School of Theological Studies [STS]

Australian Lutheran College has developed a range of opportunities for people to study theology to equip themselves for lay service in the church and the community. The objectives of the lay studies curriculum at the ALC are threefold:

to provide a broad education in the traditional areas of Bible, doctrine, church history, and practical theology;
to prepare lay people as church workers in the LCA or in other areas of church work by giving them the opportunity to select vocationally-oriented units;
to help students integrate the findings of the theological disciplines and apply the Christian faith to the issues and challenges of church and society.

The courses available for lay people are:

1. Diploma in Theology

A comprehensive one-year course leads to a Diploma in Theology, the basic requirement for Lutheran church workers.

2. Bachelor of Theology

The BTh is an initial theological degree for students wishing to study theology at a tertiary academic level.

3. Graduate Diploma of Theology in Faith Community Nursing

The GradDipTh(FCN), is a one-year equivalent full-time post-graduate theological course for registered nurses, that qualifies successful graduates to work in a parish or other faith community setting.

4. Evening classes

Evening classes for lay members of the church commenced in 2001. They draw on faculty and other church members with expertise in a given field to offer short non-accredited courses beyond the scope of what is normally provided at the parish level. Held on campus and at other suburban locations one night a week, the courses normally last for six weeks. In addition to the biblical, doctrinal, ethical and historical modules on offer, the curriculum treats issues such as dealing with teenagers, caring for people in crisis, worship in its varied forms today, ministry to the aged, gospel outreach, introduction to counselling, issues surrounding marriage and family, Bible study preparation, and small groups ministry. It is envisaged that the evening class topics will be made available throughout the LCA through the good offices of the flexible education department.

Click here for evening class information.

Field education

Students are linked with a variety of sites during their course of studies to provide hands-on experience working in different settings.

Entrance requirements

A Year 12 points score entitling entry to a tertiary level Arts course is required for application to the academic courses. Alternatively, mature age candidates (above 30 years of age) are required to perform satisfactorily on an Australian Council for Education Research (ACER) Reading and Comprehension Test.

Do all students study full time?

The courses are accredited through the Accreditation and Registration Council, so students who want to receive Austudy have to take a full load (a minimum of three units per trimester). Otherwise, students may sign up for any unit that is of interest without intending to complete the requirements for an award, or they may work towards an award on a part-time basis.

Further information

Please write, email or phone to arrange an appointment with the director of the General Ministry Program at Australian Lutheran College. It is necessary that requests for application forms are made by the end of October or early in November. All enrolment procedures must be completed by the end of November.

Write to:
Mrs Meryl Jennings
Director of General Ministry
Australian Lutheran College
104 Jeffcott Street
North Adelaide SA 5006
Australia
Email: general@alc.edu.au

Telephone: (08) 8267 7400 and ask for the General Program Administrator

Flexible Education mode

For further information regarding study by Flexible education mode please contact:

Flexible Education
Australian Lutheran College
104 Jeffcott Street
North Adelaide SA 5006
Australia
Email: flex.ed@alc.edu.au

Telephone: (08) 8267 7400 and ask for the Flexible Education Administrator

Updated: 3/4/2007 [1.01]

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