Welcome to the Council of Deans of Theology
Theological studies are critically important to the life of the churches and the wider community. Theology plays a role in bringing the Christian message into dialogue with society, assisting in the proclamation of the Gospel, and preparing people for ministerial service in their churches. Through its policies and programs the Council of Deans of Theology (CDT) seeks to promote quality teaching, learning and research in theology.
Threshold Learning Outcomes
The Council represents all providers offering accredited degrees in theology or ministry in Australia. The CDT is committed to facilitating benchmarking of course learning outcomes in theology and ministry.
For this reason, the Threshold Learning Outcomes (TLOs) for the Bachelor of Theology (BTh) and Bachelor of Ministry (BMin) are offered to providers as a benchmarking resource when the learning outcomes of their own degrees are being reviewed. The BTh TLOs were approved by the Council in April 2017. The BMin TLOs were approved in October 2017. Both sets represent a minimum industry standard for these degrees.
It is to be emphasised that the TLO’s proposed are threshold outcomes on which members can build and/or make distinctive with regard to their own institutional ethos and/or mission.
The Council was very conscious of the need to ensure that the TLOs align with the TLOs specified for Level 7 awards in the AQF. The AQF can be accessed at: https://www.aqf.edu.au/sites/aqf/files/aqf-2nd-edition-january-2013.pdf
The AQF criteria and specifications for Bachelor’s degree are located on pages 47-49.
Upon completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, a graduate will be able to:
- demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of the Christian faith through detailed study and interpretation of its scriptures and traditions;
- analyse and critically evaluate theological perspectives, methods, and issues in the light of their contemporary and historical contexts;
- apply independent critical and reflective biblical and theological thinking in diverse contexts;
- contextualise and communicate theological insights, principles and knowledge to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
- articulate the relevance and implications of Christian belief and practice.
Upon completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Ministry, a graduate will be able to:
- demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of the Christian faith gained through detailed study and interpretation of its scriptures and traditions, with a focussed knowledge in ministry studies;
- exhibit the skills and capacities of a reflective ministry practitioner, integrating theory and praxis in a range of Christian life and ministry settings;
- apply independent, critical and reflective biblical and theological thinking to ministry in diverse contexts;
- analyse and evaluate current ministry methods and issues for their relevance in contemporary contexts;
- communicate a theologically informed and coherent vision of ministry to diverse audiences.
The Rev Dr Mark Harding
Executive Officer
6 December 2017