TRINITY COLLEGE | Prospectus 2024

STUDY AT TRINITY THE SPACE TO THINK

I CAME TO CHRISTIANITY A FEW YEARS AGO. THERE ARE A LOT OF DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES OUT THERE. IT WAS HARD TO READ THE BIBLE AND UNDERSTAND IT WITHOUT SOMEONE ALONGSIDE ME. AND SO I WANTED TO LEARN A BIT MORE ABOUT ALL THOSE PERSPECTIVES ON HOW TO NAVIGATE THROUGH IT ALL.

NICK VALLIS

At Trinity we create space for questions. Because deep learning requires that we make room to ask and investigate your questions.

At Trinity you’ll gain a thorough grounding in biblical literature, theology, mission, ethics and the history of Christian thought. Big topics that raise big questions. And making room to wrestle with them will enable you to connect theology with everyday life.

Naturally, students come to Trinity with different aims and aspirations. Some are preparing for ministry in a church of one denomination or another (we’re an ecumenical space). Others want to figure out a faith that still feels like a hand-me-down. Still others turn up with their can of questions and are happy to discover meaning and direction along the way.

Maybe you’re interested in Trinity because we’re offering a unit that has caught your attention. (Let me guess… Faith & the Arts? Psychology & Christianity?)

Or perhaps you’re interested in our inquiry-based learning, or you want to develop your critical thinking skills, or your ability to interpret biblical literature?

Great! Whatever your reasons for becoming part of the community, we’ll be glad to make space for you.

Dr Paul Jones

PRINCIPAL OF TRINITY COLLEGE QUEENSLAND

WHY CHOOSE TRINITY?

We’re a learning community providing intentional space for robust conversation and exploration of the Christian faith, the Bible, theology, philosophy, mission, and ethics. At Trinity, you’ll discover:

Quality learning and teaching experiences

Permission to explore your questions

A vibrant, learning community

Passionate faculty and admin staff who will support your learning

Flexible study options that fit with your lifestyle

A holistic Christian formation process

WHEN YOU SPEND ENOUGH TIME WITH THIS COMMUNITY AND YOU SPEND ENOUGH TIME IN DEEP THEOLOGY AND REFLECTION, YOU START TO LOOK AT THE WHOLE WORLD DIFFERENTLY.

DYLAN KATTHAGEN

THE TRINITY DIFFERENCE

Christ-centred

Discipling

Missional

Honest and authentic

Within the Uniting Church

Our approach to theological education is:

To read and interpret Scripture well is to understand how others have understood it before us and to consider how the Bible has been formative for communities of faith over the past 2000 years. To live and proclaim the gospel effectively, one must also understand that the person of Jesus is central to the biblical narrative, to church life, and to spiritual formation.

Personal study, chapel services, intentional lunchtime discussions, and formation intensives ground learners in their faith to become equipped for the task of missional engagement and discipling others.

We equip people who feel compelled to proclaim the Gospel within our own society and beyond in ways that are relevant, real, and respectful.

Our desire to deepen and clarify our understanding of God requires an attitude of humility together with an honest, explorative approach to learning that does not compromise beliefs that are foundational to historic Christianity.

The Uniting Church in Australia draws upon Reformed and Evangelical traditions. While Trinity trains ministers to primarily serve in the Uniting Church, students from any denomination are welcome.

SERVE IN MY LOCAL CHURCH

1. DEVELOP A

2. SYSTEMATIC

3. UNDERSTANDING

4. OF THE BIBLE

CH APLAIN CY

MISSION WORK

ACADEMIC AMBITION

children’s MINISTRY ORDINATION

PREACH IN MY CHURCH

youth WORKER

CHURCH PLANTING A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF GOD

GAIN THEOLOGICAL

MISSION-READY GRADUATES

At Trinity, we don’t just offer academic courses. We offer a combination of educational experiences that produce missionready graduates.

You’ll be immersed in the systematic study of the Bible, theology and culture, you’ll have practical experiences in preaching, pastoral care, and managing a ministry, and you’ll be part of an open, welcoming learning community.

