Graduate Certificate in Ministry Studies
Course Overview / Course Structure
| Course Name | Graduate Certificate in Ministry Studies |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Type | Full-time or part-time |
| Mode | On-campus or by distance education |
| Duration | 0.5 years (full-time equivalent) |
| Credit Points | 40 |
| Starting Semesters | 1 & 2 |
| Course Code | MS41 |
| CRICOS Code | 050094G |
| Host School | Ministries |
Course Specific Enquiries
Ph: +617 3347 7900
Email: enquiries@chc.edu.au
Credit for Prior Study Enquiries
Ph: +617 3347 7900
Email: enquiries@chc.edu.au
Admissions, Enrolments & General Enquiries
Ph: +617 3347 7900
Email: enquiries@chc.edu.au
General Information
The Graduate Certificate in Ministry Studies is a one-semester full-time course, or part-time equivalent. As an introductory postgraduate award in ministry, it offers the Christian professional a biblical, theological and ministry foundation to support their professional vocation. Many Christians choose care-based professions that they consider to be their ministry in society. The Graduate Certificate in Ministry Studies affords the student an initial grounding in the disciplines that undergird such a ministry.
Further, the Graduate Certificate in Ministry Studies offers students who are reassessing their profession an introduction to vocational knowledge and skills in a new professional area. The course provides opportunity for students to begin preparing for ministry in an evangelical/ charismatic setting or leadership position.
The Graduate Certificate in Ministry Studies constitutes a coherent body of knowledge which introduces students to the core elements of Christian ministry practice. Although it stands as a complete award in itself, it is also the first and foundational half of the Graduate Diploma in Ministry Studies.
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 Graduate Certificate in Ministry Studies requires 40 credit points 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 10 credit points may be granted for previous studies/recognition of prior learning.
Students may change their enrolment and complete these studies in two ways: either they may enrol initially in the Graduate Certificate in Ministry Studies and subsequently transfer to the Graduate Diploma in Ministry Studies; alternatively, students may enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Ministry Studies and exit early from the program with a Graduate Certificate in Ministry Studies.
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
The units for the Graduate Certificate in Ministry Studies are:
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Units PA411 - New Testament Survey PC400 - The Holy Spirit in Ministry PC401 - Ministry Foundations PC410 - Spiritual Formation |
Internal students will normally complete this course in one semester, studying the four units simultaneously. Part-time students and distance education students may progress through the four units in any order.
