Information on the Bachelor of Divinity degree programme
A full-time student does 120 credits in a year. That is 60 credit points each semester.
- 4 papers x 15 credits = 60 credits in a semester. There are also 7.5 credit papers that run in half a semester 2 x 7.5 = 15
- There are two semesters in a year 60 + 60 = 120 credit points.
Part-time or distance students will take longer to complete the degree as there are limits to the number of papers students can take each semester. This ensures a reasonable workload.
- Distance students can study 1 or 2 papers per semester. (Up to 30 credits)
- Part-time study is considered to be 1, 2 or 3 papers per semester. (Up to 45 credits)
What is the recommended programme?
The Bachelor of Divinity is a structured programme of study which has compulsory papers, and specific rules guiding the selection of papers to fulfil the requirements. Further information can be found in the BDiv Planning Guide.
- There are (in NZQA credits) at least 360 credits in the whole programme. An individual paper is either 15 credits or 7.5 credits. (24 x 15 = 360)
- You can major in either Dogmatic Theology or Sacred Scripture (which involves passing 90 NZQA credits worth of papers in that subject areas. (6 x 15 = 90)
- In the other one of that pair (Sacred Scripture or Dogmatic Theology) you need 60 credits worth of papers (4 x 15 = 60)
- You must have 30 credits in Philosophy (2 x 15 = 30)
- You must have 30 credits in Pastoral Studies and Practice (2 x 15 = 30)
- You must have 15 credits in Moral Theology
- You must have 15 credits in Church History and Patrology
- Your stage one papers – x1xxx – should not add up to more than 180 credits (12 x 15 = 180)
- You must have at least 90 credits at stage three – x3xxx – (6 x 15 = 90)
- Not more than 150 credits should be from the same area of study
What papers should I start with?
It is expected that students start off their Bachelor of Divinity award with the stage 1 papers, which are normally the prerequisites for the stage two and stage three level papers. Biblical Studies and Philosophy are recommended before starting Dogmatic Theology
The following stage one papers are a good place to start.
- W1010 Ancient and Early Medieval Philosophy
- B1000 Introduction to the Old Testament and the Pentateuch
What Papers are coming up?
Click here to find out what is offered in the next semester.
What background do I need?
Applicants must have a University Entrance qualification or seek special admission if 21 years of age or over.
Can I get recognition for previous academic study (Recognition of Prior Learning)?
Yes, on your enrolment form you will be asked if you have done previous tertiary studies. Provide the details and certified copies of transcripts and check the ‘Yes’ box after the question “Would you like to apply for credit for previous study?”
This information is sent to the Catholic Institute of Sydney who present it to the Student Support and Administration Committee for a decision. This process can take some months and is only done for students who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Divinity.
What is the next step?
Now that you’ve decided upon the qualification you want to study towards, the next step is to select the papers that will help you complete your Bachelor’s degree.
A good place to start when selecting papers are the planning guides for the:
- Bachelor of Divinity Degree Planning Guide [PDF download]
Download brochure Bachelor of Divinity
