Bachelor of Theology

Avondale's Bachelor of Theology (BTh) enables you 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 BTh will prepare you for work in a range of not-for-profit, church, government and private organisations. With strong industry contacts and one-on-one support, you will be work-ready upon graduation.

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.

While the course does not provide a pathway into the employed ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, it does give students a theological foundation and an opportunity for spiritual development. The BTh also presents a possible pathway into a coursework masters degree. 

GENERAL ADMISSION CRITERIA

To qualify for admission, you must meet one of the following criteria:

Applicants with higher education study

• Completion or partial completion^ of an Australian Qualifications Framework AQF Level 7 qualification at an accredited university or higher education provider; or
• Successful completion of bridging or enabling course, or another recognised tertiary preparation course; or
• Successful completion of an Avondale pathway program

^You must pass at least two units/subjects. Show Cause is required if you failed 50% or more overall.

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

• An Australian Qualifications Framework AQF Level 4 qualification or higher; or
• A New Zealand Qualifications Framework NZQF Level 4 qualification or higher

Applicants with work and life experience

• An ATAR equal to or above 63.00; or
• An appropriate score in the uniTEST and the Tertiary Online Written Assessment; or
• An appropriate score in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the past two years)

• A Selection Rank of 63.00 or above after adjustment factors are applied; or
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma with a minimum of 24 points; or
• Year 13 NCEA Level 3 results, identifying university entrance attainment; or
• An appropriate score in the uniTEST and the Tertiary Online Written Assessment; or
• Equivalent overseas secondary qualifications as stated in Appendix 1 of the Admission to Higher Education Undergraduate Courses Policy

Applicants with overseas qualifications

• An overseas qualification comparable to an Australian Qualifications Framework AQF Level 4 or higher

SPECIFIC ADMISSION CRITERIA

The following are the specific criteria for admission:

• Complete and submit Avondale Seminary's Acceptance of the Code of Professional Ethics

Applicants planning to enrol in CHMN or CHPL coded units must also meet the following entry requirements:

• Satisfactory Pastoral Recommendation Form, which may entail an interview with the pastor; and
• A National Police Check (issued within the last six months). Applicants with offences or pending charges may be required to undertake a further assessment; and
• A current Working with Children Check for the state/territory you are located while undergoing your study

POST ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The post-admission requirement for this degree is:

• An AdSafe certificate of completion for Safer Churches Training

For more information, refer to the post-admission requirements for Ministry & Theology.

ADVANCED STANDING

Applicants with an Australian Qualifications Framework AQF Level 5 qualification (or higher) in a cognate area may be eligible for advanced standing (credit recognition). Refer to the Advanced Standing Policy for more information.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

International applicants must meet the Australian Government's visa requirements to reside in Australia while studying at Avondale University.

For more information, visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/study

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency in one of the ways outlined in Appendix 2 of the Admission to Higher Education Undergraduate Courses Policy.

Course duration: Three years full-time (or part-time equivalent)
Study mode: On-campus or distance education available for units offered by the Seminary. Some units offered by other schools may only be available on campus.
Maximum time to complete: Eight years

24 units of 6 credit points spread over 3 years of full time study as follows:

• 3 core units composed of two units of Biblical languages, and one introductory Psychology unit
• 5 Theological studies units including one at 300 level
• 5 Biblical studies units including one at 300 level
• 3 additional Biblical studies units or theology units ( including at least 2 x 300 level units) to complete either a Biblical studies or theological studies major
• 4 units that compose a minor
• 4 elective units

The following units should be taken as early as possible in the course:

• BBNT26110
• THEO16110

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

This course is accredited under Avondale’s self-accrediting authority, within the terms of the Australian Qualifications Framework, and is nationally registered with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). In 2014 Avondale was granted self-accrediting status by TEQSA.

The course is recognised by the Board of Ministerial and Theological Education of the South Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Avondale is also a member of the Australia/New Zealand Association of Theological Schools.

Students who elect to do Church Ministry units must meet requirements for placement including a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check

Course Enquiries

Student Administration Services

Phone: +61 2 4980 2377
Email: [email protected]
Monday-Thursday, 9.00am-5pm
Friday, 9.00am-12.00noon