Course Structure

This course structure is based on two semesters (each of 13 weeks duration), with four subjects taught in each semester. It comprises:

• 5 core subjects (50 credit points)
• 3 elective subjects (30 credit points)

To qualify for award of the degree of Diploma of Ministry a candidate shall accrue an aggregate of at least 80 credit points, including satisfactory completion of the core subjects.

For more information see the Student Handbook.

Subjects

CORE UNITS / 5 SUBJECTS

• ACA001 Faith and Purpose
• EXP001 Professional Practice
• MIN001 Introduction to Pastoral Ministry
• MIN012 Character Formation and Ministry

Plus one of the following:

• BIB009 Old Testament Foundations; or
• BIB010 New Testament Foundations

SUGGESTED ELECTIVES / 3 SUBJECTS

• 3 elective subjects taken from accredited AQF Level 5, 6 or 7 subjects offered by AC.

Electives

Any subject that is not a core subject in the Diploma of Ministry is classified as an elective subject. Before enrolling into an elective subject, ensure that you have met the pre-requisite for that subject.

The specialisation for this course is optional. Students can complete three alternate elective subjects from any discipline.

View the full list of subjects available for this course.

For more details on which subjects you can choose, see the current enrolment guide for this course.

Christian Studies Specialisation

If you would like to qualify with a Christian Studies specialisation, you must have completed the following subjects:

• BIB009 Old Testament Foundations OR BIB010 New Testament Foundations
• THE005 Introduction to Theology
• 10 credit points of BIB/CCM/LEA/MIN/THE/WOR

Note

The required subjects for this course have changed in 2022. Students who commenced before 2022 are encouraged to contact Student Services for enrolment support and consult the pre-2022 enrolment guide for this course.

Admission Criteria

Academic

Applicants with Recent Secondary Education (within the past 2 years)

Applicants admitted on the basis of their recent secondary education must demonstrate the completion of NSW Higher School Certificate (or the completion of an International Baccalaureate or the interstate or overseas equivalent qualification and result) for admission into this course.

Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) Study

Applicants whose highest level of study enrolment since leaving secondary education is a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course must demonstrate the completion of an AQF Level 3 Certificate III or higher by an authorised institution or registered training organisation for admission into this course.

Applicants with Higher Education Study

Applicants whose highest level of study enrolment since leaving secondary education is a complete or partially complete higher education qualification must demonstrate the completion of an AQF Level 5 Higher Education Diploma (or higher) by an authorised institution for admission into this course.

Applicants with Work and Life Experience

If you are under the age of 21 at the time of commencement, you can apply to a prescribed program of non-award study on the basis of provisional entry, and complete the provisional entry qualifying period to become a full candidate of this course.

If you are over the age of 21 at the time of commencement, you can apply for admission into this course on the basis of provisional entry, and complete the provisional entry qualifying period to become a full candidate.

Language

Overseas students are required to demonstrate their English proficiency skills. Such students admitted into our programs must attain an overall IELTS (or equivalent) score of 5.5 (with no score below 5.0 in any of the four skills areas). IELTS (or equivalent) is not required for applicants who have undertaken five years of required higher education study (or equivalent) in English from an approved country or who have completed a Certificate IV or higher qualification awarded in English under the Australian Qualification Framework by an authorised institution or registered training organisation.

Study Modes

Delivery Mode*: Face-to-Face (Campus class), Online Live (Zoom class), Online Recorded
Locations**: Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Online
Duration: 1 year full-time/up to 4 years part-time
Face-to-Face Intakes: Semester 1, Semester 2
Online Intakes: Semester 1, Semester 2, Semester 3

* Our study modes are flexible so you can mix-and-match different modes throughout your course to fit your needs. For example, a face-to-face student can choose to attend some classes online or an online student may choose to take some subjects face-to-face.

** Some subjects may only be available in certain study modes each semester. Please check the timetable for the most up-to-date information. Face-to-face classes can be delivered weekly or via intensives, where the subject is delivered in a block over consecutive weekdays and/or weekends. Some subjects must be completed face-to-face to meet professional accreditation requirements.

Fees & Timetable

A complete Fee Schedule for all Alphacrucis programs and courses can be found in our Fees Information section.

For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students, please see our Timetables.

FEE-HELP is available for eligible students to assist you in financing your studies. For more information and other options, please visit the Financing Your Study page. For students who cannot access government loans, an alternative option is Study Loans, a private student loan provider. To learn more about loans provided by Study Loans, click here.

Course Learning Outcomes

Demonstrated:

• general understanding of key issues, recent scholarship and practices within the discipline area of ministry, consistent with a Christian worldview;
• depth of understanding of practical fieldwork;
• technical and theoretical understanding of basic research principles and methods, and knowledge of research approaches used in the discipline area of ministry.

Demonstrated ability to:

• identify, analyse and synthesise theoretical knowledge in the discipline area of ministry;
• examine a complex problem or management requirements using appropriate methodologies and theories from the discipline area of ministry;
• communicate technical and creative skills to express ideas and perspective related to the discipline area of ministry;
• transfer knowledge and specialised ministry skills to peers and general audiences in diverse contexts.
• apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills acquired within the specialist area of ministry in a range of professional contexts;
• work independently, responsibly and with the level expected in a broad range of professional and ministry contexts;
• collaborate in team projects to make a positive contribution toward social issues;
• undertake self-reflection and evaluation of performance for the purpose of vocational development.