Bachelor of Arts (Major: Theology)

School of Arts & Sciences

Whether you would like to enter the ministry or are on a personal spiritual journey, this The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Bachelor of Arts degree with a Major in Theology offers the opportunity to examine the essential teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church. Throughout this degree, you will look at topics such as the sacraments, scripture, liturgy, the prophets, and moral theology. Upon graduation, you will have developed a detailed understanding of the complexities of the Catholic faith. Contact us today to find out more.

  • Why study this degree?

    Theology holds a central place in the life of any Catholic university, and the Theology Major provides essential building blocks for those wishing to become involved in various ministries within the Christian community. Through this Major, you will develop the skills to examine Scripture and Traditions to grow your understanding of the Catholic faith. You will also cover several topics, including Christian Spirituality, the Psalms and Wisdom, the Reformation, and the Liturgy.

    Theology is available as a Major and Minor in the following programs, including double-degree variations:

    • Bachelor of Arts
    • Bachelor of Behavioural Science
    • Bachelor of Communications and Media (second Major and Minor)
    • Bachelor of Science (Minor only)

    You can also complete a three-year Bachelor of Theology degree.

  • Program summary

    Year One

    • ARTS1000 Academic Writing, Communication and Research

    Plus up to THREE (3) of the following:

    • THEO1520 Introduction to Christian Spirituality
    • THEO1110 Introduction to the Old Testament
    • THEO1210 Introduction to New Testament
    • THEO1000 Foundations of Catholic Theology

    Years Two and Three

    Students may choose from a range of courses (to make up an eight-course Major):

    • THEO1510 Liturgy: Work of God and Work of God’s People
    • THEO6120 Pentateuch
    • THEO6350 Foundations of Moral Theology
    • THEO2250 Introduction to Sacramental Theology
    • THEO3010 Scripture and Church
    • THEO3140 The Prophets: Critics of Status Quo
    • THEO3410 Ecclesiology/Mariology
    • THEO3420 Eucharist
    • THEO3540 Trinity
    • THEO6560 Marriage and Sexuality

    Core Curriculum

    • CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
    • CORE II: Elective
      • Electives in philosophy and\or theology
      • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and\or theology
      • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
      • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
      • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience

    Plus 12 electives which may form another major or minor (undertaken during years one, two and/or three).


    Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

    More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions pages Fremantle Sydney.

    Please note: The availability of these courses and teaching staff is indicative only and may be subject to change.

  • Entry requirements

    Entry requirements WA

    Academic requirements for this program are outlined below.  In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency.  We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program.  See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

    Applicants with recent Secondary Education

    • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 70

    OR

    • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25

    *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

    Applicants with Higher Education Study

    • Successful completion of 2 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

    OR

    • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

    *Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

    Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

    • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

    Applicants with Work and Life Experience

    Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

    • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.

    OR

    • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section^.

    OR

    • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

    *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

    Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

    Entry requirements NSW

    Academic requirements for this program are outlined below.  In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency.  We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program.  See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

    Applicants with recent Secondary Education

    • Prescribed ATAR/Selection Rank*

    OR

    • International Baccalaureate (IB) score

    *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

    Applicants with Higher Education Study

    • Successful completion of 2 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

    OR

    • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

    *Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

    Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

    • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

    Applicants with Work and Life Experience

    Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

    • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.

    OR

    • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 150 in the Multiple Choice section and 150 in the Written English section^.

    OR

    • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

    *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

    Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

  • Learning outcomes

    Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts graduates should be able to;

    1. Demonstrate broad theoretical and practical knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts of one or more disciplines or practice areas
    2. Identify appropriate sources and evaluate information
    3. Demonstrate an awareness of different conceptual approaches and/or research methods
    4. Demonstrate the technical skills, professional skills and ethical practice required by one or more disciplines
    5. Synthesise knowledge and apply skills in order to solve complex problems
    6. Communicate arguments and/or ideas in a range of forms
    7. Work independently and, where appropriate, in collaboration with others
    8. Reflect upon personal knowledge, skills and experiences
  • Career opportunities

    Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors; Many employers will welcome the transferable skills. The following careers are open to graduates of this program: Pastoral counsellor, parish coordinator, Church youth worker, Church agency worker, teacher (upon completion of a postgraduate teaching qualification).

