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Bachelor of Theology

Why study with us?

The Bachelor of Theology (BTheol) is an undergraduate program which enables students to study the theological disciplines for either personal interest, or as a preparation for postgraduate study and a possible academic career in theology. The course covers areas such as biblical studies, biblical languages, theology, and Christian history.

The BTheol will prepare students for work in a range of not-for-profit, church, government, and private organisations. With strong church contacts and one-on-one support, students will be work-ready upon graduation. However, this degree does not prepare students for work as a pastor. Those interested in pastoral ministry should consider enrolment in the Bachelor of Ministry and Theology.

Avondale is an institutional member of the Australia/New Zealand Association of Theological Studies Limited (ANZATS) and the Australian and New Zealand Association of Theological Field Educators (ANZATFE).

Key Information

Study Mode:
On campus
Location:
Avondale Campus - Lake Macquarie
Duration:
Full-time: 3 years, Part-time: Equivalent years
Course Code:
4871
CRICOS Code:
059850D
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Course Details

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Theology, graduates will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge in the discipline of biblical studies, and/or theology and their underlying methodologies;
  • independently analyse and critically evaluate Biblical and theological concepts and methodologies, and demonstrate how they relate to a Seventh-day Adventist world view;
  • communicate acquired Biblical and theological knowledge in a contextualised manner to a diverse range of audiences;
  • model and articulate the relevance of a relationship with Christ and Christian beliefs to daily living;
  • exhibit the skills and capacities necessary to reflect theologically and provide the foundation for further studies and scholarship.

There are many options for satisfying the entry requirements for our courses. An applicant needs to meet at least one of the following entry requirements to be given an offer to study at Avondale.

I have completed my secondary education in Australia or New Zealand and achieved:

*Applicants must not be a current year 12 (or equivalent) student and must be 18 years or older at the time of commencing their course.

I have completed a Vocational education and training (VET) course in Australia or New Zealand and achieved:

  • an Australian Certificate III, or
  • an equivalent New Zealand certificate, as approved by the Director, Student Administration Services.

I have already attended university in Australia or New Zealand and:

  • successfully completed at least 2 units of a Bachelor’s degree or
  • completed a bridging or enabling course, or another recognised tertiary preparation course; or
  • successfully completed at least three units of Avondale’s Undergraduate Certificate in University Preparation.

I have completed my secondary education or higher education qualification overseas:

  • refer to the Admission Policy (HE) for specific information regarding both the minimum academic entry standards (Appendix 1) and the English language proficiency requirements (Appendix 2).

I have other work and life experience:

If a Senior Secondary Certificate has not been completed, an eligible applicant may sit an admission test (uniTEST and TOWA or the Skills for Tertiary Admission Test).

In exceptional circumstances, an applicant may be admitted based on equivalent qualifications or work and life experience as assessed by the Course Convenor or delegate and/or the DVC Academic.

This course has additional entry requirements which are listed below:

Applicants planning to enrol in a CHMN or CHPL coded unit as an elective, must also meet the following entry requirements:

  • Satisfactory recommendation to be completed by the applicant’s church pastor ~ Pastoral Recommendation Form; and
  • A National Police Check (issued within the last six months); and
  • A current Working with Children Check (or equivalent) for the state/territory where students are living while studying (students may need to discuss interstate or international circumstances with the Field Education Director); and
  • Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) applicants must have been baptised for two years and provide evidence of their commitment to, and active involvement in their local church; or
  • Applicants from other denominations must provide evidence of their commitment to, and active involvement in their local church.

International Students

This course is available to international students who meet the Australian government requirements for a student visa to reside in Australia for the duration of the course. It is also available online for international students residing outside Australia. For information regarding visas refer to https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/study.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following:

  1. achieving an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no sub-band less than 6.0, or

  2. one of the other ways outlined in Appendix 2 of the Admission Policy (HE).

Advanced Standing

Applicants who have completed prior study may be eligible for advanced standing (credit recognition). Applicants should discuss their eligibility for advanced standing with the Admissions Team or the Course Convenor.


The Bachelor of Theology (BTheol) consists of 24 units and requires 144 credit points for completion. All units are worth six credit points unless otherwise stated.

  • Students complete four units in each of six semesters in a full-time program or part-time equivalent.
  • Some units are offered on a rotational calendar basis. Course Convenor guidance around units and unit availability is highly recommended.

The 24 units required to complete the course are:

Core units

2 units in Biblical languages

1 unit in Health & Wellbeing

Discipline units (8 units in one discipline = Major)

5 units in Biblical Studies (One unit must be at 300 level)

5 units in Theology (One unit must be at 300 level)

3 additional units in EITHER Biblical Studies OR Theology (2 of these units must be at 300 level)

Minor units4 units chosen from any undergraduate course (with due consideration of any pre-requisite requirements)
Elective units4 units chosen from any undergraduate course (with due consideration of any pre-requisite requirements)

Core units

These units are mandatory and should be taken as early as possible in the course:

BBNT26110NT Greek 1A
BBOT16110Hebrew 1A
WHPE10101Foundations of Wellbeing

Discipline units

Biblical Studies

BBNT16110Mark & Luke
BBNT16150New Testament Epistles 1
ENGL21100The Bible as Literature
BBBI26100Daniel & Revelation *
BBOT26110Hebrew Prophets
BBOT26111Old Testament Meta-narrative
BBOT26120Torah
BBNT36110Exegesis of John
BBNT36120Exegesis of Matthew
BBNT36140Revelation
BBNT36150New Testament Epistles 2
BBOT36110Daniel

*The unit BBBI26110 Daniel & Revelation can only be taken if the units ~ BBOT36110 Daniel and/or BBNT36140 Revelation ~ are NOT taken.

Theology

THEO16110Theology & Faith
THEO16120Introduction to Adventist Heritage
THEO16130Survey of Ethics & Philosophy
THEO26110Revelation, Inspiration & Hermeneutics
THEO26130Religion & Belief in Australasia
THEO26150History of Christianity
THEO36100Independent Topic in Christian Thought
THEO36110Salvation & Eschatology
THEO36120The Doctrine of God & the Work of Christ
THEO36130Ecclesiology & Sabbath

To find out more about any of the units listed here, copy the unit code and then search for that unit here.

To view unit information, note the unit code and search for the unit in  Unit Outlines.

Work Integrated Learning is not a core part of this degree. However, electives in Church Ministry (CHMN) and Chaplaincy (CHPL) include a form of work integrated learning. For more information, contact the Course Convenor.

Career Opportunities

The Bachelor of Theology may assist with entry into the Master of Arts or Bachelor of Ministry & Theology. It provides a theological foundation and an opportunity for spiritual development.

This course does not provide direct entrance into employed ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.


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