Bachelor of Theology

The Bachelor of Theology at the University of Divinity is a three-year degree for people who want to understand the Christian faith at a serious academic level. You study the texts, traditions and ideas that have shaped the church and Western thought: biblical languages and exegesis, church history, systematic and moral theology, and practical ministry. The University of Divinity is a specialised Australian university owned by a group of churches, so teaching happens in small classes with people who know their field and often work in it.

How the degree is structured

Australian bachelor degrees are made up of units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. You need a certain total to graduate, and you choose some units as core requirements and others as electives. The academic year runs over two semesters, with some units offered in summer or winter intensives. The University of Divinity delivers its courses through affiliated colleges around Australia, so you may study on campus, online, or in a mix of both. The degree normally takes three years full time, or longer part time. It sits at Level 7 on the Australian Qualifications Framework.

There is no single national registration exam for theology graduates, but many students take the degree as preparation for ordination or for further study. If you are heading towards ministry in a particular church, check that church's requirements as well as the course rules. A fourth honours year is available for high-achieving students who want to research a topic in depth.

What you actually learn

You learn to read the Bible in its original languages or in close translation, to trace how Christian doctrine developed, and to argue a position clearly in writing. Units in pastoral care, liturgy or mission may include supervised field education in a parish, school or community setting, depending on your choices. Assessment is mostly essays, exegesis papers, exams and a final project. By the end you can handle primary sources, weigh competing interpretations, and explain complex ideas to a general audience.

Who it suits

This degree suits school leavers with an interest in religion, philosophy or history, and also mature-age students preparing for ordained ministry, chaplaincy, teaching or further research. It is also a good fit if you are already working in a church or faith-based organisation and want formal theological grounding. International students should note the English requirement: IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate 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 studying, a student visa generally allows up to 48 hours of work per fortnight during term. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available, depending on your circumstances. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register. Confirm all details, including unit offerings and English requirements, on the official page.

• Ordained minister or pastor (subject to your church's own formation and ordination requirements)
• Chaplain in hospitals, schools, prisons, aged care or the defence forces
• Religious education teacher in Catholic and independent schools (often with a teaching qualification on top)
• Pastoral care worker or community services coordinator in faith-based not-for-profits
• Church administrator, mission coordinator or youth ministry leader
• Writer, editor or researcher for religious publishers, media or denominational bodies
• Further study: honours year, Master of Theology, or research degrees