The Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies is an 18-unit program offered by the Faculty of Education, Humanities and Law. It is taught at the Adelaide College of Divinity.

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

Admission requirements

Applicants must normally hold an approved three year degree or equivalent qualification from a tertiary institution. However, the Faculty Board 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 provide a sound understanding of contemporary theology and biblical studies and to provide opportunities to reflect on theological dimensions of professional and social life. The course is suitable for professionals in the field of religion or related disciplines and people with a general interest in religion. This course will provide a pathway to further postgraduate study within Theology.

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

  • gain an introductory 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 a fundamental knowledge and understanding of contemporary theology and biblical studies
  • be able to contribute to academic discussion of contemporary theology and biblical studies and independently apply these to make high level decisions in their own professional and social life
  • be able to apply theological knowledge and skills to initiate and plan professional and/or social programs
  • be able to demonstrate 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

 THEO8506  Reading Cultures GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8314  Introduction to Christian Thought GE  (4.5 units)

Option - Year 1 topics

Select 4.5 units from the following topics

Biblical Studies

 THEO8202  Synoptic Studies GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8204  Interpreting the New Testament GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8104  Old Testament Exegesis: Pentateuch GE (4.5 units)
 THEO8206  Pauline Letters GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8004  The Bible and Popular Culture GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8701  Biblical Greek 1 GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8704  Biblical Hebrew 1 GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO9033  Biblical Hermeneutics: Making Sense of the Bible GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8106  Old Testament Exegesis: The Writings of the Hebrew Bible GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8105  Old Testament Exegesis: Prophets GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8107  Old Testament Exegesis: Wisdom GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8207  Study Tour: Lands of the Bible GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8702  Biblical Greek 2 GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8703  Biblical Greek 3 GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8705  Biblical Hebrew 2 GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8706  Biblical Hebrew 3 GE (4.5 units)
 THEO7106  Readings in Old Testament Studies  (4.5 units)
 THEO7204  Readings in New Testament Studies  (4.5 units)
 THEO8102  Interpreting the Old Testament GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8103  Ecology and the Bible  (4.5 units)

Historical and Systematic Theology

 THEO8307  Theology of Jesus Christ GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8314  Introduction to Christian Thought GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8315  Christian Ethics 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)
 THEO7306  Readings in Systematic Theology  (4.5 units)
 THEO7405  Readings in Church History  (4.5 units)
 THEO8003  Guided Study in Theology  (4.5 units)
 THEO8401  Church History A GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8402  Church History B GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO9501  Guided Study in Christian Spirituality  (4.5 units)

Ministry Studies

 THEO7501  Readings in Ministry and Mission Studies  (4.5 units)
 THEO7502  Readings in Christian Education or Discipleship  (4.5 units)
 THEO7503  Readings in Christian Leadership  (4.5 units)
 THEO7504  Readings in Pastoral Care  (4.5 units)
 THEO8205  John's Gospel and the Johannine Epistles GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8501  Caring Practices of the Church GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8502  Christian Education GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8503  Christian Leadership GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8506  Reading Cultures GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8504  Ministry and Mission Studies 1 GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8505  Ministry and Mission Studies 2 GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO8508  Theology and Practice of Chaplaincy  (4.5 units)
 THEO8509  Exploring Cross-Cultural Ministry GE (4.5 units)
 THEO8510  Towards Reconciliation: A Theological Understanding GE  (4.5 units)
 THEO9309  Guided Study in Liturgy  (4.5 units)