiritual depth in the context of cultural and religious pluralism in contemporary Australia
• prepare people for leadership in the life and work of the church
• offer opportunities for the study of theology as an integral part of studies in other disciplines at undergraduate level
• provide access to tertiary level study in theology by flexible delivery both across Australia and internationally
• provide pathways for further studies in theology at both postgraduate and higher degree by research levels.

Students in the Bachelor of Theology benefit from:

• supported transition and an enriched undergraduate student experience
• development of employability and generic skills, such as communication, analysis and critical judgement, as well as building problem-solving and time management skills
• opportunities to gain international experiences and perspectives
• engaging with the social responsibilities of global citizenship
• opportunities to develop cultural competence and engage with Indigenous concepts
• developing and understanding of financial, social and economic sustainability
• developing an ethical understanding
• education based in practice, either through subjects with a practical focus, or where materials are related back to professional contexts
• fostering web-based proficiency through a broad range of online resources, whether students are studying on campus or by distance education.

The Bachelor of Theology features a flexible enrolment pattern, catering for the needs of distance education students, as well as a broad range of subject choices. The degree also offers flexible exit points. All students enrol in the Bachelor of Theology, but may choose to exit after completing four core subjects and four electives (64 points) with the Diploma of Theology, or after 10 core subjects and six electives (128 points) with the Associate Degree in Theology.

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.

Career opportunities

Career opportunities include chaplaincy in a variety of institutional settings, such as military, prisons, police, ambulance, hospital, trade and industry, or work in the social welfare arms of charities and the church, e.g. overseas development aid, communication functions, marriage and family counselling. Graduates may also use the generalist skills and specialist vocational training provided by the Bachelor of Theology as a good grounding for a career in many fields.

To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:

1. previous studies, and
2. other attainments and experience.

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

• the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
• the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
• a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
• an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
• completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English language proficiency

The University has minimum requirements for English language proficiency prior to entry to our courses. Some courses also have a requirement for a higher entry or exit level of English proficiency. More information on English language requirements.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

• voluntary or paid work experience;
• performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
• participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
• completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2