Bachelor of Theology

The Bachelor of Theology program offers theology and religious studies courses to satisfy new certification requirements for chaplains and teachers of religious education in state and catholic high schools. We offer a broad choice of theology and religious studies for students interested in progressing to postgraduate studies, and/or religious ministry.

Unlike many Bible colleges and Australian universities, the University of Newcastle offers a practical, fresh approach to Theology. Our new program is designed to appeal to various mainline Christian Churches and their students, as well as students from other world Faiths, indigenous and overseas cultures.

You will study courses in theology and religious studies, and the program is well-integrated with a broad range of liberal arts courses. It will provide an academic foundation for students intending to enter priestly ministry or similar vocations. However, to do so you will need to complete other professional accreditation and training requirements. They are not included as part of this degree.

Theology graduates are highly sought for a range of careers, including religious ministry, chaplaincy, youth ministry, healthcare work, welfare, and religious teaching in schools and other educational organisations.

Admission to this program is available to Australian students, residents and international students. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/ for information on how to gain entry.

You may also be eligible to receive bonus points if you will be receiving an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/domestic-students/options-for-entry/bonus-points.html to see if you may be eligible.

Admission to this program is available to Australian students, residents and international students. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/ for information on how to gain entry.

You may also be eligible to receive bonus points if you will be receiving an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/domestic-students/options-for-entry/bonus-points.html to see if you may be eligible.

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program go to https://intraweb.newcastle.edu.au/catso/pages/credittransferhome.aspx to apply online.

Students who perform well during the Bachelor of Theology degree with a credit average (GPA of 5.0) or greater, may undertake a further year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) study to obtain an Honours degree. The Bachelor of Theology (Honours) degree allows students to further develop their specific areas of interest.

Includes practice-focused experience & electives in secular/ministry workplace settings

Anglican Diocese of Newcastle expects its ordinands to complete this degree as their formal educational qualifications, concurrently with vocational ministry training for priesthood. Other Churches may develop similar requirements in due course.

International students must comply with the University of Newcastle's English language proficiency requirements. All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/students/international/student-support/ to find out more about the support services available to international students.

Students with disabilities who require reasonable adjustments to undertake their program should contact the Disability Support Service before semester or early in the semester. Some adjustments need up to 4 weeks lead time to organise, so it is imperative that early contact is made. The Disability Support Service and relevant Faculty and School officers will work together to ensure reasonably adjustments are provided in a timely manner.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student¿s responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/disability/ for more information.

All students can access additional learning development mechanisms provided by the Centre for Teaching and Learning at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/unit/ctl/lsp/

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.

The program is completed over three years of full-time study (or equivalent part-time) and requires students to pass courses totalling 240 units comprising:

• No more than 100 units at 1000 level;
• At least 60 units at 2000 level;
• At least 40 units at 3000 level;
• Two electives.

Students who enrolled in the Bachelor of Theology prior to 2010 should enrol in THEO1021 in place of a directed course where possible. If a pre-2010 student does not complete THEO1021, the Faculty will still allow the student to take out the award. Similarly, if a pre-2010 student has completed GREK1010 it will be counted as a directed course.