TRANS - A l p h a c R U c I S I S a C h R I S T I A N c O L L e g e F O R h I G h e r e D U c AT I O N A N D V o c AT I O N A L T R A I N I N G

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1 SchOOL OF christian STUDIES TRANS - FORMING OUR WORLD

2 TRANSFORMING OUR WORLD Our We believe that it is our responsibility to prepare students to take an active role in shaping their world - to prepare them for the challenges and complexities of this day and age. To do so, we see a need for integration of different areas of knowledge and education. We see a need for inspiration to ignite passion and a need for personal transformation to live a life beyond self-interest. W e INVITe you ON this journey 2 3

3 E XPLORE WITH US Invitation We believe that the big questions of faith and meaning cannot and should not be avoided by anyone who truly seeks knowledge and understanding. Our view on the origin and purpose of life influences how we perceive and interact with the world around us. W e INVITe you TO e xplore WITh US We offer a community of faculty, students and staff who share a common encounter with the triune God, who share the transforming power of hope, who share a vision of a world waiting to reveal the divine beauty and meaning in all things, in all places at all times, and who share a sense of calling to help make this transformation happen. W e INVITe you TO join OUR communit y 4 5

4 JOIN OUR CONVERSATION We invite people from all walks of life to share our desire to see our world transformed through learning. We believe that diversity in the classroom will help us to deepen the conversations about spirituality and protect us from simple answers. as passionate about who w e te ach AS what we te ach 6 7

5 W ELCOME W ELCOME The School of Christian Studies is central to the development of students at Alphacrucis. At the core of each of our programs is the deliberate integration of Christian faith into all areas of study and preparation for future vocation. This provides the foundation for how we view the world and understand our role within it. Our challenge to prospective students is to envision a better future for our rapidly changing world and to seriously consider their role in this process of transformation. Yet, how do we know what a transformed community and world should look like? What is our role in this task? While there are many voices in society that offer alternative views, we believe the task of Christian leaders is to provide a creative and thoughtful contribution. This response should be based on an understanding of the Bible, theology, history, and culture. That is exactly what we offer within the School of Christian Studies a foundational worldview from a Christian perspective. We equip you with the tools for creative and critical thinking. We provide practical application and skills acquisition which will enable you to live with integrity; where your theology matches your practice. We are committed to producing graduates who transform our world. This is seen in our track record of alumni who are making positive contributions to communities around the world. It is also revealed in our dedication to ongoing research and Christian thought. Our faculty is a dynamic team of world-class researchers and educators. They combine specialist knowledge, active research and professional experience to provide holistic education that emphasizes active learning and practical application. While training for church-based ministry remains an important function of the School of Christian Studies, we also seek to equip leaders in the broader community to live out their Christian faith, whatever their vocation. The task is before us. Along with our faculty, I invite you to join us as we seek to transform our world! Dr Jacqueline Grey Dean Alphacrucis, School of Christian Studies 8 9

6 LE ADING RESE ARch WHAT MAK Le ADING rese ARch The dedication of Alphacrucis to research and innovative Christian thinking is reflected in the quality of our faculty, who rank among the leading researchers in their fields. The majority of our faculty in the School of Christian Studies hold PhDs from major universities and colleges. Their research reflects a wide range of interests, including an emphasis in Pentecostal/Charismatic Studies. This promotes a creative environment redolent with intellectual stimulation. Our faculty members frequently participate in collaborative research, which contributes to the strong sense of community within the School. Students receive the benefits of this cutting edge research in their classroom interaction. At Alphacrucis we nurture a dynamic research culture that encourages students to pursue passionately their interests. In particular, the School of Christian Studies is at the forefront of producing graduates from its research programs who not only demonstrate academic brilliance but also contribute practical solutions to the challenges of contemporary Christian communities. In this way, our research benefits the broader community and participates in the transformation of our world. PracTIcAL emphasis Alphacrucis is a pioneer in applied theology relating Christian faith and theology to everyday life. We motivate students to live out their faith through intellectual stimulation and life application. Based on a holistic educational experience, we equip students to implement practically the understanding they have gained. The purpose is to connect the Christian thought and identity of students with their behaviour. We see this as crucial in developing graduates who demonstrate integrity through both faith and action. Our research and teaching is not isolated from everyday life. We are building an academic community that engages with contemporary society and culture. Each faculty member passionately strives to model the practical application of their research and Christian faith. Our practical emphasis is also reflected in the classroom experience through relevant case studies and applications. Students can choose to complete practicum course units that provide hands-on experience in their community and church. Graduates who live out their faith and walk the talk are equipped to transform their world

7 INSPIRING CL ASSROOM E XpeRIENce INSpIRING cl ASSROOM e xperience Alphacrucis creates an environment for excellence in learning. Our highly qualified and experienced faculty provide quality teaching that consistently achieves excellent feedback from students. They combine specialist knowledge, creative delivery, and practical insights. This produces an inspiring and innovative classroom experience with solid content. We advocate a holistic approach to education through active learning. Our education is not just about transferring information. It is about meeting students where they are at and building their understanding. This involves providing students with a critical knowledge of subjects, skills in problem-solving, people skills and conflict negotiation through group work, and the ability to effectively communicate to a large range of audiences. This inspiring learning environment is also available in flexible delivery options where the classroom comes to you! Beyond the classroom, our faculty demonstrate individual attention and care for students. They also function as mentors and inspirational role models for many students

