For Commencing Diploma Students

This is some generic course advice on how to proceed.

Which diploma?

You might wish to discuss with your course advisor as to which diploma option you are going to start out with, but here's the basic process:

Step 1: pick your flavour. A Diploma in Theology, Ministry, or Christian Studies? There's much in common, but:

• A diploma in theology requires some more theology, church history, and (introductory) language subjects. 
• A diploma in ministry requires a greater number of practical subjects. 
• A diploma in Christian Studies is the most flexible. 

This decision is pretty easy to change after a semester or two, as you'll be starting with the common core subjects anyway. See the planning spreadsheets for full details of required subjects.

Step 2: pick the length. 

• A standard-length diploma is 8 units at AQF5 level, and needs to be completed in 5.5 years.
• An advanced diploma is an extra 4 units, with at least 2 at a higher level (AQF6) , and needs to be completed in 6 years.
• There is also a combined diploma (Dip.Min. & Dip.Th.) involving 12 units all at the entry level (AQF5), and needs to be completed in 7.5 years.

Again, you can always change at any time, but it's good to know what you're aiming for. 

What subjects do I start with? (2023 advice)

If you're part-time, just pick some of the core subjects (see spreadsheet and the Morling timetable). We advise beginning with OT001-512 and/or NT001-512, and continuing in second semester with OT002-512 and/or NT002-512. This gives you a full Bible overview and forms the basis for your other subjects. 

If you're full-time, you can do 3 or 4 units, and you must also do Guided Spiritual Formation. You can opt to do this for academic credit with the ACT (PC096-503). Each semester is worth 3 credit points, so after four semesters it counts as the equivalent of a full unit (12 credit points) to your award. 

In semester 1 2023 we recommend:

• NT001-512 (Jesus & the Gospels) 
• OT001-512 (OT Foundations) 

Choose 1 or 2 from the following:

• CH001-512 (Church History)
• PC001-512 (Ministry Formation) 
• TH031-512 (Theology of Mission)
• LA002-512 (Intro to NT Greek - available online only) 
• TH005-512 (Foundational Christian Beliefs)
• PE010-512 (Christian Worldview)

You can also choose AQF6 level units, although some have pre- or co-requisites (like Bible exegesis units and Theology units). Speak to your course advisor if you want to choose a unit ending in -612 to see if it's possible (or wise).