Associate Degree in Theology

School of Philosophy & Theology

Theology explores important issues such as the nature of God, the kind of God revealed for us in Jesus Christ, the nature of personal identity and of humanity and human origins and destiny. The Associate degree is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed in a range of contexts. It is a unique opportunity to study at both a Catholic University and a Pontifical Institute. Students will have the opportunity to nurture their spiritual growth while learning more about the importance of theology in daily life and in society.

• Why study this degree?

  The Associate Degree is both an entry and an exit pathway within theology programs. It is in Australia as a foundational degree for those who want to work within ministry. Those who complete the program will have achieved foundational knowledge. They will be able to reflect on various areas that inform questions about God, belief, and communities of faith.

  Students in the program will be immersed in the Catholic tradition and they will learn to use different approaches to think about and respond to the principles of the Catholic faith. Students who are interested in growing in their Catholic faith and pursuing ministerial goals will find the program appealing. This program is perfect for individuals who want to pursue leadership roles in the fields of education, health, and social services. The knowledge and skills acquired during this program will benefit and enrich any profession that serves the common good of society.

  This program also provides a unique opportunity to study at The University of Notre Dame Australia and the Catholic Institute of Sydney, to meet the degree's requirements. Embedded within a University and a pontifical faculty, they will graduate with unique insight into the universality of the Church.

• Program summary

  The two-year degree program is designed to provide students with broad and technical knowledge in Theological Studies and associated disciplines. It is intended for those who wish to pursue such studies for reasons of personal growth and especially for those who have specific vocational and ministerial goals; in particular, those who intend to apply for leadership roles within education, health, social services, and the professions generally.

  To be eligible for the award of Associate Degree in Theology students must complete a minimum of 400 Units of Credit. Students studying primarily through CIS may negotiate a substitution agreed upon in consultation with Academic Dean of CIS and Head of School of Philosophy and Theology.

  • 50 Units of Credit from two Core Curriculum Courses
  • 350 Units of Credit from fourteen Theology electives

  Inclusive of the following compulsory courses:

  THEO1110 Introduction to Old Testament

  THEO1210 Introduction to New Testament

  THEO1000 Foundations of Catholic Theology

  THEO2250 Introduction to Sacramental Theology

  THEO2310 Early Church History

  THEO2400 Christology

  THEO2470 Fundamental Moral Theology

  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

  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

  • Successful completion of 4 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).

  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

  • Equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB) score

  *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

  Applicants with Higher Education

  • 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).

  Experience Based Entry

  If you are currently in Year 12 and completing the ATAR, General, VET, or Enabling pathway, you may be eligible to secure a place at Notre Dame University through experience based entry. Mature age applicants can apply by combining their academic background with relevant work experience. See Experience Based Entry for further details.

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Associate Degree in Theology graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate broad theoretical knowledge of Theology in one or more theological disciplines
  2. Identify, analyse, synthesise and act on information drawn from theological sources
  3. Communicate theological ideas and concepts clearly and coherently with some intellectual independence; and
  4. Transfer, apply, and adapt theological knowledge and skills in a range of contexts.

• 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

  This program is suited to those who want to apply for leadership roles within education, health, and social services. It provides knowledge and skills that enrich undertaking any profession that serves the common good of society.

• Real-world experience

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

• Scholarships

  Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

  These can be funded by Notre Dame, industry, individuals and non-profit organisations, to provide financial assistance to students to support costs associated with study. This could include buying food, paying rent, transport, and household bills, raising children as single parents, being a single-income household, becoming unemployed or caring for a sick loved one.

  Please visit the Scholarships Finder to see which scholarships are available to Undergraduate students.

• 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

  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