8 VIBRANT STUDENT LIFE IQUE? VibRANT STUDeNT LIFe Student life at Alphacrucis provides meaningful interaction and fun social events ranging from chapel services to formal dinners. This is facilitated by the Student Dean and teams of student volunteers. Our graduates continually refer to the long-lasting friendships they developed at Alphacrucis that have helped them both personally and professionally. We aim to model our vision for a transformed society through our community events that are creative, relevant and informative

9 The christian STORY WHAT WE B The ChRISTIAN STORy The Christian story forms the foundation of our worldview. It provides the perspective from which we view the world and our role within it. This worldview is formed through an understanding of the centrality of Christ as revealed through the Bible, theology, history and culture. We believe this is crucial to students of all vocations in society. It provides the foundation for building a transformed community; one that upholds the centrality of Christ. PeRSONAL TRANSFORMATION Alphacrucis is a catalyst for change. We believe that theological studies should produce more than information, but a transformation of the whole person. We must be changed by the experience in order to be truly educated. For this reason, personal growth and discipleship are key areas of focus at Alphacrucis. This includes the ability to nurture healthy relationships and foster a dynamic spirituality that lead to a transformative and engaged Christianity. We believe that the Christian story results in the freedom of both individuals and communities. While we are committed to developing a Christian worldview, we also seek to understand alternative worldviews and show appreciation for the perspectives of others. Individual transformation is never just a private matter - it impacts the public realm. As students are transformed, their lives take on broader concern for the community, social justice and the environment

10 COMMUNIT Y ENGAGEMENT BELIEVE Communit y engagement At Alphacrucis, we believe in connecting people to the Christian story to find their place in the transformation of our world. We are part of a larger narrative that encompasses people of faith from all generations. Yet we live in a new time with new challenges. We provide an environment for creative ideas and solutions to the questions of our time. Alphacrucis is a place for innovators - for people who dare to challenge the status-quo and create better alternatives for the future. While we provide programs and course subjects in Social Engagement, we have a broader vision. Our vision is to see graduates outworking their faith in ways that promote justice, ethical living, grace and hope in our global community. We are a place for people who want to live a life of purpose and consequence that engages their community and transforms our world. LIFeLONG Le ARNING At Alphacrucis we believe in education for all of life. We are committed to helping each student negotiate their life path and vocational journey. This is achieved through two pathway options. 1 We provide ministry training to equip students to minister effectively within the local Christian community. Students can continue their studies in either research programs or professional development programs. 2 Alternatively, we provide programs in Christian Studies, designed to equip students to minister effectively as believers within the broader community. These programs are oriented towards professional people seeking to enhance their faith and action in the world. In this way, we can see the transformation of individuals, communities and structures within the church context and within the societal context

11 HOW TO FIND A DEGRee THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU How TO FIND a degree that IS RIGht FOR you With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which program is the best fit for you. At Alphacrucis, we understand the importance of selecting a program that matches your personal situation, educational needs and vocational goals. It comes back to our central questions: What is your role in the task of transforming our world? Is it to see transformation within the Christian community? Or is your vision to see transformation within the broader community? TRANSFORMING the LOcAL AND global ChRISTIAN communit y If your primary vision is to see transformation and growth within the Christian community, then there are a range of study options that can be tailored to suit your needs. These programs are directed at equipping students for vocation in church ministry: you have NO previous UNDeRGRADUATe degree We offer undergraduate degree programs, such as the Bachelor of Contemporary Ministry. you ALRe ADy have A previous degree IN a NON -theological DIScipLINe We teach towards postgraduate programs that can be tailored towards ministry and vocation in the Christian community. you ALRe ADy have a previous degree IN a theological DIScipLINe We teach towards masters, honours, through to doctoral supervision. you ARe UNSURe Contact our Enquiries Office about other research study pathways

12 TRANSFORMING The WIDER COMMUNIT Y TRANSFORMING the WIDer communit y If your primary vision is to be a catalyst of transformation in the broader community, then there are a range of study options that can be tailored to suit your needs. These awards are directed at equipping students for vocation outside the church in the local or global community. you have NO previous UNDeRGRADUATe degree We offer the Bachelor of Contemporary Ministry. While directed towards Christian ministry, there are a number of areas of major study that will equip students for community work, such as a major in leadership and a minor in social engagement. ALRe ADy have a previous degree IN a NON - theological DIScipLINe We teach towards postgraduate programs that can be tailored towards professional people seeking to enhance their faith and action in the world