As a Trinity student, you’ll have opportunities to present gospel truths through essays, songs, sermons, blogs and other artistic means of expression. You’ll engage authentically and reasonably with people who may not share your faith.

You’ll know how to draw deeply from the Bible and the history of Christian thought and philosophy to meet challenges posed by a modern understanding of the world.

And you’ll feel equipped to develop honest answers to your own tough questions about the life of faith.

YOUR FORMATION JOURNEY

Student formation takes place not only through the educational activities offered by our college, but through a variety of life circumstances, relationships and experiences.

Trinity’s comprehensive formation program for all of our students identifies, captures and intentionally directs this process of formation towards the goal of maximising the missional capacity of all our graduates.

God is the primary agent of formation. So our goal is that every aspect of college life, working hand-in-hand with church communities, will create opportunities for the Holy Spirit to act as our agent of transformation.

In addition to this, we embed in the consciousness of our graduates the idea that they are being formed in order to form others. At Trinity, we equip ministers to create and design formation programs for their churches so that the whole body of Christ might grow up into ‘the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ’ (Ephesians 4:13).

WHILE STUDYING AT TRINITY, I LOVED THE WAY THE LECTURERS AND STAFF WERE PASSIONATELY COMMITTED TO NOT JUST CREATING MORE CHRISTIAN INTELLECTUALS, BUT FORMING US AS APPRENTICES OF JESUS AND SENDING US OUT TO LIVE WITH PURPOSE ON MISSION.

DOING EDUCATION DIFFERENTLY FLIPPING THE CLASSROOM

INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING

Learning happens in two ways: absorbing information and solving problems.

And it works best when you take in that information because you need it to solve a problemespecially a problem that means something to you personally.

At Trinity, we’ve adjusted our approach to education so that you can get the most out of your learning.

Whether you come to the college in person or attend via zoom, you will make the most of your classes by interacting with a qualified lecturer and a learning community.

Class time is spent solving problems and being collaborative. Lecture listening? Well, you can do that when it’s convenient for you.

Inquiry-based learning means you begin with a problem or question. Based on what you know and what you’re taught, it’s up to you to determine which method or approach is best suited to your inquiry, so that you can navigate towards an answer. You end up learning information because you need it to answer your question. And you’ll find that this is the kind of learning experience that sticks.

Finally, what does this mean for assessments? Well, we believe students should have more choice in how they present their learning. As well as writing essays, book reviews and quizzes, there are options to create videos, poetry, music and visual arts, or to preach a sermon.

FACULTY

Trinity’s faculty hold firmly to the core teachings of the Christian faith. We’re equally passionate about making those credal affirmations accessible and relevant to the postmodern secular society we find ourselves in.

Dr Jameson Ross Lecturer in New Testament & Early Church History

Dr Paul Jones Principal of Trinity College Queensland & Lecturer

Dr Rachel Krohn Lecturer in Old Testament & Hebrew

Dr Scott Downman Sessional Lecturer in Missions

Rev Nigel Rogers Sessional Lecturer in Denominational (UCA) Distinctives

Rev Dr Helen Dick Acting Dean of Formation & Sessional Lecturer

Rev Dr Neil Pembroke Associate Professor in Pastoral Theology

WRESTLING WITH SUBJECTS ON CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY TO CHRISTIAN HISTORY TO PREACHING TO THE OLD TESTAMENT TO THE NEW TESTAMENT, I HAVE TO THANK THE LECTURERS FOR BEING SO TRANSPARENT AND HUMBLE. THEY KEEP IT REAL IN THIS JOINT!

NAMILA DAVUI

UNDERGRADUATE PATHWAYS

No School Certificate*

VET or TAFE qualifications*

School Certificate

* Additional admission requirements may apply

See all the undergraduate courses currently available.

Certificate of Theology or Ministry

6 months full time / up to 2 years part time

Introduces the Christian story and message.

Diploma of Theology or Ministry

1 year full time / up to 4 years part time

Introduces the Christian story and message.

Advanced Diploma of Theology or Ministry

1.5 years full time / up to 6 years part time

Introduces the Christian story and message. A grounding for ministry practice.

Associate Degree of Theology or Ministry

2 years full time / up to 6 years part time.

