Course Loading
SMBC’s courses and individual units (subjects) can be accessed in a variety of flexible study modes. It’s possible to move between studying part-time and full-time across your course.
Full-Time Study
Full-time study is our primary study mode, giving you the fullest SMBC experience.
We believe the best learning happens in the context of relationship. That’s what studying on-campus is all about. Your conversations with lecturers and fellow students go beyond the classroom. You will be part of a learning community, with formative conversations, peer support from your cohort, and skill sharing.
- Two Semesters
Each with 12 weeks of lectures, plus research weeks and time for exams - Monday to Friday day lectures,
15-20 hrs of classes per week, with 1-2 evening classes - Access to lecturers beyond classroom
- Meals on campus alongside students and staff
- Community gatherings, conferences and events
- Study specialised SMBC units
Part-Time Study
Part-time study is a great flexible option for those unable to study full-time, or are preparing to study full-time in the future.
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.
We recommend part-time especially for those looking to study alongside a church internship or traineeship.
- 1 –2 units per semester
- Average of one day of classes per week
- Day and Evening classes available to fit your schedule
- Live online classes available, with interaction with your lecturer and fellow students
- Intensive mode available for one unit per semester
Class Time and Location
Most classes happen during the day on-campus. We have a selection of evening and hybrid classes for flexible schedules.
Daytime On-Campus Mode
The majority of lectures are during the day, Monday to Friday.
Studying during the day gives you more access to lecturers, community, morning tea and meal times, community events, chapel and fellowship groups
Evening On-Campus Mode
Evening classes generally run 6.45pm–9.30pm (Sydney time), on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday evenings.
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.
Off-Campus (live online)
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
Other Learning
We have alternative modes for those seeking professional development, or personal interest and growth.
Workshops
Some higher-level, ministry-focussed courses and units are taught in a workshop format. These function like mini-intensives.
Our Graduate Certificate of Christian Mentoring Course is delivered over a series of 1-3 days workshops. The four units that make up the certificate are held either fully on-campus or fully off-campus (live online).
Audit (No Assessments)
If you have no need for a formal academic qualification and simply want to grow your knowledge and love of God, auditing our classes is a convenient, less-expensive study option.
This means that at the end of your studies you will not receive a certificate or transcript. You will, however, have access to all the same learning content.
You’ll be able to participate fully in the classes alongside your classmates (on-campus or off-campus).