13 NO PREVIOUS DEGRee? No previous degree? Already have a Diploma in ministry? Cross credit may be available Honours program eg SCD BTh (Hons) Doctoral program eg SCD ThD; SCD PhD Undergraduate degree program eg BCM; SCD BTh Masters Honours program eg SCD MTh (Hons) Masters program eg SCD MDiv; SCD MTh Professional Doctoral program Ministry experience essential eg SCD DMin Already have a previous non-theological degree? Postgraduate MA program eg SCD MA; SCD Grad Dip; SCD Grad Cert Masters Honours program eg MA(Hons) Doctoral program eg SCD PhD Other OpTIONS INTereSTed IN taking AN INDIVIDUAL SUbject? If you want to enrol in a particular subject but without the commitment of a whole program, you can select any subject as long as you meet the pre-requisites. These subjects may be credited towards an award at a later date. INTereSTed IN professional development? If you are interested in attending a class without completing program demands such as the pressure of assignments or other assessments you can take advantage of our Professional Development (Audit) option for many of our subjects. can I TALk TO SOMeONe? Help is readily available. To talk with one of our faculty about tailoring an academic program to suit your needs, please contact our Enquiries Office on +61 (0) or futurestudents@alphacrucis.edu.au 24 25

14 DEGReeS OFFERED AT The SchOOL OF christian STUDIES DEGReeS OFFERED AT The SchOOL OF christian STUDIES The School of Christian Studies has a range of versatile programs that can be tailored to suit the individual needs of each student. Programs are available at undergraduate or postgraduate level. UNDeRGRADUATe programs Undergraduate studies are recommended for potential students with no previous degree. Programs accredited through AlphacRUcIS BacheLOR OF ContempORARy MINISTRy The Bachelor of Contemporary Ministry (BCM) is designed for the Church of the 21st Century: a church that promotes social justice and relates to the global community. It encourages new ways to worship our God and new ways to engage people in our local communities. The BCM provides a foundation in Christian worldview through a Christian Studies major, yet leaves students free to explore majors in professional studies of their choice. These include pastoral ministry, cross cultural ministry, leadership and youth ministry. Students can also choose from a range of minors, including biblical studies, children s ministry, pastoral care, social engagement, theology and women s ministry. The BCM can be completed after 3 years of full time study (or part-time equivalent). Undergraduate programs accredited through the Sydney College of Divinity (SCD) include: SCD Diploma of Theology SCD Bachelor of Theology 26 27

15 DEGReeS OFFERED AT The SchOOL OF christian STUDIES Postgraduate programs Postgraduate studies are recommended for potential students who have previously completed a recognized degree. MASTer OF ARTS program The Master of Arts is a postgraduate degree designed to help you develop breadth in the skills you need for effective ministry in the 21st Century. It allows students who hold a tertiary qualification in a non-theological discipline to pursue postgraduate study in ministry and theology. It equips students to minister effectively within the local and global Christian community. This award is also useful for those ministering outside the context of the church community. It can be specifically tailored for professional people seeking to enhance their faith and action in the world. New programs are continually being developed, so please contact Alphacrucis for more details. Programs accredited through the Sydney College of Divinity include: SCD Master of Arts (incorporating the Grad Cert & Grad Dip) SCD Master of Divinity Rese ARch DeGRees Alphacrucis has a dynamic research culture. We are renowned for producing graduates who demonstrate academic brilliance and practical solutions to the challenges of contemporary communities. The research degrees are a great opportunity for graduates of ministry programs to continue their theological education and professional development. Supervision and mentoring is provided by our passionate faculty who are dedicated to creative and quality research. The faculty of the School of Christian Studies are involved in high level, cooperative research relationships with a number of Australian and international universities. Programs accredited through the Sydney College of Divinity include: SCD Bachelor of Theology (Hons) SCD Master of Arts (Hons) SCD Master of Theology SCD Master of Theology (Hons) SCD Doctor of Ministry SCD Doctor of Philosophy SCD Doctor of Theology For more information on each of our awards, including course structure, study locations, subject information, and fees please check the Alphacrucis website: alphacrucis.edu.au or contact us at futurestudents@alphacrucis.edu.au 28 29

16 NOTES NOTES 30 31

17 Fee-heLP / AUSTUDY FEE-HELP and Austudy for all bachelor and master programs is available for Australian citizens. contact DETAILS Alphacrucis PO Box 125 Chester Hill, NSW 2162 Australia E futurestudents@alphacrucis.edu.au P +61 (0) (0) F +61 (0) alphacrucis.edu.au Sydney Campus 40 Hector Street, Chester Hill, NSW E futurestudents@alphacrucis.edu.au P +61 (0) (0) F +61 (0) Brisbane Campus 166 Sydney Street, New Farm, QLD E futurestudents@alphacrucis.edu.au P +61 (0) Auckland Campus, New Zealand E info@alphacrucis.ac.nz P +64 (0) F +64 (0) alphacrucis.ac.nz CRICOS Provider No: 00958A CRICOS Provider Name: Alphacrucis College Ltd. CRICOS Provider No: 02948J CRICOS Provider Name: Sydney College of Divinity Alphacrucis College Ltd Disclaimer: The information contained in this document was correct at the time of publication. The College reserves the right to make subsequent changes at any time. For up-to-date information please refer to alphacrucis.edu.au