Q. How does the Australian College of Theology fit in?
The Australian College of Theology (ACT) is a national consortium of twenty Bible and theological colleges. The ACT was established in 1891 by the General Synod of the Church of England in Australia. The ACT is a national Higher Education Provider (HEP). Each of the ACT member Colleges are teaching sites for its courses. The Courses are accredited by the various government education departments. For more information on the ACT, click here <www.actheology.edu.au>
Mary Andrews College is an ACT member college.
Q. Who are these courses suitable for?
These courses are appropriate for those seeking to extend their knowledge of God and their ministry skills. They are particularly suitable for those who have limited time because of family responsibilities, work or university studies. Classes are run within public school terms and school hours.
Many of our students are retirees or people in part-time work; young mums; women involved in ministries in their church, school community or Christian organisations; women with caring responsibilities.
Q. Can I choose not to do the assessments?
Yes. Some students choose to simply attend the lectures and do not undertake the assessments that are required for the Diploma and Advanced Diploma awards. This is called attendance only or auditing.
Q. How much time will it take?
Subjects can be studied part-time (as little as one subject at a time) or full-time (four subjects per semester). Full-time students can complete the Diploma in two years, or the Advanced Diploma in three years. This is the minimum. There is no maximum time to complete a diploma course. Therefore there is complete flexibility.
Q. How difficult is the Course academically?
People who choose to sit the assessments for the Diploma come from a range of academic backgrounds. They are not degree courses and are therefore academically accessible to most people. Some of those who study with Mary Andrews College have not studied for a long time. Those who wish to be awarded a Diploma or an Advanced Diploma are normally admitted upon satisfactory completion of Year 12. However, consideration is also given to an applicant's practical experience, maturity and motivation, and mature age entry is available.
Q. Are there any semester-length subjects?
Yes. The majority of subjects can be completed in 14 weeks. Classes are normally conducted fortnightly, but we also offer some subjects on a monthly basis (at Dapto).
Where can I study?
Our main teaching centre is at Town Hall. Subjects are also held at the regional centres of Miranda, Dapto, Emu Plains, Ryde and Hoxton Park.
Q. What are the fees for 2010?
As the Higher Education Provider (HEP), the ACT set the 2010 diploma fees at $980 per subject.
The 2010 fees for attendance only or auditing students are only $290 per subject.
Q. Can I obtain any financial assistance?
FEE-HELP is available for any subject being studied for credit. This is a Government scheme which covers all or part of a student's tuition fees up to $50,000. Repayment is only required when your personal taxable income is above the minimum threshold, which for the 2009/2010 financial year is $41,595 (Indexed to CPI). Students studying 80% or more of a full time programme may be eligible to apply for Austudy. Students may also be eligible for a concession if receiving a government benefit allowance.
For answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) about FEE-HELP
Q. How do I enrol?
Contact the Registrar, Sarah Barry, on (02) 9569 2418 or sarahbarry@mac.edu.au Prospective full-time students should ask the Registrar for a full-time application form, and they will require an interview with the Director of Studies.