• Demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge in the disciplines of biblical studies, theology and pastoral ministry and their underlying methodologies;
• articulate a clear historically informed understanding of Seventh-day Adventist theology, identity, and mission;
• independently analyse and critically evaluate Biblical, theological and pastoral ministry concepts and methodologies, and demonstrate how they relate to a Seventh-day Adventist world view;
• communicate acquired Biblical and theological knowledge, and pastoral ministry skills in a contextualised manner to a diverse range of audiences through preaching, evangelism and technology;
• model and articulate the relevance of a relationship with Christ and Christian beliefs to the practice of ministry and Christian living;
• exhibit the skills and capacities expected of a growing, reflective Christian ministry practitioner and/or scholar in a pastoral capacity.

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:

• a selection rank of at least 63. A selection rank is calculated as the ATAR plus any adjustment factors that may be applicable; or
• a minimum of 24 points in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma; or
• New Zealand Year 13 NCEA Level 3 results, identifying university entrance attainment; or
• an appropriate score in the uniTEST and the Tertiary Online Written Assessment; or
• an appropriate score in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)* or
• the International Big Picture Learning Credential.

*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 IV, 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:

• Satisfactory recommendation to be completed by the applicant’s church pastor ~ Pastoral Recommendation Form; and
• Agree to abide by Avondale Seminary's Acceptance of the Code of Professional Ethics; 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.

From 2025, all incoming theology students will also be required to undertake psychological testing (at their own expense) as recommended by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Further information is available from the Course Convenor.

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 Ministry & Theology (BMinTh) consists of 32 units and requires 192 credit points for completion. All units are worth six credit points unless otherwise stated.

• Students complete four units in each of eight semesters in a full-time program, or part-time equivalent.
• All units in Year 3 and 4 are offered on a rotational calendar basis. Course Convenor guidance around units and unit availability is highly recommended.
• Units chosen from other Schools may not be available in both on campus and online study modes.

The 32 units required to complete the course are:

All students complete a major (minimum 8 units) in three areas: Biblical Studies, Theology, and Church Ministry. Students can elect to add a major in Chaplaincy by selecting Pathway 2 below. Course Convenor advice regarding pathways and units is highly recommended.

Pathways

Core units

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

Discipline units

Biblical Studies

Church Ministry

Theology

Chaplaincy

All Church Ministry (CHMN) coded units are associated with a form of work integrated learning, which in theological circles is referred to as supervised field education. Field education is an apprenticeship whereby ministry students are teamed with pastors who supervise, support and mentor the student throughout ministry placements which can occur in various settings. Supervising trainee pastors in real-world settings is central to ministry formation. It allows students to integrate theological content with practical ministry and provides students with the opportunity to experience ministry in various circumstances. Field education also enables students to develop a deeper knowledge of their spiritual gifts, strengths, and weaknesses.

Students experience two types of supervised field education:

1. Placements: Students are on placement for 4 hours/week for 10 consecutive weeks in an approved ministry placement.
2. Externships: Students are immersed in an evangelistic context for 10 consecutive days, inclusive of two weekends.

Students are supported throughout their field education experience.

Seventh-day Adventist graduates of the BMinTh are eligible to begin a ministry internship in a local conference. After two years of internship, their progress is reviewed to determine if they are ready for a ministerial or commissioned licence. A further three or more years of satisfactory ministry practice is necessary before they can be considered for ordination or commissioning and a full ministerial / commissioned credential is issued.

Other graduates of the BMinTh should liaise with officers of their own denomination to determine the ministry requirements that apply to them.