Introduces the Christian story and message. A grounding for ministry practice.

Bachelor of Theology or Ministry

3 years full time / up to 9 years part time

For students wishing to train for ministry, with a focus either on biblical knowledge or ministry practice.

I HAVE LEARNED THAT I AM A DAUGHTER OF GOD, I AM PART OF SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY, SOMETHING I CAN HARDLY BEGIN TO IMAGINE – AND THAT IS GOD’S PLAN AND MISSION FOR THE WORLD.

LUCY KAMMERMAN GRADUATE

POSTGRADUATE PATHWAYS

Non theology or ministry degree*

Theology or ministry degree+

* Additional admission requirements may apply

+ Advanced standing may apply for some courses

See all the undergraduate courses currently available.

Graduate Certificate of Divinity

6 months full time / up to 2 years part time

Introduces the Christian story and message.

Graduate Diploma of Divinity

1 year full time / up to 4 years part time

Introduces the Christian story and message.

Master of Theological Studies

2 years full time / up to 8 years part time

For graduates looking for professional practice or further study in theology.

Master of Divinity

3 years full time / up to 9 years part time

For graduates wishing to train for ministry.

Master of Theology

1 year full time / up to 2.5 years part time

Research degree for theology graduates engaged in professional practice. May articulate to PhD.

I CHOSE TRINITY TO COMPLETE MY MASTER OF THEOLOGICAL STUDIES BECAUSE I KNEW IT WAS A PLACE WHERE I COULD GO DEEPER INTO THEOLOGY, HISTORY AND LITERATURE, AND HAVE TEACHING STAFF THERE WITH THE EXPERTISE TO SUPPORT MY LEARNING.

JUNIOR FINAU

Can I study just one stand-alone unit?

Yes. However, because it isn’t assigned to a particular course, FEE-HELP is not available for this mode of study. Therefore, you need to pay upfront for the unit. You can study as many stand-alone units as you wish. All stand-alone units can be put towards a degree at a later stage. (See more information on Fee-HELP below and on page 21.)

Do I need to have an ATAR to apply?

Can I get credit for recognised prior learning?

When can I enrol?

Is there financial assistance?

Can I learn remotely and online?

Which is the best course for me?

How long will my course take?

What’s the difference between Ministry and Theology in the degrees and diplomas?

No, you don’t need an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank). All prospective students are interviewed. However, you may be required to show a sample of your work to assess your readiness for higher education.

If you have previously completed units within the last 10 years with an accredited higher education provider it may be possible to arrange credit for those units. Up to one third of your course may be cross-credited. Please make sure you talk to our Registrar and have your transcript available to see if you are eligible.

Our college semesters currently start in February and July each year, but we also have intensives throughout the year that you may be eligible to enrol in. To talk about your options and set up a time for an interview, email registrar@trinity.qld.edu.au

FEE-HELP is available for Australian citizens who are eligible studying either part-time or full-time. To find out if you are eligible, please visit the Australian Government website at www.studyassist.gov.au. Full-time students may also be eligible for student payments (Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY, Student Start-up Loan and/or the relocation scholarship.).

We use a hybrid mode of blended study that allows regional and interstate students and those who do not choose to come on campus to study at Trinity College Queensland.

This answer to this depends on who you are! Once we get to know you we can advise you better. Some helpful questions for you to think about when deciding which course to enrol in are:

What are you hoping to do once you finish your study?

What level of education have you achieved?

How many years do you want to study for?

What does a full-time and part-time study load look like?

If you are studying three or four units per semester, you are considered a full-time student and are eligible for discounted transport fees and possibly Austudy. However, if you want to finish your course in the shortest amount of time you will need to study four units per semester (eight units per year). Trinity College Queensland offers night classes as well as intensives throughout the year.

Ministry diplomas or degrees have a certain number of practical units, while theology diplomas or degrees have more biblical and theology units. Most first year units are the same in both degrees.

I’VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT DOING STUDY TO LEARN AND DEEPEN MY FAITH FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS. I CAME TO THE OPEN NIGHT, AND IT FELT LIKE THE RIGHT PLACE. THERE WERE SUCH WARM CONNECTIONS, AND YOU COULD FEEL THE SUPPORT, AND PEOPLE GENUINELY CARED.

