Taught from a faith-oriented perspective, Charles Sturt University’s Bachelor of Theology offers a thorough grounding in the four foundational areas of theology: Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology, Practical Theology and Church History.

The course has a strong basis in Biblical Studies and Systematic Theology, but students have opportunities to pursue a significant number of subjects in any of the four main areas. Although undertaken with the rigour of university studies, there is a strong commitment to a balance of theory and practice. St Mark’s and Charles Sturt University also offer a robust Honours program for students who have achieved at a high level through the BTh coursework.

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APPLY TO CHARLES STURT

Bachelor of Theology students may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). This means that the government contributes a proportion of each 8cp subject. Learn more about Commonwealth Supported Places.

This contribution can be deferred to a Commonwealth Government HELP (previously ‘HECS-HELP’) debt if you are eligible. This can also be deferred and does not contribute to your lifetime loan cap. 

AN EXAMPLE OF HOW CSP WORKS 

  • 3 years full-time
  • 6 years part-time
  • Online
  • On-campus (Canberra)

The indicative ATAR for the Bachelor of Theology is 65.00.

Australian citizens, permanent residents of Australia, or New Zealand citizens:
Applicants should have one of the following for admission to the Charles Sturt University’s Bachelor of Theology:

  • an ATAR of 65 or higher; or
  • successful study at university level (minimum two subjects); or
  • TAFE Cert III or higher VET qualification or equivalent industry qualifications; or
  • successful completion of TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC) or a bridging program; or
  • relevant industry experience of at least two years – this may include, but is not limited to, Church or NGO-type ministry, nursing or related healthcare professions (“the caring professions”), and school teaching at any level; or
  • partial completion of TAFE Diploma level study (minimum 50 per cent).

English Language Proficiency
Standard English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements.  This will apply to both domestic and international applicants. Offer may be conditional on ELP but applicants will be required to provide evidence of meeting these requirements before the start of studies.

The full degree comprises 24 subjects consisting of 11 core subjects and 13 electives. The course begins with core subjects that introduce the four discipline areas, a biblical language subject, and an Indigenous studies subject. Higher-level subjects give more focus and deeper analysis in the discipline areas.

It is possible to add up to four subjects from a non-theology discipline to this degree structure. Provided required core subjects are covered, students in this degree program may exit early either with an Associate Degree in Theology (16 subjects) or a Diploma of Theology (8 subjects).

 

CORE SUBJECTS

BIBLICAL STUDIES (3 SUBJECTS)

One Biblical Language subject chosen from:

  • Introduction to Biblical Languages
  • New Testament Greek 1
  • Biblical Hebrew 1

and

  • Introduction to Old Testament Studies
  • Introduction to New Testament Studies
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY (3 SUBJECTS)
  • Introduction to Christian Theology
  • Being the Church
  • Jesus the Christ
CHURCH HISTORY (2 SUBJECTS)
  • Early Church History
  • The European Reformations
INDIGENOUS STUDIES (1 SUBJECTS)
  • Aboriginal Cultures and Spirituality
PRACTICAL THEOLOGY (2 SUBJECTS)
  • Christian Worship
  • Practical Theology

For further information see Charles Sturt University Course Handbook: Faculty of Arts and Education: School of Theology.

ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN THEOLOGY (16 SUBJECTS)
  • 10 core subjects
  • 6 restricted electives
DIPLOMA OF THEOLOGY (8 SUBJECTS)
  • 4 core subjects
  • 4 restricted electives

Duration: 1 year full time 

Admission Requirements: Bachelor of Theology or equivalent AND a credit or higher average for level 2 and level 3 subjects in the BTh.

Program Structure: 1 core subject: Honours Project/Research Dissertation (32 points) and two restricted electives (32 points) related to the project. 

In some subjects, you will be expected to engage in reflection on practice as part of your assessment. Theology International Study Experience can be credited for one subject in the Bachelor of Theology.

Skills and attributes from theology and ministry are valued in a broad range of settings.

  • INSTITUTIONAL SETTINGS — Ordained ministry in either the Anglican or Uniting Church. Chaplaincy in a variety of institutional settings, such as schools, military, prisons, police, ambulance, hospital, trade and industry.
  • SOCIAL WELFARE AND SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS — Work in the social welfare arms of charities and the church including overseas development aid, communication functions and pastoral care.
  • TRANSFER YOUR SKILLS TO OTHER AREAS OF WORK — The generalist skills and specialist vocational training provided by this course are also transferable to many other fields where you will work closely with individuals and communities.