Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology

The Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology at Perth Bible College is a one-year course delivered through the Asia-Pacific School of Pastoral Care and Counselling. It runs for 42 weeks and sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, below a bachelor degree. You study the Bible, theology and the practical side of ministry, preaching, pastoral care, counselling skills, leading a congregation or a small group, in a college setting that takes both the text and the people seriously.

How the course is structured

Like most Australian diplomas, this one is built from units of study, each carrying credit points. You enrol in a set of units across the year, and the credit points add up to the qualification. Some units are core; others let you lean into an area that interests you, such as pastoral care or counselling. Assessment is a mix of essays, exegesis, reflection on practice, and supervised ministry experience. The college publishes the full unit list and credit-point values, so check those on the official page before you apply.

What you actually do

You read Scripture closely, learn how to interpret it, and work out what it means for how a church or a chaplaincy operates. You practise the things ministers do: preparing a sermon, visiting someone in hospital, sitting with a person in grief, running a youth group. Perth Bible College has a counselling school attached to it, so pastoral care and counselling skills get real attention rather than a passing mention. Class sizes are small, and you will be known by name.

Who it suits

This diploma suits people who want to serve in a church or a faith-based organisation and need training, not just goodwill. It also works as a stepping stone, complete the diploma, then apply for credit towards a bachelor degree in ministry or theology. If you are already volunteering or leading in a congregation and want to sharpen your understanding, it fits. International students should note that a Student visa allows 48 hours of work per fortnight while you study, and after graduating you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. English proficiency is required; IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the usual coursework standard, and the Department of Home Affairs sets its own separate threshold for the visa. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 119249J. Confirm entry requirements, unit details and fees on the official page.

• Pastoral worker or assistant pastor in a local church
• Chaplain in schools, hospitals, aged care or the defence forces
• Youth or children's ministry leader
• Worship or small-group coordinator
• Community services worker in a faith-based not-for-profit
• Lay leader or ministry team member in a congregation
• Further study: credit towards a bachelor degree in ministry or theology