FIONA WARBURTON

STUDENT SUPPORT

Study Skills

Accommodation

Wellbeing

Financial

Trinity offers study skills sessions and library support at the commencement of every semester. Individual support is available in a range of academic areas including essay writing, proper referencing, study skills and time management, accessing library resources, and academic English.

Raymont Residential College is located on the same site as Trinity College Queensland. Raymont offers all-inclusive student accommodation, with room, meals, utilities, personal and academic support - ideal for regional or interstate students. For those who prefer to cook for themselves, other forms of accommodation can be sought through student accommodation websites such as Unilodgers.

Trinity’s College Chaplain is on site every Tuesday and is available for confidential consultation at other times by appointment. Counselling can help you with a range of issues including mental health and emotional wellbeing, loss and grief, relationship issues, and life direction.

Scholarships are available. Get in touch for details.

LIBRARY

Trinity College Queensland has one of the largest theological libraries in Queensland with more than 30,000 physical resources, and subscribes to several online eBook and Journal resources. The library is open to the general public.

Through the online catalogue students can access online databases with thousands of journal articles covering biblical pastoral, theology, and church history studies.

Open discussion spaces and individual study nooks make for a great study environment and friendly staff will help locate resources and assist with study skills.

1

Course of study

Choose the course that you would like to study and determine whether you meet the entry requirements. If you would like to discuss your choice of course to achieve your goals, please contact our Registrar on 07 3377 9950 or email registrar@trinity.qld.edu.au.

Application form and documentation

2 3 4 5

Complete the form and upload all supporting documentation. You must provide transcripts for any prior study or evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language.

OR Apply to Trinity College online trinity.qld.edu.au/apply

Interview

Trinity will contact you to arrange a suitable interview time. This interview assists both you and the college with planning the best pathway to achieve your goals.

Notice of acceptance

The Australian College of Theology will notify you of the result of your application.

Enrol in semester units

We will be in touch with instructions on how to enrol for the upcoming semester. Please refer to Trinity’s timetable to know which units are being offered.

TUITION FEES

Trinity College Queensland is an Affiliated College of the Australian College of Theology (ACT). The tuition fees are set by ACT on an annual basis. More information

our website

Australian citizens and Permanent Residents may defer the payment of ACT fees through the FEEHELP loan scheme.

Please visit www.studyassist.gov.au for more information. Refer to studyassist.gov.au/help-loans-and-csps/fee-help to see if you are eligible for FEE-HELP.

Audit fees

Auditing a unit means that you have access to all the material for the unit, and you are present for all the classes, but you do not need to complete any assessments.

Auditing units does not count towards an accredited degree or diploma and you cannot use FEE-HELP to pay for it. Contact the College for current fees and charges.

Enrolment Dates

31 January for Semester 1 intake*

15 July for Semester 2 intake*

*Late applications may be considered on a case by case basis

Going back to study, or deciding what course is best for you can be confusing. We’d love to help. Give us a call to discuss your goals and help you work out which course will help you achieve them.

Contact our friendly admin team on:

(07) 3377 9950 or email: registrar@trinity.qld.edu.au

RESOURCING CHURCHES

At Trinity College Queensland, we consider it a privilege to resource churches for effective mission through short courses and events. Get in touch and let us know how we can serve your church.

Trinity on Tap is a great resource for those who want to go deeper with the Bible and theology, but can’t commit to degree-level study.

Four series of podcasts with downloadable study guides/ebooks. Trinity on Tap will develop your Bible-reading skills and understanding, equipping your preaching and Bible study leading, or giving you confidence to better explain your faith at home or work.

Do it on your own or with a group. No prior theological education required.

trinity.qld.edu.au/courses/trinity-on-tap/

Short courses

Our popular Trinity Short Courses are designed to resource churches and individuals, and cover a range of practical topics on spirituality, Christian thought and church practice.

Come on your own, or with a friend, or gather a group from your church and learn together.

