Diploma of Theology [DipTh]

At the end of 2012 ALC will offer all courses through the Melbourne College of Divinity [MCD], therefore no new enrolments are being taken for this award.

Students wishing to commence studies with ALC can view the agreed alignment of ALC and MCD awards at ALC course alignment with MCD courses�Undergraduate [PDF]

Course ID

45119

Description

The Diploma of Theology [DipTh] is a one year introductory theology course at the higher education level. It is a comprehensive introduction to the study of theology and also allows for some level of specialisation for students wanting to explore specific areas of ministry in the church and society. The DipTh provides a basic initial qualification for those wishing to prepare for specific roles in lay ministry such as youth work, aged care, lay chaplaincy in schools, etc. The Board for Lay Ministry promotes the DipTh as a recognised pathway for lay worker accreditation.

As an accredited course, the DipTh allows eligible students who decide to proceed with the study of theology to build on their diploma to the BTh or BMin.

Course outcomes

The DipTh enables students to:

gain an integrated introduction to Christian theology in general, and Lutheran theology in particular, and to become familiar with the literature, language and concepts of theology
develop the personal and academic skills to reflect theologically on, and to apply theological insights to, issues and challenges in church and society
explore the relationship between theology and the practice of ministry and to investigate specific aspects of theology relevant to special areas of ministry
develop interpersonal and teamwork skills for planning, organising and carrying out ministry for church and society
develop a theological framework for future self-directed or formal study
undertake studies in a specialised area of interest relevant to the particular needs of the student

Course structure

The DipTh consists of 80 credit points [FTE = 1 year]

Unit requirements

20 credit points [2 x 10cp core units]

BIB1003 The Bible Today
THE1002 The Christian Faith

60 credit points [6 x 10cp elective units]

Elective units

Additional elective units may be sourced from other ALC undergraduate courses [eg BTh or BMin], specialised units from other tertiary providers or research electives

BIB1005 Bible Study Method
EDU1007 Principles and Context of Lutheran Schooling
EDU1012 The Practice of Lutheran Education
HIS1001 History of Christianity
PAS1004 Introduction to Clinical Pastoral Education 1
PAS1008 Pastoral People 1

PAS1009 Evangelism in Australia
PAS1014 Introduction to Spirituality
PAS1018 Survival Skills for Practical Ministry
PAS1027 Pastoral People 2
PAS1030 Specific Ministry within a Faith Community A
PAS1031 Specific Ministry within a Faith Community B

The above elective list also includes units where core units are not common to other diploma courses.

Entry requirements

Successful completion of secondary education to a standard required for admission to university studies.
or
On the basis of appropriate special entry: via the Special Tertiary Admissions Test [STAT] test or equivalent.
Where the first language is other than English please see the English language proficiency prerequisites [PDF].
Recognition of prior learning:
Australian Lutheran College operates with a policy of Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning; see the Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy [PDF].

Duration

One year full time equivalent [FTE] course.
Available full time or part time.
Recommended duration for part time studies is double the FTE course duration.

Study modes

ALC offers units in a variety of study modes [also referred to as delivery modes]; please see ALC Study modes [PDF]. For off campus study options see How does off campus study work?

Requirements to receive the qualification

In order to receive the award students are required to complete the requirements according to the course structure at an accumulated grade point average of at least 2.00 [P1].

Updated: 28/09/2011 [1.02]

See also: