Bachelor of Theology
Course Overview
The SMBC Bachelor of Theology (BTh) is designed to prepare you for full-time vocational ministry.
It will give you comprehensive biblical foundations (Old Testament and New Testament) along with deeper study of theology, ethics, church history, cross-cultural mission, preaching and pastoral care. It also provides room for electives which allow you to tailor your course to your interests. A requirement of this course is study of the biblical languages.
Whilst covering the same content as the master degrees, the bachelor academic assessments are at AQF level 7 instead of 9. The BTh offers pathways to further study at masters level.
The BTh is well recognised by churches and mission agencies. It equips you to preach, teach and provide leadership in ministry and mission – in Australia and overseas.
Note: Studying the BTh full-time will also provide you the opportunity to concurrently do the SMBC Certificate in Bible and Mission (CBM). The CBM gives you access to all the benefits of SMBC’s expertise in spiritual formation, cross-cultural mission and pastoral ministry. It includes some extra classes, community activities, conferences and College Mission.
Student Testimonials
Each subject in my BTh was full of both theological richness and practical wisdom. I loved the ministry experience, pastoral care and application to ministry that the lecturers intentionally shared. I have applied so much of what I learnt to my ministry role as I teach God’s word week by week to children and our church family.
Naomi, SMBC graduate, Assistant Pastor at The Bridge Church
Prompted by the desire to grow deeper in my faith and be better equipped to serve God, I went from nine years in the banking world into studying a BTh full-time on-campus with my wife and our four daughters in tow. The SMBC community embraced us and grew each one of us in ways we couldn't have imagined. Our time at SMBC didn't just prepare me for pastoral ministry, it helped prepare my family as well. Every part of my BTh equipped me for my current ministry - even, perhaps especially, my church history classes!
Andrew, SMBC graduate, Pastor at Gundagai Baptist Church
Studying the Bachelor of Theology at SMBC was so helpful in equipping me to understand the Bible, and has given me a solid foundation in thinking theologically. As I’ve taught the Bible, cared for people and lead ministry teams, my training has helped me to be guided first and foremost by theological principles. I also still find myself referring back to different lectures, workshops, assignments or conversations from my time at college to aid me in many practical ways in my ministry and Christian life.
Nicole, SMBC graduate, ministry worker and mum
Every day I studied at SMBC left me convicted of the need for the gospel both in my life and throughout the world. The variety of subjects covered in the BTh broadened my knowledge and equipped me practically to use my life for God's glory and the building of his kingdom. It was the perfect study for me as I considered entering ministry. I now draw on my studies every day in my personal faith and as I teach and lead others.
Fergus, SMBC graduate, Youth Minister, Newtown/Erskineville Anglican Church
Sample Programs
Admission Requirements
ATAR: Completion of Year 12 in the last two years, with an ATAR of 65 or above; OR
Previous Qualifications: Successful completion of a qualification at AQF Level 5 or above; OR
Demonstrate Academic Suitability for course: Test, Brief Essay, or Interview.
Language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall with minimum of 6.0 in each subtest OR 10 years in Australia with English being the language primarily spoken both at home and work.
This is a course of the Australian University of Theology. For more detailed information on this course see the AUT course overview and AUT Coursework Course Enrolment Policy.