Bachelor of Ministry

The Bachelor of Ministry prepares students for the practice of ministry. It establishes foundations for ministry through the study of scriptures, theological traditions, historical and contemporary contexts. It requires concentrated study in ministry praxis. The Bachelor of Ministry provides a foundation for graduates to understand and articulate their identity and place in the world. It may be possible for students to undertake study in a ministry setting as part of the course.

Overseas students

CRICOS Available

Study modes

Classroom, Mixed, Online

Duration

2 years full-time
Up to 9 years part-time

"Studying at Whitley has given me confidence as a multicultural woman in ministry. It’s a genuinely multicultural learning community that encourages different ideas, values diverse voices, and makes everyone feel that they belong. The support and encouragement I experienced inspired me to continue learning and studying, knowing that my perspective and calling are valued."

Rev Wei Min Zhang

Sample Course Structure

1 Unit

DA1011W Witness, Service, and Discipleship: Mission in Many Places and Many Voices

1 Unit

DP1103W Introduction to Pastoral Theology

1 Unit

DP3067W Supervised Theological Field Education Foundations OR
Clinical Pastoral Education Level 1 Part a

1 Unit

DP3069W Supervised Theological Field Education Foundations OR
Clinical Pastoral Education Level 1 Part b

2 Units

2 Pastoral Theology & Ministry Studies Units

7 Units

7 Units of Choice

1 Unit

XX3900W Capstone Unit: Theology and Mission

1 Unit

BA1001W Introducing the Hebrew Bible

1 Unit

BN1001W Interpreting the New Testament

2 Units

2 Biblical Studies Units

1 Unit

CT1001W Beginning Theological Studies

1 Unit

CH1011W Early Christianity in Context

3 Units

3 Systematic Theology Units

1 Unit

1 Church History Unit

NOTE: The information presented in this graphic is a general guide and not a substitute for personal course advice with a Course Advisor. Please click the links on the legend to read about Whitley College units that may be included in this course.

Course details

The Bachelor of Ministry consists of 432 points comprised of:

72 points in the field of Biblical Studies which must include at least 18 points in each Testament;
36 points in the discipline of Church History;
72 points in the discipline of Systematic Theology;
36 points in the discipline of Practical Theology;
72 points of units in the discipline of Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies including at least 36 points of Supervised Theological Field Education or Clinical Pastoral Education;
an undergraduate Capstone unit worth at least 18 points; and
a further 126 points.

Each course of study for the Bachelor of Ministry:

must not include more than 216 points at level 1; and
must include at least 108 points at level 3 including at least 36 points at level 3 in the field of Theology: Mission and Ministry.

Unit ID	Unit	Field/Discipline
DA1011W	DA1011W Witness, Service, and Discipleship: Mission in Many Places and Many Voices	DA Mission & Ministry
DP1103W	DP1103W Introduction to Pastoral Theology	DP Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies
DP3067W	DP3067W Supervised Theological Field Education Foundations OR Clinical Pastoral Education Level 1 Part a	DP Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies
DP3069W	DP3069W Supervised Theological Field Education Foundations OR Clinical Pastoral Education Level 1 Part b	DP Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies
	2 Pastoral Theology & Ministry Studies Units	DP Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies
	7 Units of Choice	Unit of Choice
XX3900W	XX3900W Capstone Unit: Theology and Mission	Capstone Other
	1 Church History Unit	CH Church History
	3 Systematic Theology Units	CT Systematic Theology
CH1011W	CH1011W Early Christianity in Context	CH Church History
CT1001W	CT1001W Beginning Theological Studies	CT Systematic Theology
	2 Biblical Studies Units	Field B (Biblical Studies)
BN1001W	BN1001W Interpreting the New Testament	BN New Testament
BA1001W	BA1001W Introducing the Hebrew Bible	BA Old Testament

Course structure

The Bachelor of Ministry consists of 432 points comprised of:

72 points in the field of Biblical Studies which must include at least 18 points in each Testament;
36 points in the discipline of Church History;
72 points in the discipline of Systematic Theology;
36 points in the discipline of Practical Theology;
72 points of units in the discipline of Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies including at least 36 points of Supervised Theological Field Education or Clinical Pastoral Education;
an undergraduate Capstone unit worth at least 18 points; and
a further 126 points.

Each course of study for the Bachelor of Ministry:

must not include more than 216 points at level 1; and
must include at least 108 points at level 3 including at least 36 points at level 3 in the field of Theology: Mission and Ministry.

Admission Requirements

Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education in an Australian secondary school, or equivalent.

All applicants must meet the English admission requirements of the University of Divinity as outlined in the Admissions Policy.

Commitment

Students have 3 hours of class time per standard unit they are enrolled in across the 12 teaching weeks of semester.

Students should allow an additional 7 hours for study and assessment tasks per week for each unit they are enrolled in – that is 10 hours per unit per week.

The full-time study load for the Bachelor of Ministry is 4 units per semester which is a commitment of 40 hours per week.

Depending on the time available for study, students can choose to study part-time by enrolling in 2 to 3 units per semester, ensuring they complete the 24 units required within the 9 years permitted.

Learning outcomes

Course achievements

Graduates of the Bachelor of Ministry:

have a broad, coherent and critical knowledge of Christian theological traditions and methodologies, with focused knowledge in ministry studies;
can articulate a coherent vision of ministry and communicate that vision through clear reasoned argument and demonstrated ability;
are able to engage theological traditions and contemporary culture;
have an informed basis for engagement, ministry and service;
apply the skills of theological reflection to shape their practice of ministry.

Graduate Pathways

Future study options

Graduates have access to a range of postgraduate courses at Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Masters levels.

Where will this take me?

Vocational Possibilities

Rev Wei Min Zhang

Studying at Whitley has given me confidence as a multicultural woman in ministry. It’s a genuinely multicultural learning community that encourages different ideas, values diverse voices, and makes everyone feel that they belong. The support and encouragement I experienced inspired me to continue learning and studying, knowing that my perspective and calling are valued.

FAQs

Fees

Key Dates

Timetable

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If theological education has been on your mind, there’s no better place to start your journey than by stepping out in faith with us at Whitley.

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