Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies

School of Philosophy & Theology

Do you have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than theology and a keen interest in what the Church’s theological tradition has to say? Are you thinking about testing the water and studying theology for the first time? Or are you already a qualified teacher looking to broaden your knowledge of Catholic Theology? If so, the Graduate Certificate of Theological Studies may be the ideal degree for you.

• Why study this degree?

  The Graduate Certificate of Theological Studies is a six-month full-time (or equivalent part-time) foundational program that presents an opportunity for graduates from other fields to study Philosophy and Catholic Theology at master’s level at an Ecclesiastical Faculty and Catholic University. Students can select courses from the disciplines of Pastoral, Moral, Spiritual, Dogmatic, and Fundamental Theology, as well as Sacred Scripture, Church History, Patrology, Philosophy, Ministry Studies, Canon Law, Liturgical Studies, and related Ancient Languages.

• Program summary

  Students enrolled are encouraged to sample the breadth of the tradition as much as is possible in a condensed program. As such, in an attempt to encourage broad study.

  To be eligible for the award of a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies, students must complete:

  • Minimum of 50 units of credit from two (2) Introductory courses
  • Electives making up 50 units of credit

  Electives 

  Students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies are required to complete an additional two (2) elective courses (50 units of credit), for a total of 100 units of credit, with the following requirements:

  • Maximum of 25 units of credit in Philosophy
  • Maximum of 25 units of credit in Languages
  • Maximum of 50 units of credit in a CIS-defined Discipline if taking courses through CIS

  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 is indicative only and may be subject to change.

• Entry requirements

  To be eligible for admission to The University of Notre Dame Australia, all applicants must meet the University’s minimum requirements for admission. The requirements for admission are detailed in the University’s Policy: Admissions.

  To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies, applicants must also meet the following specific requirements:

  • As a minimum qualification, a recognised Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7 qualification) or equivalent in any discipline area.

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate advanced theoretical knowledge of Theology in one theological discipline
  2. Critically review, analyse, consolidate, and synthesise knowledge drawn from a particular theological discipline; and
  3. Apply theological knowledge and skills with prudence and discernment.

• Partnership with the Catholic Institute of Sydney

  This program is offered through an exclusive partnership with the Catholic Institute of Sydney (CIS) and provides the option to participate in this program externally, at one of the eligible CIS campuses or through Notre Dame, at the Fremantle or Sydney campus. By attending the CIS campus in Sydney, you will receive instruction from their internationally trained faculty and lecturers, and earn an accredited degree through the University of Notre Dame Australia.

  Learn more about our partnership.

• Career opportunities

  A Graduate Certificate in the Theological Studies can lead to careers in pastoral work, in healthcare organisations, chaplaincy (hospitals, prisons, schools, defence), pastoral counselling, or Church agencies.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. There are no practicum requirements for this program.

• Fees and costs

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

  Domestic Fee-Paying
  A domestic fee-paying place is a place at university where the student is responsible for the full cost the program.

  Eligible domestic fee-paying students may apply for the FEE-HELP loan scheme which assists eligible fee-paying students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your FEE-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, costs and scholarships page.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Book a 1-on-1 advice session with a career advisor or call us on 1800 878 916.

  Fremantle and Broome
  Email: future@nd.edu.au
  Address: 23 High St, Fremantle, WA 6160

  Sydney and Melbourne
  Email: sydney@nd.edu.au
  Address: 128-140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008

  International students
  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, fill out our Make an Enquiry form, and you can book a session with one of our friendly International Student Advisors.

  Fremantle and Broome International Office
  Phone: +61 8 9433 0873
  Address: 19 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160
  Postal address: PO Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959

  Sydney and Melbourne International Office
  Phone: +61 2 8204 4229
  Address: 140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
  Postal address: PO Box 944, Broadway NSW 2007

  Catholic Institute of Sydney
  If you need advice about studying the dual campus program, you can contact the Catholic Institute of Sydney.

  Phone: +61 2 9752 9522
  Email: cisinfo@cis.catholic.edu.au
  Address: 99 Albert Road, Strathfield NSW 2135