Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry

Course Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 8 years part-time
AQF and Course Codes
  • Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree (AQF 6)
  • CRICOS 075251E
Tuition Fees
AU$34,944
at 2026 fees
Next Intake
February, July
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Course Overview

The Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry builds on the Diploma in Theology by enabling students to deepen their understanding of the key theological disciplines of Biblical Studies and Christian Thought and History and in Ministry.  This is extended by further study in those disciplines and in the area of practical ministry studies. It may be possible for students to undertake study in a ministry setting as part of the course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry

  1. have significant foundational skills for critical study of Christian texts.
  2. have skills to articulate and reflect upon foundational theological, scriptural knowledge and apply this to ministry practice.
  3. have strong analytical skills allowing them to analyse and communicate sound theological arguments, especially in relation to ministry tasks or worldview perspectives.
  4. apply their skills and knowledge to their own and other contexts and traditions through culturally relevant ministry practices.
  5. apply their skills and knowledge to the service of others through practical engagement and in contexts such as practical support ministries or cultural and philosophical analysis.

Course Structure

The Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry consists of 288 points.

Course Structure Points
Units in the discipline of Old Testament 18
Units in the discipline of New Testament 18
Units in the discipline of Church History 18
Units in the discipline of Systematic Theology 18
Units in the discipline of Practical Theology 36
Further units from the fields of Biblical Studies and/or Christian Thought and History 36
Further units in any discipline 144

Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education in an Australian secondary school or the Diploma in Theology, or equivalent.

Prospective students apply by direct entry to a College of the University. The Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) is not used in selection at the University of Divinity.

It may be possible for students to receive credit into their course for prior post-secondary study in theology or ministry.Graduates may proceed to the Bachelor of Ministry or Bachelor of Theology

The Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry requires completion of 288 points (16 standard undergraduate units).

Fees for 2026 are $2,184 per standard unit or $17,472 for a year of full-time study (8 units). The total course cost is $34,944.

Fees are subject to change from year to year. For more information about fees, please visit the Fees page.

Credit of up to 180 points may be granted towards this award.

Credit may include:

Prior qualification or training Maximum credit Specific application
Diploma in Ageing and Pastoral or Spiritual Care (10642NAT) 72 points 72 points towards Mission and Ministry
Diploma in Ageing and Pastoral Care (91561NSW) 72 points 72 points towards Mission and Ministry
Diploma of Catholic Youth Ministry (10603NAT or 11013NAT) 144 points
  • 18 points towards Biblical Studies Level 1
  • 18 points towards Systematic Theology Level 1
  • 108 points towards Mission and Ministry

Credit is granted in accordance with the Credit Policy.

Graduate pathways

Graduates may proceed to the Bachelor of Ministry or Bachelor of Theology

Choose a Home College

Australian Lutheran College

Catholic Theological College

Eva Burrows College

Pilgrim Theological College

St Athanasius College

St Barnabas College

St Francis College

Trinity College Theological School

Uniting College for Leadership and Theology

Whitley College

Wollaston Theological College

Yarra Theological Union

Study Modes

Courses can be delivered through a variety of modes, such as:

  • Face-to-face: This is the traditional mode of study where you attend your classes in person at a physical location.
  • Online: In this mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered online.
  • Mixed-modes: This combines both face-to-face and online units throughout your award.
  • Intensive: this involves completing a condensed amount of content over a shorter period of time. Intensives can be face-to-face or online.
  • Supervised Research: This involves independent research, which is supervised by one or more people with expertise in the field.

Course Duration

The standard full-time duration of the Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry is two years. The Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry must be completed in not less than two years and not more than eight years from the date on which the course is commenced.
Standard Minimum Maximum
2 years
2 years
8 years

AQF Level:

Regulation:

Regulation 11 Awards, Courses and Units

Course Code:

CRICOS Code:

075251E

The table gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students admitted into this course. It provides data on all students who commenced study in the most relevant recent intake period.

Student profile for Semester 1, 2026

Applicant Background Number of Students Percentage of Students
(A) Past Higher Education Study 4 50.00%
(B) Past Vocational Education and Training (VET) Study 3 37.50%
(C) Recent Secondary Education
Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR 0 0%
Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered 0 0%
Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor 0 0%
(D) Work and life experience 0 0%
International Students 1 12.50%
All Students 8 100.00%

You can compare other institutions with the University of Divinity to help inform your undergraduate study choices. ComparED is an initiative of the Australian Government. It’s powered by QILT (Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching) surveys that draw data from real life student experiences from commencement of study through to employment.

Upon successful completion of all course requirements, students will receive an invitation to graduate. This entitles the graduate to wear the approved Academic Dress at the graduation ceremony, and to use the approved postnominals after their name.

Academic Dress

Gown: Black Bachelor gown

Headwear: None

Hood: None

Postnominals

AdvDipTheolMin

Enquire about this course