Part-Time Flexible Study
Part-time study can look like a blend of different modes, including daytime and evening classes, intensives and online. It’s possible to do more or less study each semester with a cap of two units per semester. This allows you to adjust your study load as needed to complete your course.
1 –2 units per semester
Part-time study is defined as being enrolled in one to two units per semester.
This can look like:
- One evening lecture a week after work
- A couple of classes during the day plus participation in some community activities
- Intensive mode, a convenient option for full-time workers or those who live outside of Sydney
- Joining a class via off-campus mode (live online)
Day and evening options to fit your schedule
Evening classes generally run 6.45pm–9.30pm (Sydney time). The evening units (subjects) are rotated over several years to allow you to have access to a range of units and make reasonable progress with your course via evening study.
You’ll join in with our full-time student cohort and, if joining on-campus, enjoy the opportunity to fellowship during the supper break.
Evening lectures are a popular way to start your course by completing one or more units before then embarking on full-time study, starting with a lightened study load.
If are able to attend during the day, depending on the day, you’ll also have access to morning tea, College Chapel, Principal’s Hour, Ministry Matters, or Fellowship Groups, plus various student-run social events.
Live online options
Our off-campus study mode is more than just online study. The live component of online includes participation and interaction with lecturers and fellow students in live classes.
Some of our classes are held just for off-campus students, but most are held in hybrid mode – that is, a mix of on-campus and off-campus students together. Through the use of video conferencing technology, everyone can see and hear everyone else in the class.
Intensive mode
Intensive mode concentrates a whole unit’s lectures into a single week. Outside of the lecture week, there are readings and assessments to complete, as well as ongoing interaction with your lecturer and fellow students via online.
Intensive mode is available for one unit per semester. It’s possible to complete a course by intensive mode only.
For those in full-time employment, or a outside the Sydney are, SMBC offers a flexible, comprehensive intensive mode program. The full unit functions similar to part-time study, with one week of concentrated lectures.
- 4 weeks of pre-reading and assignments before lecture week
- 1 week of lectures, either on-campus or live online
- 13 weeks to complete assessments
Benefits of Part-Time Study
Part-time study offers flexibility to fit around your needs.
Whether you’re looking at studying alongside part-time ministry, studying outside of Sydney, or alongside a full-time job, we have options for you to study God’s word.
Part-time study is also a great way to ease into a full-time course, allowing you to experience a taste of theological education, and transition to full-time with some units already completed, creating a lighter study load.
While full-time study is our most immersive learning experience, part-time is a complimentary flexible option.
“One of the things I really valued about SMBC was the flexibility… I think I did every single mode of study – full-time, part-time, intensives. It was great for me because it allowed for me to fit my study around my ministry commitments, and allowed me to put my learning into immediate application.”
– Matt Sparks, Anchor Church