From undergraduate diplomas through to postgraduate research degrees, whether full-time, part-time or by intensive mode study, SMBC offers academic depth with flexibility. All our courses have solid Biblical foundations and preparation for ministry, but each course has different requirements and emphasis. Except for the Certificate in Bible and Mission (CBM) and the Introductory Certificate in Christian Studies (ICCS), which are SMBC awards, all courses are Australian College of Theology (ACT) courses.
Undergraduate studies require no previous degree; Graduate studies require a previous non-theological degree; Postgraduate studies require a previous theological degree.
We encourage you to contact our registrars on +61 2 9747 4780 or email to have a conversation about what course might best suit your needs.
Download Course Overview chart (44KB) for a broad overview of SMBC courses.
Admission requirements: Enrolled full-time in an ACT course at SMBCThe CBM is an internal SMBC program that all full-time SMBC students participate in concurrently with their ACT course. The program supplements and complements the accredited studies and is made up of a number of subjects and participation in the community life at College.
Admission requirements: No prior study requiredThe ICCS is awarded to part-time students who have successfully completed a total of 192 hours of study at Certificate level. This internal SMBC certificate is available to part-time students and does not require concurrent enrolment in an Australian College of Theology (ACT) course.
Admission requirements: ATAR of 65+ or evidence of academic suitabilityThe DipChrStuds provides an overview of the Bible, Church History, Theology with some Ministry and Practice units.
Admission requirements: ATAR of 65+ or evidence of academic suitabilityThe DipMin(P2) suits those requiring some foundational biblical and theological education to serve in a local church, or to use their existing profession or trade on the mission field. It contains units of study which provide an overview of the Bible, Church History and Theology, as well as Ministry and Practice electives.
Admission requirements: ATAR of 65+ or evidence of academic suitabilityThe DipTh(P2) suits those requiring some foundational biblical and theological education to serve in a local church, or to use their existing profession or trade on the mission field. It contains units of study which provide an overview of the Bible, Church History and Theology, as well as Ministry and Practice electives.
Admission requirements: ATAR of 65+ or evidence of academic suitabilityThe AssocDegMin is offered through the SMBC Centre for Cross-Cultural Mission and provides a great balance of study in Bible, Church History, Theology and Missions. Cross-cultural fieldwork is a required component of this course, providing you with the opportunity to experience and reflect on ministry in a cultural context different to your own, either within Australia or overseas...
Admission requirements: ATAR of 65+ or evidence of academic suitabilityThe AssocDegTh is offered to provide a great balance of study in Bible, Church History, Theology and Missions. For the AssocDegTh, SMBC requires you to study 8 biblical units (Old Testament and New Testament) with advanced study of the English text of the Old and New Testaments (possibly Greek text if language units are completed) in the second year as the course includes the option of a studying a Biblical language...
Admission requirements: ATAR of 65+ or evidence of academic suitabilityThe BMin aims to equip you for pastoral, evangelistic or Bible teaching ministry in Australia and overseas. It provides a broad knowledge of the Bible, a more detailed textual, exegetical and theological treatment along with missions and pastoral units.
For the BMin, SMBC requires you to study 12 biblical units (Old Testament and New Testament) with advanced study of the English text of the Old and New Testaments in the second and third year.
Admission requirements: ATAR of 65+ or evidence of academic suitabilityThe BTh aims to equip you for pastoral, evangelistic or Bible teaching ministry in Australia and overseas. It provides a broad knowledge of the Bible, as well as a more detailed textual, exegetical and theological treatment. It includes biblical languages as core units along with missions and pastoral units.
For the BTh, SMBC requires you to study 12 biblical units (Old Testament and New Testament) plus New Testament Greek, leading to study of the New Testament in Greek in second and third year. You have the option of studying Biblical Hebrew in your second year, leading to study of the Old Testament in Hebrew in your third year. If you wish to pursue this option, you will need to discuss your course program first with the degree course advisor.
