Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies should be able to:

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge in one or more of the disciplines, which may include philosophy;
2. Demonstrate a well-developed understanding of the relevance of the Catholic intellectual tradition in the twenty-first century;
3. Analyse critically and interpret the Scriptures and other classic texts of the Christian tradition using a range of appropriate methods;
4. Interpret and communicate the implications of belief in the God of Jesus Christ for Christian practice today.

The Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies provides a strong introductory grounding in the discipline of theology, through the lens of the Catholic intellectual tradition.

It is suitable for you if you have an undergraduate degree in another discipline, are seeking professional development for a career in a Catholic or other Church or faith-based organisation or wish to pursue a specific interest in theology.

Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies qualifies you for admission into the Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies and the Master of Theological Studies.

Award requirements

To qualify for the degree a student must complete 40cp from Specified subjects.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $8,904

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Established in 1991 after amalgamating four eastern Australian Catholic tertiary institutes, Australian Catholic University now has seven campuses, from Brisbane to Melbourne and welcomes students of all beliefs. Specialising in arts, business, education, health sciences, law, theology and philosophy, ACU encourages its students to think critically and ethically and bring change to their communities and offer this online through Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about ACU.

Explore ACU courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

35

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

26

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Overall score: 65; Individual score of 6.0 in all tests.

Pearson Test of English (PTE) - 58 with a minimum of 50 in all four communicative skills

Test of English as a Foreign Language - Academic (TOEFL) - Internet based total of 79: minimum 21 in writing, 18 in speaking, 13 in reading and 12 in listening

ACU English Language Test - B (65-74%)

Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) - Overall CAE of 176 with a minimum individual score of 169 in all tests.

If you have already studied at university level or have significant relevant work experience, you can apply for credit towards your ACU course. Credited units replace units you would otherwise study, so you can finish your course earlier.