As well as offering Short Courses on campus and online, we’re delighted to bring them to you. Talk to us about the possibilities of running a Trinity Short Course at your church or location.

trinity.qld.edu.au/short-courses

To become a Lay Preacher in the Uniting Church, you need to make enquiries first through the congregation where you regularly attend and through your local Presbytery. You may then complete the four short course requirements through Trinity, by engaging with our ‘On Tap’ resources (see above). Upon completion of these, Trinity College Queensland will notify your Presbytery, who are authorised to issue your Lay Preaching Certificate.

trinity.qld.edu.au/lay-preachers

Trinity on Tap

Lay Preacher’s Certificate

CHAPEL

UNPLUGGED

OPEN EVENING

ORIENTATION DAY

We welcome guests and prospective students to Chapel every Tuesday morning during the semester, followed by a community meal. Chapel is an opportunity to hear good music and preaching from faculty and invited guests, and for students to assist in leading prayers and worship.

These special evening events invite speakers to engage with pressing questions. They’re ideal for bringing along a senior youth group, a church or youth group, or your small group for the purpose of growing your faith and knowledge.

Providing a taste of what it’s like to study at Trinity, Open Evening is held twice a year and invites you to meet lecturers and current students and sample some mini-lectures. You’ll be able to ask faculty and staff about our courses and how to make study work for you. We are also happy to discuss flexible continuing education options for those who are already in paid ministry.

Orientation Days help your transition into theological education. It’s a great opportunity to get informed as well as meet staff and other students you’ll be studying with.

I’VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT DOING STUDY TO LEARN AND DEEPEN MY FAITH FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS. I CAME TO THE OPEN NIGHT, AND IT FELT LIKE THE RIGHT PLACE. THERE WERE SUCH WARM CONNECTIONS, AND YOU COULD FEEL THE SUPPORT, AND PEOPLE GENUINELY CARED.

FIONA WARBURTON

INVEST IN FUTURE MISSION

As you support the work of Trinity College in training and forming people to engage in mission and serve their local communities, please consider investing financially in our ministry. Your gift is greatly appreciated.

WHERE WILL YOUR GIFT GO?

TO THE COLLEGE

Your gift helps support the general costs of training of mission-ready ministry practitioners. Donations can be made directly to Trinity College Queensland (these are not tax deductible)

Give in person

Give over the phone

Come into the College and make a donation at the front desk. While you’re here, we’d love to show you around.

Call us on 07 3377 9950 and we’ll process your gift securely, or email ask@trinity.qld.edu.au for more information.

TO THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

We welcome your tax-deductible donation to the UCA Queensland Synod Scholarship Fund. Your gift helps to directly support a student or minister completing their theological studies. Gifts of $2 or more are tax deductible

Give online

Give by cheque

Give by direct bank deposit

Make your donation securely online. https://ucaqld.com.au/about-us/mission-possible/synod-scholarship-fund/

Make your cheque out to the UCA Qld Synod Scholarship Fund.

To make a direct deposit to the Scholarship Fund, please make an enquiry on scholarships@ucaqld.com.au. For security and processing reasons we don’t publish bank account details.

I WANTED TO COME HERE AND GET THIS EDUCATION TO DEEPEN MY FAITH AND UNDERSTAND BETTER WHY I BELIEVE WHAT I BELIEVE.

DANIEL MILNE

YOU’RE WELCOME AT TRINITY

Give our friendly student services team a call and find out how study can work for you at Trinity College:

Call. (07) 3377 9950 | Visit. www.trinity.qld.edu.au

ENROLMENT DATES

Semester 1 and 2 Units

Please contact the College for enrolment dates for each semester.

Level 1, Uniting Church Centre, 60 Bayliss Street Auchenflower QLD 4066

GPO Box 675, Brisbane, Qld, 4001

07 3377 9950

ask@trinity.qld.edu.au

www.trinity.qld.edu.au

Acknowledging that everything in heaven and earth belongs to God, we pay respect to the Jagera and Turrbal peoples, traditional custodians and caretakers of the land on which this college sits. We extend that respect to their elders, past, present and emerging and to all First Nations people.

Trinity College Queensland is the theological college of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod. Trinity College is affiliated with the Australian College of Theology. The Australian College of Theology is an accredited Higher Education provider.

TEQSA Number PRV12010