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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.
Interested in this course?
Our course advisors are well placed to match your background and educational objectives to the course that would best suit your needs.
Just fill out our online form and one of our course advisors will get in touch with you.
Ask for a course advisorOur Bachelor of Theology is a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), meaning that the government contributes $137.50 per 8cp subject.
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. Learn more about fees and payments.
An example of how CSP works (2020 fees)
- 3 years full-time
- 6 years part-time
- Online
- On-campus (Canberra)
Indicative ATAR is 65.00
Australian citizens, permanent residents of Australia, or New Zealand citizens:
Applicants should have one of the following for admission to the CSU 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).
A full list of subjects and electives is available on the CSU website.
CORE SUBJECTS
BIBLICAL STUDIES (3 SUBJECTS)
One Biblical Language subject chosen from:
and
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY (3 SUBJECTS)
CHURCH HISTORY (2 SUBJECTS)
INDIGENOUS STUDIES (1 SUBJECTS)
PRACTICAL THEOLOGY (2 SUBJECTS)
REQUIRED SUBJECTS (48)
BIBLICAL STUDIES (32)
200 level (16)
two subjects chosen from
THL202 Old Testament History and Narrative
THL203 Paul and His Letters
THL204 New Testament Greek 2
THL208 The Synoptic Gospels
THL209 Wisdom and Worship Traditions
THL241 Biblical Hebrew 2
300 level (16)
two subjects chosen from
THL301 Hebrews and the General Epistles
THL302 New Testament Greek 3
THL303 Judaism and Early Christianity
THL304 The Pentateuch
THL306 Biblical Hebrew 3
THL307 The Johannine Literature
THL308 The Prophetic Literature
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY (24)
200 level (8)
one subject chosen from
THL211 Ecological Theology
THL216 Christian Spirituality
THL245 God and Humanity
300 level (16)
two subjects chosen from
THL314 Sacramental Theology
THL316 The Triune God
THL326 Theological Ethics
THL329 World Religions and Christian Theology
THL334 Interfaith Dialogue
RESTRICTED ELECTIVES (56)
Seven subjects (56) chosen from the following
(at least two (16) must be at 300 level):
BIBLICAL STUDIES
THL202 Old Testament History and Narrative
THL203 Paul and His Letters
THL204 New Testament Greek 2
THL208 The Synoptic Gospels
THL209 Wisdom and Worship Traditions
THL241 Biblical Hebrew 2
THL301 Hebrews and the General Epistles
THL302 New Testament Greek 3
THL303 Judaism and Early Christianity
THL304 The Pentateuch
THL306 Biblical Hebrew 3
THL307 The Johannine Literature
THL308 The Prophetic Literature
CHURCH HISTORY
THL231 Christianity in Australian History
THL235 Medieval Church History
THL303 Judaism and Early Christianity
THL315 Anglican Foundations
THL330 Global Christianity since 1700
PRACTICAL THEOLOGY
THL218 Christian Ministry
THL220 The Diaconate
THL228 Pastoral Care
THL230 Cross Cultural Ministry in Australia
THL238 Mission, Evangelism and Apologetics
THL242 New Religious Movements and Alternative Spiritualities
THL255 Children and Family in Theological Perspective
THL256 Theology and the Arts
THL315 Anglican Foundations
THL320 Homiletics
THL328 Reconciliation: The Theological-Political Nexus in Indigenous Public Policy
THL329 World Religions and Christian Theology
THL335 Advanced Practical Theology
THL354 Youth, Culture and Mission
THL366 Christian Education
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
THL211 Ecological Theology
THL216 Christian Spirituality
THL245 God and Humanity
THL314 Sacramental Theology
THL316 The Triune God
THL326 Theological Ethics
THL329 World Religions and Christian Theology
THL334 Interfaith Dialogue
GENERAL THEOLOGICAL ELECTIVES
THL341 Guided Research in Theology
THL361 International Study Experience
ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN THEOLOGY (16 SUBJECTS)
- 10 core subjects
- 6 restricted electives
DIPLOMA OF THEOLOGY (8 SUBJECTS)
- 4 core subjects
- 4 restricted electives
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.
