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 provides students with the opportunity to study theology as well as other disciplines that inform theological studies. It can be taken as a stand-alone degree, or as a pathway into the Bachelor of Theology program.

  Year one:

  • Foundation of Wisdom
  • One Elective Core Curriculum
  • Six Theology Electives

  Year two:

  • Eight Theology Electives

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

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

• Entry requirements

  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 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.

• 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.

• 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?

  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.