Diploma of Theology DipTh
University Certificate in Theology UnivCertTh

These courses provide a basic introduction to the main areas of theology, including biblical studies, theological studies, church history, and mission and pastoral studies.

About the course

• Aims to provide courses in theology for students for whom a one or two-year study program is preferred.
• Aims to introduce students to foundational areas of study across the general theological curriculum.
• Aims to provide a platform and incentive for further theological study

Objectives

Upon successful completion of either course students will have:

• acquired basic knowledge in biblical studies, theological studies and church history
• developed basic skills in critical thinking in theology
• developed an understanding of current developments in theological and biblical studies and their relevance to ministry contexts
• developed a capacity to undertake further studies in theology beyond the University Certificate or Diploma level

Articulation

The University Certificate articulates with the Diploma and credit is given in the Diploma for the subjects completed in the University Certificate.

Graduation requirements

To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 128 points for the Diploma and 64 points for the University Certificate.

Diploma of Theology
University Certificate in Theology

How to apply

Choose your preferred method. Make note of the admission code as you will need this to complete your application. More information on application closing dates.

Course structure

University Certificate in Theology

a) Four core subjects:
THL105 Introduction to Old Testament Studies
THL106 Introduction to New Testament Studies
THL111 Introduction to Christian Theology
THL131 The Christian Church to 500CE

b) Four restricted electives:
THL101 New Testament Greek 1
THL102 Hebrew 1
THL113 Being the Church
THL121 Introduction to Christian Ministry
THL122 Pastoral Care
THL123 Mission, Evangelism and Apologetics
THL132 Reformation Church History (1500-1700CE)
THL202 Old Testament History and Narrative
THL203 Paul and His Letters
THL205 Luke – Acts
THL208 The Gospels of Matthew and Mark
THL209 Wisdom and Worship Traditions
THL211 God, Creation and Ecology
THL214 The Holy Spirit and Christian Hope
THL215 Jesus the Christ
THL222 Pastoral Theology
THL223 Christianity and Australian Society
THL224 Theological Ethics
THL225 Aboriginal Cultures and Spirituality
THL227 Uniting Church Studies
THL228 Pastoral Care Interventions
THL231 Australian Church History from 1788CE
THL232 European Church History from 1789CE
THL234 British Church History from 1815CE
THL235 Medieval Church History (500-1500CE)
THL236 Science and Religion

Diploma of theology

a) Four core subjects:
THL105 Introduction to Old Testament Studies
THL106 Introduction to New Testament Studies
THL111 Introduction to Christian Theology
THL131 The Christian Church to 500CE

b) one from:
THL132 Reformation Church History (1500-1700CE)
THL231 Australian Church History from 1788CE

and one from:
THL121 Introduction to Christian Ministry
THL122 Pastoral Care
THL222 Pastoral Theology
THL223 Christianity and Australian Society
THL224 Theological Ethics
THL225 Aboriginal Cultures and Spirituality
THL322 Theology, the Arts and Film
THL323 Christian Worship
THL325 Advanced Pastoral Care

c) Two four-subject (32 point) minors in Biblical Studies and Theological Studies (see below for subjects).

d) 40 points (normally five 8 point subjects) of restricted electives.

Electives may be chosen from any of the subjects listed in (b) above, the Biblical Studies and Theological Studies minors listed below, and from the following:
THL101 New Testament Greek 1
THL102 Hebrew 1
THL232 European Church History from 1789CE
THL234 British Church History from 1815CE
THL235 Medieval Church History (500-1500CE)
THL332 Christian Mission

Biblical Studies Minor

Level 1
THL105 Introduction to Old Testament Studies
THL106 Introduction to New Testament Studies

Level 2
One from:
THL202 Old Testament History and Narrative
THL203 Paul and his Letters
THL204 New Testament Greek 2
THL205 Luke-Acts
THL208 The Gospels of Matthew and Mark
THL209 Wisdom and Worship Traditions

Level 3
One from:
THL301 Alternative New Testament Voices
THL302 New Testament Greek 3
THL303 Judaism and Early Christianity
THL304 The Pentateuch
THL307 Johannine Literature
THL309 New Testament Theology

Theological Studies Minor

Level 1
THL111 Introduction to Theological Studies
THL113 Being the Church

Level 2
One from:
THL211 God, Creation and Ecology
THL214 The Holy Spirit and Christian Hope
THL215 Jesus the Christ
THL222 Pastoral Theology
THL223 Christianity and Australian Society
THL224 Theological Ethics
THL227 Uniting Church Studies
THL236 Science and Religion

Level 3
One from:
THL313 Feminist Theology
THL314 Sacramental Theology
THL315 Anglican Foundations
THL316 The Triune God
THL334 Interfaith Dialogue

Admission Requirements

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

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:

• have completed all their formal studies in one or more of the following countries; or
• were born in one of the following countries and have completed at least one qualification in one of those countries; or
• have completed senior secondary study or at least one year of full-time University study in one of the following countries: American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, United Kingdom, USA, Zambia
  or
• have successfully completed one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-secondary study at an affiliate institution of the University, with English as the medium of instruction and assessment.

All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.

Acceptable tests for English proficiency

Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:

• an Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of at least 6.0, and with no score below 5.5;
• a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) paper-based score of 550 and TWE of 5.0;
• a TOEFL computer-based score of 213 and Essay Rating of 5;
• a TOEFL internet-based score of 80 for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs, and 90 for postgraduate research candidates with a minimum score of 25 in the writing section.
• a Combined Universities Admission Test (CULT) overall score of at least 65;
• a C pass in English at the GCE ‘A’ level examinations in either Singapore or the United Kingdom;
• completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma with English A2 at higher or sub. Level;
• a C pass in ‘Use of English’ in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE);
• completion of the UNSW Foundation Studies Certificate with a C pass in ‘Use of English’;
• completion of an AQF Certificate IV (including English for Academic Purposes);
• successful completion of at least one year of study in a course at Associate Diploma or Diploma level on the Register of Australian Tertiary Education;
• a score of 155 in the verbal component of the STAT test;
• a Pass grade in the Uniworld English College English for Tertiary Entrance course; or
• IRI Diploma of English.

An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University’s requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.

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.

Additional Requirements

There are no additional requirements associated with the application for enrolment into this course

Contacts

For all inquiries about Charles Sturt University courses, please contact info.csu on:

Telephone: 1800 334 733 (free call within Australia) Telephone: +61 2 6338 6077 (outside Australia) Facsimile: (02) 6338 6001 (within Australia) Facsimile: +61 2 6338 6001 (outside Australia) Email: inquiry@csu.edu.au Web inquiry: www.csu.edu.au/student/contact Web: info.csu.edu.au