A theology program offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of religious traditions and the impact that they have had, and continue to have, on the world in which we live today. The program focuses on the development of theological beliefs and practices across different religions, with special emphasis on Christianity and western civilisation. Theology is a liberal arts program and is open to all, irrespective of beliefs or religious or non-religious background. It provides a vital space for critical dialogue in today's multi-religious societies. While the Diploma may be taken as a general interest program, it may also be used for entry into the second year of the Bachelor of Theology program.

Only a small number of universities in Australia offer Theology as a degree program in its own right. This places the University of Newcastle in an important position to be able to facilitate religious and inter-religious dialogue in a sophisticated and informed way. Recent staff appointments demonstrate the University's commitment to delivering the highest quality of teaching and research in theology and the discipline has developed one of the strongest library collections at the University. A recent national research assessment showed Newcastle to have a profile in Religion and Theology which is 'above world class' and at the very top tier of such research in Australia. The partnership with the Broken Bay Institute, Sydney, strengthens our teaching and research capacity, enabling an expanded variety of theology courses to be offered at all levels at a Sydney campus location as well as online.

Graduate in Theology are valued in the workforce for their written and verbal communication skills, their breadth of perspective, their capacity for local reasoning, their historical and cultural sensitivity, as well as their ability to solve problems creatively and to communicate with people of different beliefs and values. Graduates find employment in a range of sectors including:

• Teaching and education
• Public service administration
• Religious ministry
• Community and welfare
• Media and publishing
• Political advisory work

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.