This course is currently on teach-out. No new students are being accepted into this course. This information is for existing students only.
1. About Associate Degree in Theology
Description
The Associate Degree in Theology is a 2 year fulltime course. Whilst the Associate Degree provides the possibility for some specialisation it does not provide sufficient skill, knowledge or understanding as would be gained by the more rigorous development in the Degree. In completing eight subjects from the Bachelor of Theology Core, Associate Degree students will receive grounding in foundational studies in biblical studies, history and theology. The course provides opportunity for some specialisation in the areas of mission studies, ministry, history, biblical studies or further theological studies through choice of a Major or Minor and Elective subjects. Associate Degree in Theology graduates will be able to engage in analysis and evaluation of information but the level of independent critical analysis, reflection and application is less than that of a three year degree as these skills are further developed in third year subjects which are not part of the Associate Degree. The Associate Degree in Theology is a pathway into a Bachelor of Theology and also an exit point from the Bachelor of Theology. The Associate Degree in Theology is usually not a sufficient qualification for someone seeking full‐time senior or sole ministry positions. Graduates will be equipped to enter into associate or part time church ministry or parachurch positions or to contribute more knowledgably and skilfully as a layperson in church and other vocational contexts.
Course Outcomes
- Broad knowledge to study the primary texts of the Christian faith, and be able describe a range of historical and contemporary reflections on those texts.
- Broad knowledge of the Christian tradition in one or more of its central and varied forms
- In-depth knowledge of an aspect of theology and its sub-disciplines dependent on the minor chosen
- Awareness of key themes, debates and methods of the discipline of theology and its sub-disciplines
- Ability to identify, analyse and evaluate the ideas and arguments of others.
- Cognitive, technical and creative thinking skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of the implications of Christian belief for living
- Communication and analytical skills to interpret and coherently present sometimes complex theological knowledge, ideas and arguments
- Apply knowledge and skills in planning, problem solving and decision making to present theological perspectives on life autonomously and through team collaboration
- Adapt knowledge, skills, concepts and techniques in selected theological disciplines to varied contexts including further study.
Delivery locations
- Online (Full)
- Wantirna (Full)
Course Structure
The Associate Degree in Theology is composed of 16 subjects of 6 credit points each completed over 2 years full-time equivalent (96 credit points in total).
Students undertaking this degree are required to complete:
| Option 1 | Option 2 |
|---|---|
| Core (48 credit points) | Core (48 credit points) |
| Major (48 credit points) | Minor (24 credit points) |
| Two electives from BTh (12 credit points) | |
| Two electives taken from any undergraduate degree offered by the College (12 credit points) |
Other Protocols
- Subjects are taken in the following level order: “500” (Introductory level) then “600” (Intermediate Level) then “700” (Advanced Level).
- Students may not undertake more than 12 credit points at 700”(Advanced Level).
- Students are expected to develop a concentration of subjects (at least 24 credit points) from a Major or Minor.
- Ordinarily students will study at least 36 credit points of “600” (Intermediate Level) subjects.
- Students may not import more than 48 credit points from other institutions.
- No more than 24 credit points of Practicum (PR) in the Associate Degree in Theology.
2. Essential requirements for admission
English Language Requirement
An applicant for studies in this course will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if:
- They were born in one of the following countries and have completed at least one qualification (secondary or tertiary) in one of those countries and the language in which the qualification was undertaken was English
- American Samoa; Australia; Botswana; Canada; Fiji; Ghana; Guyana; Ireland; Jamaica; Kenya; Lesotho; Liberia; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Singapore; Solomon Islands; South Africa; Tonga; Trinidad and Tobago; United Kingdom; USA; Zambia; Zimbabwe.
- They were not born in one of the following countries but have completed senior secondary study or at least one year of full-time university study in one of these countries and the language in which the qualification was undertaken was English:
- American Samoa; Australia; Botswana; Canada; Fiji; Ghana; Guyana; Ireland; Jamaica; Kenya; Lesotho; Liberia; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Singapore; Solomon Islands; South Africa; Tonga; Trinidad and Tobago; United Kingdom; USA; Zambia; Zimbabwe.
- They have successfully completed a senior secondary qualification, a post secondary Diploma qualification of at least two years, an undergraduate program of three years or more, or a postgraduate program of two years or more FT or more, undertaken in a non-English speaking country provided the study:
- was completed in an institution which is listed in the International Handbook of Universities, World Higher Education Database, UK Naric Database or AEI NOOSR guides or an institution accredited through one of ICETE’s registered accrediting bodies and is confirmed by the institution as having been conducted and examined solely in the English language.
-
They have attained results as listed in one of the following qualifications:
Test Minimum Results IELTS Academic 6.0 (no band less than 5.5) TOEFL (Paper based) 550+ Test of Writing English 4 TOEFL (Internet) 76+ Writing 18 Pearson Test of English (Academic) 57 No communicative score below 50 Cambridge English Advanced 54 No less than Borderline in writing
3. Admission Criteria
- Meet the General Entry Requirements for all courses at Eastern College Australia
- Satisfactory completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)* or equivalent: obtaining an ATAR score of 55 or
- Successful completion of the Diploma in Theology or
- Mature Age entry for those who have reached the age of 21
*Please note that VCAL is not considered equivalent to VCE for Higher Education admission.
