Diploma of Ministry Studies
Course Overview / Course Structure
| Course Name | Diploma of Ministry Studies |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Type | Full-time or part-time |
| Mode | On-campus or by distance education |
| Duration | 1 year (full-time equivalent) |
| Credit Points | 80 |
| Starting Semesters | 1 & 2 |
| Course Code | MS03 |
| CRICOS Code | 056901M |
| Host School | Ministries |
Course Specific Enquiries
Ph: +617 3347 7900
Email: enquiries@chc.edu.au
Credit for Prior Study Enquiries
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Email: enquiries@chc.edu.au
Admissions, Enrolments & General Enquiries
Ph: +617 3347 7900
Email: enquiries@chc.edu.au
General Information
The Diploma of Ministry Studies is a one-year fulltime course, or part-time equivalent, which provides an initial preparation for Christian ministry. It is structured to accommodate a range of students who desire initial studies at degree level as preparation either for further study in other courses or as foundational for their ministry calling, and offers opportunity for students to begin preparing for evangelical/charismatic Christian ministry and leadership. It also prepares students for ancillary ministry and vocational roles which require the integrating of biblical and theological knowledge with the practice of ministry, and will allow for people with life or ministry experience the opportunity to gain formal qualifications for ministry in the church and the wider society.
The Diploma of Ministry Studies fulfils the study requirements for ordination of Christian Outreach Centre.
Relationship to the Bachelor of Ministry
The Diploma of Ministry Studies normally equal the first two semesters of the Bachelor of Ministry.
For students who, while undertaking the Bachelor of Ministry, re-evaluate their personal suitability and readiness for ministry, the Diploma of Ministry Studies provides an exit point. Examples of those who might experience this re-evaluation include school-leavers who enter higher education and are unsure of their longer-term directions in work, study and relationships, and mature age students who are unsure of whether they can continue to commit themselves to the equivalent of three years of fulltime study in the light of family and work commitments.
Students who complete the Diploma of Ministry Studies may enrol later in the Bachelor of Ministry. Upon completion of that degree they will surrender the Diploma.
Career Outcomes
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Assistant roles within the church, par church or vocational situations. |
Attendance
Full-time students undertake 3-4 units per semester. Each unit is equivalent to 10 credit points). Students may enrol in fewer units per semester and extend their degree over a longer period. Australian students enrolled in three or more units may be eligible to claim Austudy benefits. International students are required to study a minimum of 30 credit hours (3 subject equivalent) per semester to fulfil Australian study visa requirements.
In order to maximise learning, it is important to engage appropriately in the learning opportunities and activities of the program. Students are therefore expected to attend at least 90% of class time unless a reason for absence (such as traffic hold-ups, mechanical breakdown or attendance at family ceremonies) has been accepted by the unit lecturer. Students who are unable to attend classes on a given day should phone the College Reception (3343 8888) by 9am so that lecturers can be notified. To substantiate reasons for absences of more than two days, students are to provide their Course Coordinator with a medical certificate for that period. Some units specifically require attendance for a pass.
Students may place their results for the semester in jeopardy and may even fail a unit because of their inability to satisfy course attendance requirements.
Attendance rules may vary from school to school and course to course. Students have a responsibly to ensure that they are fully aware of the attendance policies which apply to the schools to which their units belong. Overseas students must consult the Overseas Student Handbook.
Workload for the Course
The Diploma of Ministry Studies requires 80 credit points is for completion. Each credit point indicates an expected student involvement of one hour per week for one semester. A standard unit carrying a weighting of 10 credit points normally involves 10 hours of study and research per week. Fulltime students normally undertake four units per semester with a weighting of 40 credit points and an expectation of 40 hours of work per week over a semester. Part-time students normally undertake one or two units per semester, with an equivalent workload per unit.
Students may apply for transfer of credit from previous studies. Application for transfer of credit is to be made at the time of entry into the course. A maximum of 20 credit points may be granted for previous studies/recognition of prior learning.
During their course of study, students may also apply to engage in cross-institutional study towards the requirements of the course (see Section 3.3).
The maximum recommended time for completion of the course is 10 years. Extensions beyond this time may be available in special circumstances by application to the Dean of the School of Ministries.
In addition to the required units, students’ involvement is required in worship and devotional meetings, ministry seminars, outreach and mission programs and workshops for the on-going enrichment and development of students’ personal and community life.
Course Structure
Units in the course are offered at two levels: introductory units, categorised as 100-level, for which there are no pre-requisites; and advanced units, identified by 200-level unit codes, for which some studies at introductory level will normally be a prerequisite.
Students normally complete three practicum units within the required sixteen units. Contact hours remain the same but each practicum unit involves a further seven hours a week of practicum placement hours and written reflection.
Fields of study
The Diploma of Ministry Studies is structured around three fields of study:
1. Field A: Biblical Studies;
2. Field B: Theology and Church History; and
3. Field C: Ministry and Mission.
Field A: Biblical Studies
The Biblical Studies field undergirds both Theology, and Ministry and Mission by providing a biblical framework. The field further contributes significantly to the personal formation dimension of the program by engaging the student in the study of God’s Word, of people’s response to God, and of their relationship with God and with each other. The three units in the field provide an introduction to Biblical Studies, including an overview of both Old and New Testament and their ministry application, and principles of Biblical interpretation.
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Biblical Studies Units PA106 - Old Testament Survey PA111 - New Testament Survey PA120 - Hermeneutics |
Field B: Theology and Church History
The two units in Field B draw upon Biblical Studies to provide a theological framework for reflecting on God and His working in human history. Students are introduced to major theological concepts, and to alternative views and approaches in theological study, including both Biblical and systematic theology. An introduction to church history extends students’ theological understanding by providing a historical perspective on theological issues.
Theology and church history units develop theological foundations of Christian ministry and mission. They and church history also contribute to personal formation by involving the student in reflection upon the revelation of God’s grace, and upon God’s purposes for the individual and for the church.
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Theology and Church History Units PB101 - Theology I PB110 - Revival History |
Field C: Ministry and Mission
Field C deals with ministry both within the church and to the wider community, as well as with personal and spiritual development. Emphasis is given to people and ministry skills, and ministry principles. These are developmental skills, which introduce people to the work of ministry and form a basis for further development and future specialisation in ministry.
Field C is the primary context of the ministry formation dimension of the course. Field C also provides a context for personal formation, as outlined previously. In particular, this field provides students with the opportunity to develop their relationship with God and their Christian attitudes.
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Ministry and Mission Units PC101 - Ministry Foundations PC105 - Ministry Development PC110 - Spiritual Formation |
