Diploma Study Options

Diploma level study gives students foundational level knowledge and skills in the Bible, theology, and in discipleship & pastoral care skills. Diploma level study is suitable for women who wish to gain a deeper understanding of how the Bible shapes our ministry practice in the local church and wider community.

If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of God’s word, and want to challenge yourself to grow in your practical ministry skills, studying for a diploma at Mary Andrews College is for you.

There are five Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses that you can choose from at Mary Andrews College. Each is a course of the Australian College of Theology, which Mary Andrews is approved to deliver as an affiliated college of the ACT.

Each diploma course can be completed in a minimum of 1 - 1.5 years full time, or a maximum of 8 - 8.5 years part time (depending on the particular course). Most of the units require 150 hours of study time (including 36 hours of class time), while the rest require 100 hours of study (including 24 hours of class time).

Each unit requires on average two or three assignments. Assignments may include a wide variety of tasks that require thoughtful reflection on what you have learned and integration into your life and ministry.

(Studying 48 credit points (cps) in one semester is considered full time.)

Course structure

  • Integrates study of the Bible with a more practical focus on ministry.

    1 year full time, or a maximum of 8 years part time (96 credit points)

    The Diploma of Ministry involves an expected maximum of 11 units (96cps).

    Units in this course are completed at AQF Level 5 or above.

    Core Units:

    • Old Testament Overview (OT003-512) [12 credit points]
    • New Testament Overview (NT003-512) [12 credit points]
    Plus
    • At least 8 credit points in Christian Thought & History Units (unit codes starting with TH/CH/PE)

    Primary Course Disciplines:

    • At least 24 credit points in Ministry & Practice Units (unit codes starting with PC/EM/DE)

    Elective Units:

    • At least 36 credit points in elective units from any field of study to reach the total of 96 credit points.

    Time Commitment:

    Each 12 credit point unit requires 150 demand hours. This includes 36 hours of class time plus additional time for completing required readings as well researching for and writing your assignments.

    Each 8 credit point unit requires 100 demand hours. This includes 24 hours of class time plus additional time for completing required readings as well researching for and writing your assignments.

    Course Rules:

    Maximum concurrent enrolment load: 60 credit points [in one semester]

    For more information on the Diploma of Ministry, including course rationale, course learning outcomes and early exit options, see the ACT’s website at www.actheology.edu.au/course/DIPMIN20

  • Provides a foundation in theology as a basis for ministry.

    1 year full time, or a maximum of 8 years part time (96 credit points)

    The Diploma of Theology involves an expected maximum of 11 units (96cps).

    Units in this course are completed at AQF Level 5 or above.

    Core Units:

    • Old Testament Overview (OT003-512) [12 credit points]
    • New Testament Overview (NT003-512) [12 credit points]
    Plus
    • At least 8 credit points in Christian Thought & History Units (unit codes starting with TH/CH/PE)

    Primary Course Disciplines:

    • At least 24 credit points in Bible & Languages and Christian Thought & History Units (unit codes starting with LA/BB/OT/NT/TH/CH/PE)

    Elective Units:

    • At least 36 credit points in elective units from any field of study to reach the total of 96 credit points

    Time Commitment:

    Each 12 credit point unit requires 150 demand hours. This includes 36 hours of class time plus additional time for completing required readings as well researching for and writing your assignments.

    Each 8 credit point unit requires 100 demand hours. This includes 24 hours of class time plus additional time for completing required readings as well researching for and writing your assignments.

    Course Rules:

    Maximum concurrent enrolment load: 60 credit points [in one semester]

    For more information on the Diploma of Theology, including course rationale, course learning outcomes and early exit options, see the ACT’s website at www.actheology.edu.au/course/DIPTH20

  • Provides solid training in theology and ministry for effective pastoral ministry.

    1.5 years full time, or a maximum of 8.5 years part time (144 credit points)

    The Diploma of Theology/Diploma of Ministry involves an expected maximum of 17 units (144cps).

    Units in this course are completed at AQF Level 5 or above.

    Core Units:

    • Old Testament Overview (OT003-512) [12 credit points]
    • New Testament Overview (NT003-512) [12 credit points]
    Plus
    • At least 8 credit points in Christian Thought & History Units (unit codes starting with TH/CH/PE)

    Primary Course Disciplines:

    • At least 24 credit points in Ministry & Practice Units (unit codes starting with PC/EM/DE)
    Plus
    •     At least 24 credit points in Bible & Languages and Christian Thought & History units (unit codes starting with LA/BB/OT/NT/TH/CH/PE)

    Elective Units:

    • At least 60 credit point in elective units from any field of study to reach the total of 144 credit points

    Time Commitment:

    Each 12 credit point unit requires 150 demand hours. This includes 36 hours of class time plus additional time for completing required readings as well researching for and writing your assignments.

    Each 8 credit point unit requires 100 demand hours. This includes 24 hours of class time plus additional time for completing required readings as well researching for and writing your assignments.

    Course Rules:

    Maximum concurrent enrolment load: 60 credit points [in one semester]

    For more information on the Diploma of Theology/Diploma of Ministry, including course rationale, course learning outcomes and early exit options, see the ACT’s website at www.actheology.edu.au/course/DIPTHMIN20

  • The Advanced Diploma of Ministry introduces students to the sources and content of the Christian story and message, and provides training which emphasises application and practice of this story and message in the contemporary world at a higher level than the Diploma of Ministry.

    1.5 years full time, or a maximum of years part time (144 credit points)

    The Advanced Diploma of Ministry involves an expected maximum of 16 units (144cps).