A. Applicants with recent secondary education (within the past two years)
B. Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
C. Applicants with higher education study
D. Applicants with work and life experience
4. How to Apply
You can apply directly to the College via our online application form available at https://apply.eastern.edu.au
5. Advanced standing/academic credit/recognition of prior learning (RPL)
You may be entitled to credit for prior learning, whether formal or informal. Formal learning can include previous study in higher education, vocational education, or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning or various kinds of work and life experience. Credit can reduce the amount of study needed to complete a degree.
For further information about credit and recognition of prior learning please see https://www.eastern.edu.au/admissions/information or call the College on 9790 9200 and speak to the Registrar
Specialisations
| Ministry | Major |
| Mission Studies | Major |
| Biblical Studies | Minor |
| Christian History | Minor |
| Ministry | Minor |
| Mission Studies | Minor |
| Theological Studies | Minor |
| Associate Degree in Theology Core | Core |
Units attached to this course
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| BB502.306 | Old Testament Introduction |
| BB503.306 | New Testament Introduction |
| BB524.306 | Introduction to the Bible |
| BB641.306 | Biblical Studies in Old Testament (English) |
| BB642.306 | Biblical Studies in Old Testament (English): The Writings |
| BB648.306 | Biblical Studies in Old Testament (English) |
| BB64X.306 | Biblical Studies in Old Testament (English) |
| BB652.306 | Biblical Studies in New Testament (English) |
| BB654.306 | Biblical Studies in New Testament (English) |
| BB655.306 | Biblical Studies in New Testament (English): Topic Study |
| BB656.306 | Biblical Studies in New Testament (English): 2 Corinthians |
| BB65X.306 | Biblical Studies in New Testament (English) |
| BB65X.306 | Biblical Studies in New Testament (English) |
| BB672.306 | Biblical Studies in New Testament (Greek) |
| BB674.306 | Biblical Studies in New Testament (Greek) |
| BB676.306 | Biblical Studies in New Testament (Greek): 2 Corinthians |
| BB67X.306 | Biblical Studies in New Testament (Greek) |
| BB680.306 | Introduction to Biblical Languages |
| BB685.306 | New Testament Greek 1 |
| BB686.306 | New Testament Greek 2 |
| BB691.306 | Issues in Biblical Studies |
| BB752.306 | Biblical Studies in New Testament (English) |
| BB754.306 | Biblical Studies in New Testament (English) |
| BB756.306 | Biblical Studies in New Testament (English): 2 Corinthians |
| BB75X.306 | Biblical Studies in New Testament (English) |
| BB772.306 | Biblical Studies in New Testament (Greek) |
| BB774.306 | Biblical Studies in New Testament (Greek) |
| BB776.306 | Biblical Studies in New Testament (Greek): 2 Corinthians |
| BB77X.306 | Biblical Studies in New Testament (Greek) |
| BB793.306 | Research Project in Biblical Studies |
| BB848.406 | Biblical Studies in Old Testament (English) |
| HS502.306 | Introduction to Christian History |
| HS631.306 | Reformation Church History |
| HS632.306 | History of the World Christian Movement |
| HS637.306 | Radicals, Reformers and Revolutionaries |
| HS705.306 | Early Church History |
| HS750.306 | Australian Church History |
| HS775.306 | Wesley and the Methodists |
| HS792.306 | Directed Study in History |
| LN533.306 | Literature, Philosophy and Civilisation |
| MN557.306 | Spiritual Development for Young Adults |
| MN621.306 | Leadership 1 |
| MN623.306 | Church Health and Development |
| MN624.306 | Developing Women Leaders |
| MN631.306 | Pastoral Care |
| MN632.306 | Children's Ministry |
| MN633.306 | Chaplaincy in Educational Settings |
| MN634.306 | Chaplaincy Skills |
| MN638.306 | Congregational Worship and Spirituality |
| MN646.306 | Youth Ministry |
| MN651.306 | Strategic Communication |
| MN691.306 | Issues in Ministry |
| MN710.306 | Theology of Ministry |
| MN721.306 | Leadership 2 |
| MN756.306 | Integration of Vocation and Faith |
| MN793.306 | Research Project in Ministry |
| MS611.306 | Cultural Anthropology |
| MS621.306 | Biblical Theology of Mission |
| MS633.306 | Issues of Poverty and Justice |
| MS637.306 | Intercultural Life, Work and Field Education |
| MS691.306 | Issues in Mission Studies |
| MS730.306 | Pauline Theology and Mission Practice |
| MS735.306 | Cross-cultural Communication and Contextualisation |
| MS743.306 | World Religions |
| MS793.306 | Research Project in Mission Studies |
| PH641.306 | Encounters between Philosophy and Theology |
| PR560.306 | Internship 1 |
| PR570.306 | Cross-Cultural Experience |
| PR660.306 | Internship 2 |
| PR673.312 | Praxis and Internship 1 |
| PR752.306 | Ministry Field Education 1 |
| PR753.306 | Ministry Field Education 2 |
| PR770.306 | Cross-Cultural Field Education |
| PR774.312 | Praxis and Internship 2 |
| PR775.306 | Field Education Among the Poor |
| TH507.306 | Foundations for Faith |
| TH570.306 | Living in Christ |
| TH604.306 | Faith, Reason and Justice |
| TH621.306 | Christology |
| TH622.306 | Life and Ministry in the Spirit |
| TH652.306 | Theology of the Trinity |
| TH671.306 | Theology of Everyday Life |
| TH691.306 | Issues in Theological Studies |
| TH720.306 | Church, Mission and Ministry |
| TH725.306 | Kingdom of God |
| TH726.306 | Studies in a Theological Tradition |
| TH774.306 | Theology, Mission and Care of Creation |
| TH793.306 | Research Project in Theological Studies |