Admission requirements: ATAR of 65+ or evidence of academic suitabilityThe BTh/BMin is aims to equip you for pastoral, evangelistic or Bible teaching ministry in Australia and overseas, with additional emphasis on a range of missions, pastoral and ministry skills. This combined degree includes the full Bachelor of Theology course which you will complete initially. Following this, the additional units leading to the award of the Bachelor of Ministry are chosen from a wide selection of ministry and practice areas: missions and cross-cultural studies, spiritual formation, evangelism and educational chaplaincy. You may also choose to include a research project or a Master of Arts level unit in your selection
Admission requirements: Bachelor of Theology with a GPA of at least 2.0 overall, and 2.8 in the designated field of study.The BTh(Hons) program is designed for students who have graduated with a three year undergraduate degree in theology from the ACT and who have demonstrated high academic potential as a means of preparing you for advanced research in theology.
Admission requirements: A non-theological degreeThe GradDipDiv will suit anyone who is looking to be better equipped to serve in a local church or for those wishing to use their profession on the mission field and require some foundational theological education. It provides a broad understanding of the Bible, Church History, Theology with some Ministry and Practice units.
Admission requirements: A non-theological degreeThe MA(ChrStuds) is designed for those wishing to think theologically about their profession. The course contains two phases: Phase One is at graduate level and Phase Two is at postgraduate level...
Admission requirements: A non-theological degreeThe MDiv is a first theological degree which would suit any graduate wishing to prepare for full-time pastoral, evangelistic or Bible teaching ministry in Australia and overseas...
Admission requirements: A non-theological degreeThe MDiv/GradDipDiv is a first theological degree which would suit any graduate wishing to prepare for full-time pastoral, evangelistic or Bible teaching ministry in Australia and overseas...
Admission requirements: A theological degreeThe GradCertMin is primarily for those in ministry who wish to reflect on aspects of their ministry. This is a coursework postgraduate course.
Admission requirements: A theological degreeThe GradCertTh is primarily for those in ministry who wish to reflect on aspects of their ministry.This is a coursework postgraduate course.
Admission requirements: A theological degreeThe GradDipMin is primarily for those in ministry who wish to reflect on aspects of their ministry. It may be a pathway to qualify for entry into research programs.
Admission requirements: A theological degreeThe GradDipTh is primarily for those in ministry who wish to reflect on aspects of their ministry. It may be a pathway to qualify for entry into research programs.
Admission requirements: A theological degreeThe MA(Min) is primarily for those in ministry who wish to reflect on aspects of their ministry. It may be a pathway to qualify for entry into research programs. This is a coursework postgraduate course.
Admission requirements: A theological degreeThis course is designed to provide graduates in theology, including those who are practitioners in ministry, the opportunity to undertake study at course work masters level, thus consolidating and enhancing the areas of speciality, or proceeding to new areas of professional and vocational expertise on the foundation of their first degree in theology.
The MICS is a unique and completely online offering with a focus on the specialised knowledge and research skills needed for expert intercultural ministry practice. This postgraduate course is for those currently serving among people from a different culture than their own, and who are wanting to enhance or sharpen their ministry. They may be serving in cross-cultural ministry overseas, or in Australia.
Admission requirements: A theological degree + additional prerequisitesThe MTh is a research degree with study and research to be undertaken normally in one field of specialisation within the departments of Bible and Languages, Christian Thought, or Ministry and Practice. The MTh is for theology graduates who are already engaged in ministry and aspire to be teachers in universities and theological colleges in Australia and overseas. Graduates of the course may articulate to the ACT's Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Theology.
Admission requirements: A theological degree + additional prerequisitesIf you are experienced in ministry and keen to make a thoughtful contribution to the field, you may be interested in a Doctor of Ministry (DMin). The form of the DMin is currently being revised by the ACT and is likely to be available from 2020 comprising both coursework and thesis components.
Admission requirements: A theological degree + additional prerequisitesThe PhD is designed for candidates who have a prior degree in theology or another field. The degree can allow candidates whose academic background is in fields other than those traditionally related to theology, to pursue research in their primary field of research and integrate their research with knowledge from various Christian traditional theological disciplines.
Admission requirements: A theological degree + additional prerequisitesThe ThD is a premier research degree for graduates who are already engaged in the ministerial profession as aspiring teachers in universities and theological colleges in Australia and overseas. The degree is designed to equip men and women as beginning researchers in the traditional fields of theology and provide a qualification recognised by theological and Bible colleges as well as universities for those who teach in these fields.
Free sample lectures for a taste of what it's like to study at SMBC
A day of puppetry training with Quiz Worx
Self-Care and Resilience in Ministry (PC718i)
For all those interested in joining the tour
Exilic Prophecy (OT423i/623i)