If you're interested in studying religion in Australia, here is a list of university courses where you can learn more about Christianity and other religions.
The courses on the list may or may not look at contemporary Christian music. We hope they do. Christian music is a way of educating people about the messages of God. More importantly, it encourages people, particularly young Christians, to be passionate about their faith.
Online Religious Studies
Online degrees in Religious Studies offer flexibility, allowing students to complete their coursework remotely, whether full-time or part-time. This enables students across Australia to study without attending campus, making education accessible regardless of location.
Religious Studies focuses on the objective analysis of various religious traditions, examining their texts, rituals, and cultural expressions. In contrast, Theology is faith-based and often tied to specific religious denominations, typically requiring on-campus learning.
UNE Studies in Religion (Arts Major)
The University of New England is a specialist distance education university that offers Arts degrees with a major in Studies in Religion (at undergraduate and postgraduate levels). The courses cover the major religions and there are advanced units in Christianity.
More information: Study religion online
Religious Studies Courses
Religious Studies is a classic humanities subject that is often available within the arts programs of universities. Although individual units may focus on a specific religion, courses typically examine and compare multiple religions.
On-campus courses in Religious Studies are offered by many universities but not all. Here is a selection of some of the most popular Religious Studies programs in Australia.
ACU Study of Religions (Arts Minor)
Australian Catholic University's Study of Religions is concerned with the diversity of religious experience and expression in different belief systems. It meets the needs of future teachers seeking employment in Australian Catholic and Christian schools.
UQ Study in Religions (Arts Major)
The University of Queensland has Australia's largest religious studies unit. Undergraduate and postgraduate students do courses in the major world religions, applying the methods developed by historians, philosophers, psychologists, sociologists and linguists.
Monash Religion and Theology Studies (Arts Major)
Monash University offers many Arts units that examine different religious traditions, as interpreted both in the past and in the contemporary world. There is also a focus on spiritual issues in specific religious traditions, namely Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.
Religious Education Courses
Religious Education courses prepare students for teaching in primary and secondary schools. Graduates can also pursue careers in counselling, social work, pastoral care, and other roles where an understanding of religious diversity is valuable. Religion may be taught as part of a Christian education or other faith-based curriculum, or as part of a broader religious studies program.
ACU Postgraduate Religious Education
Australian Catholic University offers postgraduate Religious Education courses for qualified teachers who want to teach religion at primary and secondary levels. They include a Master of Religious Education (1 year full time) and half-year Certificate courses.
Ministry and Theology Courses
Ministry and Theology courses are faith-based and typically linked to a Church and its religious practitioners. They prepare students for entering the clergy and for academic careers.
ACU Theology Degrees
Australian Catholic University offers Theology degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Students can pursue an in-depth program of studies in scripture, theology and philosophy, or a broader program involving disciplines such as liberal arts, business and psychology.
Notre Dame Theology Degrees
Notre Dame University Australia offers Theology degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Through the study of Theology, people develop the skills to examine Scripture and Tradition so as to improve their understanding of Catholic faith.
Divinity Theology and Ministry Degrees
The University of Divinity offers Theology and Ministry Degrees (at undergraduate and postgraduate levels) in several Christian denominations. Key disciplines are Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology, Church History, Mission and Ministry.
More information: Australian Religious Universities