BACHELOR OF DIVINITY
The Bachelor of Divinity program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of Divinity, covering Bible and Languages, Christian Thought and History, and Ministry and Practice. It develops skills in critical inquiry, theological analysis, and evidence-based problem solving, while emphasizing effective communication and application in both academic and ministry contexts. The program prepares students to engage with contemporary Christian and societal challenges, fostering continuous personal and professional development in Christian life and ministry.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Discipline Knowledge and Understanding
1. Demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge and understanding of ‘Divinity’ as an academic discipline in the field of ‘Bible and Languages’ and either the field of ‘Christian Thought and History’ or ‘Ministry and Practice’; or both the fields of ‘Christian Thought and History’ and ‘Ministry and Practice’.
2. Investigate the spiritual and ethical implications of biblical and theological knowledge and understanding.
Inquiry and Analysis
3. Analyse, critique, evaluate and synthesise a broad and coherent understanding and application of Divinity in biblical and theological scholarship, as well as ministry practice, in inquiry-based learning.
Problem Solving and Integration
4. Construct coherent evidence-based perspectives on broad Divinity issues by using recognized source materials and relevant scholarly literature, evaluating alternate interpretations and drawing reasoned conclusions.
Communication
5. Present broad and coherent knowledge and skills of Divinity to, and engage with, different audiences using a variety of formats.
Teamwork and Professional Practice
6. As a leader, and in groups, apply broad and coherent knowledge, understanding and application of Divinity in ministry contexts and the wider community.
Engagement with the World
7. Engage with the broad challenges of contemporary Christianity, society and the wider world.
Continuous Learning and Professional Development
8. Demonstrate a capacity for independent reflection and learning to sustain personal and professional development in Christian life and ministry.
COURSE CONTENT
The Bachelor of Divinity comprises 24 units of study (288 credit points).
The core units in the RTC’s Bachelor of Divinity program are:
- Old Testament Introduction—24 cps, OT001-612, OT002-612 (or OT003-612 and one of BB001-612, BB002-612, or BB003-612)
- New Testament Introduction—24 cps, NT001-612, NT002-612 (or NT003-612 and one of BB001-612, BB002-612, or BB003-612)
- Christianity in History—24 cps
- Theology—24 cps
- OT/NT Set Books – 24 cps (with a minimum of 12 cps from Old Testament and New Testament each)
In addition, students must complete:
- 24cps PC / EM / DM at Level 7 or above
- 144cps elective units from any unit field
Certain advanced level units may only be taken when the pre-requisite units have been completed or when co-requisite units are taken concurrently. Individual unit syllabi should be consulted for further information.
Units in this course are completed at Level 6 and above, including at least 144cps at Level 7 or above.
REGULATIONS
- Students may not enrol in more than 60 cps per semester.
- A maximum of 48 cps may be studied in DSC mode, including no more than 24 cps in any one field of study.
- There is a pre/co-requisite for Level 7 units: 96cps, including 36cps at Level 6.
The Bachelor of Divinity is a course of the Australian College of Theology
STUDY OPTIONS
RTC has some great flexible study options to suit all students wanting to commence study in Semester 1, 2025. From on campus in the Melbourne CBD to the comfort of your own home via distance and online subjects.
Check out the various study options available at the RTC in Semester 1, 2025, starting Monday, 17th February.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Previous Qualifications: Successful completion of a non-theological bachelor degree or equivalent.
Language Qualifications for NESB: IELTS 6.5 overall with minimum of 6.0 in each subtest OR 10 years in Australia with English being the language primarily spoken both at home and work.
FEES
Domestic Students: $11,136 per semester for full-time (48cp) (2024 course fees and credit points).
International Students: $13,000 AUD per semester. If you require accommodation at Barkley Hall, you will require a further $7,000 AUD per semester. The RTC is presently unable to offer scholarships or financial assistance to overseas students. Find out more about fees and applications for oversees students here.
RTC is an Affiliated College of the Australian College of Theology. The tuition fees are set by ACT on an annual basis. Tuition fees are outlined below. FEE-HELP loans are available to eligible students to fund the tuition fees for all accredited courses.
FEE-HELP loans are not available for the Certificate in Theology, the Academic Studies in Theology Certificate or units studied under Single Unit Study mode.
The 2025 Fee Schedule is available for download here.
ENROLLMENTS
Australian & New Zealand Students
Enrolling at RTC is easy. Prospective students will need to complete an Application Form. This can be done online by clicking the link below, or by completing a printable form and either submitting it electronically or by post.
Once you have submitted your application form you will receive an immediate confirmation of receipt of the form. It will then take approximately 48 hours to process your application.
As well as submitting an application form, prospective students should make an appointment to meet with the registrar (Paul Lucas) to discuss their proposed course. Paul can be contacted on (03) 5244 8600.
The RTC has two academic semesters per year; the first runs from February to June, and the second from July to November. Applicants will need to enrol at the beginning of each semester and once successful will need to make arrangements for paying the prescribed fees.
The application form can be submitted online.
A printable application form (see below) may also be completed and submitted electronically or at the RTC. For more information regarding digital signatures, see here.
International Students
The Reformed Theological College (RTC) welcomes applications from overseas students. Along with the general admission procedures that apply to Australian students, there are certain requirements that overseas students must meet before being accepted for study. You will need to:
- show evidence of educational qualifications or work experience and means of financial support
- provide two recommendations from your home country (one of these should have had experience of your involvement in the life and ministry of a church), and
- demonstrate a proficiency in written and spoken English*
The Reformed Theological College is approved to deliver the following courses of the Australian College of Theology (CRICOS 02650E), which is the official “Higher Education Provider” for overseas students at the Reformed Theological College:
- Diploma of Theology (CRICOS 054649A)
- Diploma of Ministry (CRICOS 054659K)
- Diploma of Theology/Ministry (CRICOS 086267F)
- Bachelor of Theology (CRICOS 054676J)
- Bachelor of Ministry (CRICOS 054670D)
- Bachelor of Theology/Ministry (CRICOS 086274G)
- Graduate Certificate of Divinity (CRICOS 076017G)
- Graduate Diploma of Divinity (CRICOS 054685G)
- Master of Divinity (CRICOS 054688E)
More information concerning the process for enrolment may be found at the Australian College of Theology’s Overseas Student page.
Please consult the Australian Government Immigration website for additional Visa and immigration information; note especially the regulations concerning Student Visas. To study at RTC, you will need a Student Visa Subclass 500. You are unable to apply for this Visa until we have accepted you as a student and supplied you with an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE).
Please note that the Visa approval process is controlled by the Australian Department of Home Affairs, not the RTC. If you are a citizen of New Zealand, you will not require a Student Visa to study in Australia, and technically you would not be an Overseas Student.
Overseas students may access student support services that are broadly available to all RTC students.
Please also know that the RTC may not admit an overseas student in the first six months of a registered course from another provider, except where expressly permitted. For more information, please review the Australian College of Theology’s Overseas Students Release and Transfer Policy.
APPLY NOW:
Prospective students will need to complete an Application Form. Australian and New Zealand students can apply online. RTC also welcomes applications from overseas students. Please review admission requirements and other information in the Australian University of Theology’s Coursework Course Enrolment Policy.