    Units in this course are completed at AQF Level 5 and above, including 48 credit points at AQF Level 6 or above.

    Core Units:

    • Old Testament Overview (OT003-512) [12 credit points]
    • New Testament Overview (NT003-512) [12 credit points]
    Plus
    • 24 credit points in Christian Thought & History Units (unit codes starting with TH/CH/PE)

    Primary Discipline Units:

    • 48 credit points in Ministry & Practice Units (unit codes starting with PC/EM/DE), including at least 12 credit points at AQF Level 6 or above.

    Elective Units:

    • At least 48 credit points in elective units from any field of study to reach the total of 144 credit points.

    Time Commitment:

    Each 12 credit point unit requires 150 demand hours. This includes 36 hours of class time plus additional time for completing required readings as well researching for and writing your assignments.

    Each 8 credit point unit requires 100 demand hours. This includes 24 hours of class time plus additional time for completing required readings as well researching for and writing your assignments.

    Course Rules:

    Maximum concurrent enrolment load: 60 credit points [in one semester]

    For more information on the Advanced Diploma of Ministry, including course rationale, course learning outcomes and early exit options, see the ACT’s website at www.actheology.edu.au/course/ADVDIPM20

  • The Advanced Diploma of Theology covers a wide range of knowledge, sources and practical skill development at a higher level than the Diploma of Theology.

    1.5 years full time, or a maximum of 8 years part time (144 credit points)

    The Advanced Diploma of Theology involves an expected maximum of 16 units (144cps).

    Units in this course are completed at AQF Level 5 and above, including 48 credit points at AQF Level 6 or above.

    Core Units:

    • Old Testament Overview (OT003-512) [12 credit points]
    • New Testament Overview (NT003-512) [12 credit points]
    Plus
    • 24 credit points in Christian Thought & History Units (unit codes starting with TH/CH/PE)

    Primary Discipline Units:

    • 48 credit points in Bible & Languages and Christian Thought & History Units (unit codes starting with LA/BB/OT/NT/TH/CH/PE), including at least 12 credit points completed at AQF Level 6 or above.

    Elective Units:

    • At least 48 credit points in elective units from any field of study to reach the total of 144 credit points

    Time Commitment:

    Each 12 credit point unit requires 150 demand hours. This includes 36 hours of class time plus additional time for completing required readings as well researching for and writing your assignments.

    Each 8 credit point unit requires 100 demand hours. This includes 24 hours of class time plus additional time for completing required readings as well researching for and writing your assignments.

    Course Rules:

    Maximum concurrent enrolment load: 60 credit points [in one semester]

    For more information on the Advanced Diploma of Theology, including course rationale, course learning outcomes and early exit options, see the ACT’s website www.actheology.edu.au/course/ADVDIPTH20

More about the Diploma courses offered at Mary Andrews College

Course delivery

Subjects will be taught in hybrid mode, i.e., students can attend class in-person on campus or attend online at the scheduled class times.

Admission requirements

Each of the ACT’s courses listed above are part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Diploma courses are AQF Level 5 and the Advanced Diploma courses are AQF Level 6. The admission requirements are:

  • ATAR: Completion of Year 12 in the last 2 years with an ATAR of 65 or above; OR

  • Previous Qualifications: Successful completion of a qualification at AQF Level 5 or above; OR

  • Demonstrate Academic Suitability for course: Test, brief essay, or interview.

Language Qualifications for Non-English Speaking Background (NESB) students: IELTS 6.5 overall with minimum of 6.0 in each subtest OR 10 years in Australia with English being the language primarily spoken both at home and work.

For further information, refer to the ACT’s Coursework Course Enrolment Policy.

Mary Andrews College has an application process that involves completing an application form and providing the names of two referees. All applicants will also need to agree to the College’s Code of Conduct which you can read ahead of applying.

Course fees

Mary Andrews College is an Affiliated College of the Australian College of Theology (ACT). The tuition fees are set by the ACT on an annual basis. More information about tuition fees is available at: https://wwwactheology.edu.au/tuition-fees

For 2025, 12 credit point units cost $2,853 (36 class hours). A FEE-HELP loan may be available from the government to cover the cost of your tuition for each unit counting towards a complete Diploma or Advanced Diploma course. (Note that Single Unit Study for one-off units require upfront fee payments.)

For 2024, auditing 12 credit point units cost $720 (36 class hours). Auditing fees are set at a subsidized rate by Mary Andrews College and require upfront fee payment.

Please enquire if you need to pay in instalments.

Auditing

Auditing is where you don’t undertake any of the assessments, nor do you receive a qualification, but you do gain great insights personally and also for your ministry.

FEE-HELP

A FEE-HELP loan scheme is available from the government for eligible Australian citizens to cover tuition fees for Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses. Completion of the entire course is expected, and repayment of the FEE-HELP loan and loan fee is based on personal taxable income. Please read carefully the information at www.studyassist.gov.au

What do I need to engage in this course?

This course includes digital and online components. You will need access to a device and reasonable-quality internet that allows you to engage on Zoom with audio and video. The classroom component of the subject is live and designed to be interactive, and therefore sound and video make your experience and those of others far richer. You will also need a device to access resources such as class notes and online library resources, including ebooks, and to submit assignments. At Mary Andrews College, we want to assist you at each stage of your learning journey, and we can point you in the right direction for your digital and online experience.

For more information on the ACT’s Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses, see the ACT’s website at https://www.actheology.edu.au/our-courses

Mary Andrews College is an affiliated college of the Australian College of Theology
www.actheology.edu.au