Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about our courses, you may find the answer on this page. If not, please do get in touch so that we can help you.

Find out more about the study options on offer at Mary Andrews College. Whether you are interested in how to better serve the bible study you lead, or if you are wanting some professional development in pastoral care, we have something to suit you.

  • There are no written exams at MAC; instead, all units are assessed by a variety of assignments or verbal presentations.

  • Returning to study can sometimes be hard. MAC provides a supportive study environment. If you need help and support at any stage of your study with MAC, our Dean of Students (Rev. Kate Snell) is available to work out with you how we can support you through your course.

    If you feel that your study skills need a refresher, we also offer a ‘Return to Learn’ program to help students brush up on study and essay skills before they commence their course at MAC. Many MAC students have also benefited from attending study skills workshops run periodically at MAC on topics such as referencing, using eBooks, and assignments.

    Alternatively, it is possible to audit your first unit to see how the College works before committing to a full course at either diploma or certificate level.

  • Auditing allows students to attend lectures and participate fully in class life without having to complete assignments. All of the units at MAC are able to be audited and there are no limits as to the combination or number of units that a student can audit. If you audit a unit, it is important to remember that you do not receive credit for participation towards any kind of qualification; it is for your interest and enjoyment only. Pricing for units depends on the number of lecture hours.

  • Do you want to try out studying before committing to a whole course? You are welcome to apply to enrol in a single unit of your choice. If you decide to undertake a full course, this unit can be credited towards it.

  • Go to our application process page to find out more.

  • Once your application has been approved you will be sent an email with an invitation to enrol in your unit/s for the coming year or semester.

  • Yes, in order to finish the course and be awarded one of the MAC Certificates, you must complete the assignments set for each subject. If you would like to attend classes without having the complete the assignments, you can choose to audit a subject. Auditing means you can attend classes but not complete the assignments but you do not receive a Certificate at the completion of your study.

  • If it is an intensive or a Certificate unit, your assignments will be spread out into a manageable timeframe.

  • Each unit in the MAC Certificates is comprised of 12 hours of class time, each unit in an ACT Diploma is comprised of 24 hours or 36 hours of class time (depending on whether it is an 8cp unit or a 12cp unit), and each unit in an ACT Graduate Certificate is comprised of 36 hours of class time.

    On top of the hours of class time, you will also need time to research and write your assignments. Some units also have a practical element.

  • To enrol in a unit for credit towards completing a course, the costs are different for each course level. The 2023 costs are listed on the Fees page.

  • There different maximum time limits for each course. Students can undertake between 1 and 4 units each semester as they are able.

    For MAC Certificate courses there is a 6 year time period in which to complete the course.

    For the ACT Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses, it is different for each course depending on the number of credit points/units required for each. See the Diploma courses page for a list. For the ACT Graduate Certificate course, there is a 2 year time limit.

  • Yes! All of the units are run in hybrid mode at MAC which means we teach the units to students in-person and online simultaneously. This means students across Australia can join in classes together online for live classes with the opportunity to ask questions of their lecturer and get to know other students in their class through class discussions, group work and other online modes of communication.

  • Yes! Students get access to MAC’s physical library located on campus as well as a range of online databases in order to undertake research for their assignments. Each unit also has an eLibrary set by the lecturer with resources to specifically help you with your assignments for that subject.

  • At MAC we try and make our assignments as practical and relevant as possible. Sometimes you will be asked to write an essay on a particular topic, but other assignments might require you to create a PowerPoint presentation, develop a resource for Kids or Youth ministry, write a letter to a friend about what you have been learning in class, or even write a blog post.

  • MAC is blessed to have a great team of experienced and qualified lecturers who are passionate about their areas of teaching. Find out more about the MAC team here.

  • The MAC Certificate may be studied as part of preparation for lay ministry or simply to help students grow in their knowledge, understanding and application of God’s word. The MAC Certificate offers an excellent entry point into theological training which can help prepare students for further study or provide a solid foundation for lay ministry. The right combination of units as part of a MAC certificate can qualify a student to become a Community Chaplain.

MAC is an affiliated college of the Australian College of Theology
www.actheology.edu.au