Bachelor of Theology/Bachelor of Philosophy
Course information for - 2024 entry
Offered at 5 locations
- Duration
- 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- VTAC code
- 1200110171
- ATAR
- 58.50 for Ballarat
- Fees (first year)*
$16320 CSP
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Not availableMidyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2024Applications open April 2024
Overview
This unique double degree provides you with the broad knowledge, skills and flexibility offered by a liberal arts program, but enhanced by a specialised focus on two of the oldest academic disciplines and conversation partners: theology and philosophy.
The Bachelor of Theology/Bachelor of Philosophy is designed to equip you with an understanding of the foundations of the modern world and Western civilisation, and to enhance your capacity to critically engage with and respond to some of the key challenges faced by societies, governments and organisations today. You'll be introduced to a broad range of ideas, and will engage with fundamental questions of knowledge, identity, faith and value.
Studying theology and philosophy sharpens your clarity of thought, enhances your ability to analyse and evaluate arguments, and develops your written and oral communication skills. These skills are all highly transferable and advantageous to careers across a broad range of industries and organisations.
Global experience is strongly encouraged, with study abroad opportunities available at the ACU Rome Centre, with one of our partner institutions in Europe or the United States, or as part of a study tour to places such as Israel.
The integrated study unit at the end of the course provides you with a taste of research in your chosen area, and sets you up for the possibility of undertaking an Honours year, and perhaps even, beyond that, further research at Higher Degree level.
Professional experience
You will be required to complete a minimum of 70 hours of Community Engagement through the Christian Community Engagement unit.
Community engagement
As part of your degree, you will undertake Christian Community Engagement, which involves 150 hours of focused learning, or the equivalent of 10 hours per week for 15 weeks. This includes a minimum of 70 hours placement, together with up to 10 hours in class with a School of Theology appointed mentor and other students enrolled in the unit. The remaining time will include completing an online module on Working with Children and Vulnerable Adults, preparing a learning contract, writing a reflection paper on the placement and giving an oral report to the class.
Careers
Graduates are prepared for careers across a wide variety of professions, such as:
- lecturing, research or academia
- journalism or writing
- ethics consultancy to business
- bioethics/health care ethics
- public policy
- chaplaincy, ministry and other church related careers (including lay ministry)
- youth and social work
- pastoral work
- community work and advocacy
- education, teaching, curriculum design (with further study)
- psychology (with further study)
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Theology/Bachelor of Philosophy, a student must complete 320 credit points (cp).
Available Major(s)
-
Biblical Studies
Engage with the Bible within the context of its ongoing significance for the Christian community and the role it plays in the Christian tradition. In the biblical studies major sequence you will explore the background, history, culture, literary character and religious message of biblical texts, as well as their application in contemporary contexts. Develop a critical reading of the biblical text as sacred scripture, and broaden and deepen your engagement with the Bible in a spirit of open and critical inquiry by drawing on a wide range of tools of interpretation.
Christian Thought
The Christian thought major sequence explores the nature and meaning of Christian faith in Jesus Christ as articulated in the Christian creeds, and celebrated through the way in which Christians understand and live out their faith in different contexts. You’ll engage with a contextual and critical examination of beliefs central to the Christian tradition: the significance of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, the implications of faith in Christ for belief in God, and understandings of creation, human personhood, sin, salvation, the church, and the eschaton. You’ll consider these beliefs from varying theological perspectives, and in light of historical and cultural questions. Topics include the trinity, Christology, ecclesiology, theological anthropology, eschatology, and Christian spirituality.
Philosophy
The philosophy major sequence introduces you to serious and detailed thinking about the really big questions concerning reality as a whole, human nature, ethics, language, religion, truth and knowledge, logic, beauty, and justice. The study of philosophy, in both its historical and contemporary dimensions, assists you to develop critical thinking skills and clarity of thought, through which you learn to assess the strengths and weaknesses of complex arguments while also honing verbal and written communication skills. Employers across a very broad range of industries (including education, business, public administration, law, media and technology) report that they highly value the kinds of adaptable skills and attributes possessed by philosophy graduates.
