Bachelor of Theology Honours

The Bachelor of Theology Honours is a one-year degree for students who have already completed a bachelor's degree in theology or a closely related field and want to take their study further. It sits at AQF level 8, above the three-year bachelor degree and below a master's. At the Australian University College of Divinity, the year is built around a supervised research thesis, usually 15,000 to 20,000 words, plus coursework units that sharpen your research methods. You will work with a supervisor to choose a topic, develop a research question, and write up your findings.

How the year is structured

Honours years in Australia are typically full-time over two semesters, though some institutions offer part-time study over two years. You will enrol in units of study, each with a credit point value, and the thesis carries the largest share. The exact unit list, credit points, and thesis word count are set by the institution, so check the official course page for the current structure. Assessment is mostly written work: the thesis, essays, and seminar presentations. There is no exam-heavy load at this level; you are learning to research and write like a scholar.

What you actually study

Topics depend on your supervisor's expertise and your own interests, but theology honours usually covers biblical studies, church history, systematic theology, and practical theology. You might research the reception of a biblical text in a particular community, the history of a doctrine, or the ethics of a contemporary issue. The coursework component often includes a research methods unit and one or two electives that support your thesis. You will read primary sources, engage with secondary literature, and defend your argument in a seminar.

Who this suits

This degree suits graduates who want to go on to a research master's or a doctorate, or who need an honours qualification for a professional pathway. It also suits ministers, teachers, and chaplains who want to deepen their understanding of theology without committing to a longer research degree. If you are considering ordination, chaplaincy, or further academic study, honours is a common step. The year is intense and self-directed, so you need to be comfortable working independently and meeting deadlines.

English and visa notes

International applicants need to meet the university's English requirement. For this course, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and the university's own English programmes accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. While you study, your visa allows up to 48 hours of work per fortnight. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. Confirm all details, including tuition and intake dates, on the official CRICOS register and the university's course page.

• Minister or pastor in a church or faith community
• Chaplain in hospitals, schools, defence, or prisons
• Religious education teacher in Catholic and independent schools
• Academic researcher or PhD candidate in theology or religious studies
• Writer or editor for religious publications
• Community services coordinator in faith-based organisations
• Policy or ethics advisor in non-profit and public sector bodies

Graduates work across Australia in churches, schools, hospitals, universities, and community organisations. The honours year also prepares you for further research degrees, which can lead to academic roles.