Diploma in Theology

The Diploma in Theology is, when taken full-time, a one year program designed to introduce students to the higher levels of theological, biblical and historical study of the church.

The Diploma program consists of four Core Courses, a choice of two courses from a list of 'Directed Courses A', and one further course from a list of 'Directed Courses B' and one elective.

Candidates for Christian ministries can use these courses to meet some of the typical academic prerequisites for ordination, but the program is flexible, and a wide range of options is available.

While the Diploma may be taken as a general interest program, it may also function as an entrance degree for entry into the second year of the Bachelor of Theology degree.

Theology courses are transferable to a wide range of careers that involve learning languages, comprehending other cultures and view-points, interpreting documents, constructing arguments, evaluating the coherence of both our own and others' belief systems, appreciating the contexts of religious traditions, learning the rich and varied developments within religious traditions, realising the powerful religious myths and symbols underlying even 'secular' societies, and relating these systems to practical decision-making in today's world.

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 http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/credit-transfer/ and click on ‘How to Apply for Credit’.

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.

Some courses are delivered by distance education though the Broken Bay Institute (BBI). More information about BBI can be found at this page http://www.bbi.catholic.edu.au/

The program is available as an independent first undergraduate program, and on completion students can matriculate into the second year of the Bachelor of Theology. Completion may be by one year's full time enrolment or by up to four years' part-time enrolment.

All students can access additional learning development mechanisms provided by the Centre for Teaching and Learning.

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.