Available Minor(s)
-
Ancient Languages
Explore the linguistic phenomena of our ancient past and apply this wisdom to contemporary contexts. Study an ancient languages minor as part of your theology degree and you’ll learn more than how to decipher and apply writings from antiquity. You'll get up close with ancient religious texts, and develop tools to decipher their many meanings. These tools can then be adapted to a wide range of vocations and careers long after you graduate.
Biblical Languages
The minor sequence in biblical languages will enable students to develop facilities in reading the Bible in the original Hebrew and Greek. By studying the languages of the biblical authors as part of your theology degree you will learn more than how to decipher and apply your knowledge to the Bible. You will also get up close with ancient religious texts, and develop tools to decipher their many meanings. These tools can then be adapted to a wide range of vocations and careers long after you graduate.
Christian Practice
The minor sequence in Christian practice explores the nature and meaning of prayer, liturgy, spirituality and community engagement in the Christian tradition. Studies in Christian practice serve to complement your broader studies in biblical studies and Christian thought by the development of a critical appreciation of how Christians live out their faith lives as an expression of their understanding of the Christian scriptures and Christian doctrine.
Study of Religions
Our multicultural societies are home to a vibrant mix of religious beliefs and experiences. Undertaking a minor sequence in study of religions is an exploration of this diversity and its implications for contemporary society. You will study three of the major world religions —Christianity, Judaism and Islam — as well as having the opportunity to study religions practised in contemporary South and East Asia. We also look at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander spiritualities, and their connectedness to Country, as well as exploring the spiritual and religious traditions of other Indigenous peoples from around the world. In all units of study, study of religions goes beyond merely understanding the practice of religion.
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Double Bachelor - Bachelor/Bachelor - AQF Level 7Exit Points
A student who has completed 40 cp in Philosophy units may exit with the Non-Award Certificate in Philosophy.
A student who has completed 40 cp in Theology units, including THBS100 Introduction to the Bible and THCT100 What Christians Believe, may exit with the Non-Award Certificate in Theology.
A student who has completed 80 cp in Philosophy units may exit with the Diploma in Philosophy.
A student who has completed 80 cp in Theology units, including THBS100 Introduction to the Bible and THCT100 What Christians Believe, may exit with the Diploma in Theology.
A student who has completed 160 cp with at least 90 cp in Philosophy units, may exit with the Associate Degree in Philosophy.
A student who has completed 160 cp with at least 90 cp in Theology units, including THBS100 Introduction to the Bible and THCT100 What Christians Believe, may exit with the Associate Degree in Theology
Entry requirements
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12, or equivalent:
| State | Prerequisites |
|---|---|
New South Wales | Assumed knowledge: Nil |
Queensland | Prerequisites: English (Units 3 & 4, C) |
Victoria | Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 - a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English. |
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2024 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.
View transparency admission information
Applicants with recent secondary education
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
For current year 12 students
If you’re a current Year 12 applicant you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above.
For non-school leavers
If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements.
ACU has partnerships with TAFE and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners or with ACU College, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study.
Applicants with higher education study
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, you’ll be assigned a selection rank based on your study level, duration and grade point average that will be applied during the admission process.
If your previous study has equipped you with knowledge, skills or experiences that align with the learning outcomes of units in your new course you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning and you may be able to complete your course sooner.
Applicants with work and life experience
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.
- If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.
- If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.
- You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.
- If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Pathways into course for current or recent Year 12 students
If you can’t meet the ATAR requirement for your choice of course and you’re currently completing Year 12 or finished Year 12 in the two years previously, we have entry programs to get you where you want to be.
Alternatively, you may be able to complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course:
- ACU non-award Certificate in Theology or Certificate in Philosophy
Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience
Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver?
By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals.
If you’re over 21, you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course.
Articulation from another course
- ACU non-award Certificate in Theology or Certificate in Philosophy
Further study
High-achieving students can progress to honours study or a range of postgraduate coursework programs.
Fees
Course costs
$16320 CSP
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- the number of units studied per semester;
- the choice of major or specialisation; and
- elective units.
The University reviews fees annually.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
Domestic applicants
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.
Testimonial
“ACU’s staff are more helpful than I could have ever expected. I feel like my lecturers truly do want me to succeed with my studies. The depth of resources that are made available in all respects to pursue knowledge as far as it can go is what I really like about my degree. I hope to awaken a fresh understanding of the importance of theology and philosophy in a well-rounded life.”
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