  • Real world experience

    You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. While not a requirement, internship courses and work-integrated learning opportunities are available to enable you to gain on-the-job experience with professionals in your chosen field.

  • Honours

    An Honours award is available for this program. Further information can be found in the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) regulations, or by contacting the School of Arts & Sciences.

  • Study abroad

    A global perspective adds a valuable dimension to your university education. At Notre Dame University you can study while experiencing the world. We encourage students to become active global citizens through a range of exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities. Visit International Opportunities to find out more.

  • Fees and costs

    This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:


    CSP
    A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at university where the government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, called the ‘student contribution amount’.

    In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

    • The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.
    • The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan.

    Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.


    HECS-HELP
    The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.


    For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees Page.

  • Student profile data

    Tables 1 and 2 below give an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this Program. It provides data on all students who commenced in this Program in the most relevant recent intake period, including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

    Fremantle Student Profile Data

    TABLE 1a – Bachelor of Arts BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    Applicant background

    Semester 1 2022

    Number of students

    Percentage of all students

    (A) Higher education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    17 37%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study <5 N/P
    (C) Work and life experience
    (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    5 11%
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)
    <5 N/P
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    <5 N/P
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks &   recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    13 28%
    International students <5 N/P
    All students46100.0%

    TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Arts ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION - ATAR-based offersATAR
    (Excluding adjustment factors) *
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *
    [only if relevant]
    Highest rank to receive an offer 96.85 96.85
    Median rank to receive an offer 74.20 77.20

    Lowest rank to receive an offer

    64.65 70.00

    Sydney Student Profile Data

    TABLE 1a – Bachelor of Arts BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    Applicant background

    Semester 1 2022

    Number of students

    Percentage of all students

    (A) Higher education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    713%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study815%
    (C) Work and life experience
    (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement, not in the other three categories)
    <5NP
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)
    <5N/P
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    1121%
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks &   recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    2242%
    International students<5N/P
    All students52100.0%

    TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Arts ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION - ATAR-based offersATAR
    (Excluding adjustment factors) *
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *
    [only if relevant]
    Highest rank to receive an offer82.8597.85
    Median rank to receive an offer65.9075.15

    Lowest rank to receive an offer

    55.2069.05

    TABLE 2a – Bachelor of Arts (Honours) BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    Applicant background

    Semester 1 2022

    Number of students

    Percentage of all students

    (A) Higher education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    <5N/P
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks &   recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    <5N/P
    All studentsN/P100.0%

    Notes:  

    “<5” – the number of students is less than 5
    N/A – Students not accepted in this category
    N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent the calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

    In 2022, due to COVID, additional adjustment factor points were granted to applicants from NSW, ACT and VIC.

  • More information

    Considering your uni options?

    Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session. Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process. Book my session.


    For more information, please contact our Prospective Students Office.

    Fremantle and Broome
    Phone: +61 8 9433 0533
    Email: future@nd.edu.au
    Sydney and Melbourne
    Phone: +61 2 8204 4404
    Email: sydney@nd.edu.au

    All international enquiries should contact the International Students Office on international@nd.edu.au.

Our students give us top marks

  • No.1 uni in Australia
    Overall Employment *

  • No.1 uni in NSW & WA
    Learner Engagement **

  • No.1 uni in WA
    Skills Development ***

*2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey-Longitudinal (medium term outcome), undergraduate category, **2021 Student Experience Survey, postgraduate category and ***2021 Student Experience Survey, postgraduate category - qilt.edu.au

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