Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies

Admission requirements

Applicants must normally hold an approved three year degree or equivalent qualification from a tertiary institution. However, the Dean (Education) may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.

Course aims

This course is designed to develop or deepen knowledge and skills in contemporary theology and biblical studies and to provide opportunities to critically reflect on theological dimensions of professional and community life. Core topics provide a foundational introduction to disciplines of theology and biblical studies and are a pathway to further postgraduate study within Theology.

The Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies aims to provide students with opportunities to:

gain a fundamental knowledge and understanding of contemporary theology and biblical studies
examine and reflect on theological dimensions of professional and social life
acquire knowledge and skills in several areas of contemporary academic theology.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies, students will have:

demonstrated a fundamental knowledge and understanding of contemporary theology and biblical studies
contributed to academic discussion of contemporary theology and biblical studies and be able to independently apply these to make high level decisions in their own professional and community life
applied theological knowledge and skills in the interpretation of texts and discussed the connection between society and communities, in historical and contemporary contexts
demonstrated the ability to plan, initiate and undertake research and analysis of a range of sources, and communicate findings at a post-graduate level
demonstrated their knowledge of several chosen areas of contemporary academic theology.

Credit

Limited credit may be granted for recognition of prior studies undertaken at the University or other approved tertiary institutions. Further information is available here .

Program of study

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies, a student must complete 18 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the following program of study:

Core - Year 1 topics

Select one of

THEO8307 Theology of Jesus Christ GE (4.5 units)
THEO9033 Biblical Hermeneutics: Making Sense of the Bible GE (4.5 units)

plus one of

THEO8102 Interpreting the Old Testament GE (4.5 units)
THEO8204 Interpreting the New Testament GE (4.5 units)

plus one of

THEO8314 Introduction to Christian Thought GE (4.5 units)
THEO8401 Rome to Reformation: Church History to 1500 CE GE (4.5 units)

Option - Year 1 topics

Select 4.5 units from the following topics

Biblical Studies

THEO7106 Readings in Old Testament Studies (4.5 units)
THEO7204 Readings in New Testament Studies (4.5 units)
THEO8004 The Bible and Popular Culture GE (4.5 units)
THEO8102 Interpreting the Old Testament GE (4.5 units)
THEO8104 Pentateuch GE (4.5 units)
THEO8105 Prophetic Literature GE (4.5 units)
THEO8202 Synoptic Studies GE (4.5 units)
THEO8204 Interpreting the New Testament GE (4.5 units)
THEO8205 John's Gospel and the Johannine Epistles GE (4.5 units)
THEO8206 Pauline Letters GE (4.5 units)
THEO9033 Biblical Hermeneutics: Making Sense of the Bible GE (4.5 units)

Historical and Systematic Theology

THEO7306 Readings in Systematic Theology (4.5 units)
THEO8307 Theology of Jesus Christ GE (4.5 units)
THEO8314 Introduction to Christian Thought GE (4.5 units)
THEO8316 Church, Ministry and Sacraments GE (4.5 units)
THEO8317 God the Trinity GE (4.5 units)
THEO8318 Religious Pluralism in a Contemporary World GE (4.5 units)
THEO8320 Christian Ethics GE (4.5 units)
THEO8401 Rome to Reformation: Church History to 1500 CE GE (4.5 units)
THEO8402 Reformation to Fragmentation: Church History from 1500 CE GE (4.5 units)

Ministry Studies

THEO7501 Readings in Ministry and Mission Studies (4.5 units)
THEO8501 Community Based Spiritual Care GE (4.5 units)
THEO8504 Ministry and Mission Studies 1 GE (4.5 units)
THEO8505 Ministry and Mission Studies 2 GE (4.5 units)
THEO8506 Reading Cultures GE (4.5 units)

Every effort has been made to ensure the information published on the Course Rule pages is accurate at the time of publication. Flinders University reserves the right to amend its curriculum without prior notice, and will update the Course Rules to reflect any amendments at the earliest opportunity.