Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies

Not offered in 2021

The Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies is a 36-unit program offered by the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.

The course articulates with the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies and Master of Theological Studies.

The course is taught at the Adelaide College of Divinity.

• Admission requirements
• Course aims
• Learning outcomes
• Credit
• Program of study

Admission requirements

Applicants who do not hold the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies must normally hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification from an approved 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 follow on from the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies and expand students' investigation of a range of issues in classical and contemporary theological and biblical studies.  It provides students with opportunities to critically reflect on theological dimensions of professional and community life, and develops foundational skills and knowledge for further postgraduate studies in theology.

The Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies is designed for two categories of students:

• those who hold a tertiary qualification in a non-theological discipline who have a general interest in theology, religion and Christianity
• those who hold a tertiary qualification in theology and wish to advance their knowledge and skills for the purposes of professional and personal development.

The Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies aims to:

• extend students' knowledge and understanding of a range of classical and contemporary theology and biblical studies
• extend student examination and reflection on theological dimensions and independently apply these to make high level decisions in their own professional and social life
• be able to apply theoretical knowledge and skills to initiate, plan, implement and evaluate professional and/or social programs
• provide students with opportunities to develop knowledge and skills in several areas of contemporary academic theology.

Learning outcomes

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

• demonstrated an advanced knowledge of the literature and texts in the disciplines of theology and biblical studies
• demonstrated skills in hermeneutical and other academic methodologies in the reading and analysis of biblical, and other theological texts
• contributed to informed theological academic debate and knowledge as it applies to contemporary issues and contexts and demonstrated the ability to independently apply these to make high level decisions in their own professional and community life
• the ability to plan, initiate and undertake research and analysis of a range of sources, and communicate findings at a post-graduate level.

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.

Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies are normally awarded credit for 18 units of topics towards the Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies.

Program of study

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies, a student must complete 36 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the following program of study:

Core - Year 1 topics

 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 18 units from the topics listed below

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)

Historical and Systematic Theology

 THEO7306  Readings in Systematic Theology  (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)