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RiverCity School of Ministry is affiliated with Vision Christian College and is authorised to conduct education and training in cooperation with its Distance Education outreach programs and does not issue transcripts, certificates, diplomas or degrees in its own name or on behalf of Vision Christian College.
Awards
You hold in your hand an opportunity to pursue an enriching program of Bible Study at RiverCity church at your own pace. Whether your study is for personal development or for preparation in ministry, to further develop your skills and understanding in the word of God, on the mission field or at home, RiverCity School of Ministry and our partnership with a registered RTO have the option for you. You will be equipped to fully discover God’s call and systematically be educated as a future Christian leader.
We Offer:
Taster program
For one month, you have the option to enrol in a recognised subject “Principles of Praise and Worship” for as little as $100. Our staff will present it employing our typical lecture methods, timetabling, and resources for the month. During this time you are encouraged to study and complete the assignment as if you are an enrolled student.
At the end of the month, you submit the exams to us for marking, if you do not wish to continue then there is nothing more to do. If you wish to continue then you have the option complete the application and fully enrol and order your next subject
If you decide not to continue then you have been taught an excellent subject, you will be enriched and have a textbook – everyone benefits.
Recognised Studies:
The Recognised program will best suit you if:
- You are seeking biblical, Christian, theological, or related studies.
- You do not require or are not eligible for support from Austudy or Abstudy or Youth Allowance.
- You do not require recognition for further study in TAFE or University.
- If you are seeking further study purely to develop your ministry in the word of God.
- If you wish to study the word of God and wish to receive recognition from a recognised program.
The awards available from the recognised program are:
- Certificate in Biblical Studies (30 credit points / 10 Subjects)
- Associate in Biblical Studies (60 credit points / 20 Subjects)
- Diploma of Ministry (90 credit points / 30 Subjects)
- Diploma of Theology (120 credit points / 40 Subjects)
Accredited Program:
We offer ASQA (The Australian Skills Quality Authority) Accredited Christian Ministry and Theology Awards. Each award attracts Austudy, AbStudy or Youth Allowance to eligible Australian students.
The Accredited program will best suit you if:
- You are seeking Biblical, Christian, Theological, or related studies.
- You are seeking Practical Ministry Skills Development.
- You require or are eligible for support from Austudy or Abstudy or Youth Allowance.
- You require recognition for further study in TAFE or University.
Awards Offered from the recognised program are:
Undergraduate
- Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology (minimum 8 units)
- Certificate IV in Christian Ministry and Theology (minimum 9 units)
- Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology (minimum 10 units)
- Advanced Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology (minimum 10 units)
- Post Graduate Studies
Credit Points can be gained in either of two ways
Each subject completed at a passing level is worth three credit points. The assignments attached to the books are mostly multiple choice test; however some books use instead short-answer questions. In a few cases an essay may be required. With this method a student has to complete 10 books to gain 30 credit points, however;
Credit Transfer
If you have done other formal biblical, theological or related studies, you may request a transfer of credit into our program. You may also be eligible for life experience credits if:
- You have been in full-time ministry for at least two years or if
- You have served the local church continually in some stated office for five years or more or if
- You can present a combination of the first two
Please obtain from our office an Application for Transfer of Credit form, and return it to us along with the requested documentation (transcripts, copies of awards, and the like.) There is a $75 charge for an academic transfer per ward level. Life-experience credits are costed at $20 per credit. A maximum of 60% credits can be claimed. You should only claim and pay for as many credits as you need in order to graduate at the desired level. Unused credits can be kept aside and applied to a higher award.
Our aim is to maintain a standard high enough to secure endorsement of our awards among churches whose stance is similar to ours. However since recognition of the VCC standards will vary, you will need to ascertain by personal enquiry whether or not particular church or organisation will accept our awards.
Philosophy
We are a conservative and charismatic school, working within the mainstream of Christian belief and practice.
We accept the divine inspiration and authority of the Bible, and we endorse those formulations of the faith that have been received all major branches of the church across the centuries.
Our theme could be summarised as: the Word of Christ preached; in Name of Christ believed; the Power of Christ experienced; the Love of Christ shared; the Coming of Christ expected; the Splendour of Christ exalted.
Procedure
Upon receipt of your enrolment form and payment, we will order your first text book and assignment. This will be handed out at the first class along with the invoice for the next subject, plus further instructions on how to continue with your studies
Fees
Recognised studies:
Initial enrolment fee is $100 per person. This covers your enrolment up to and including the Certificate in Biblical Studies. After that, a new enrolment fee is required for a new level.
Subject fee is $400 cost per subject; this includes your text book, questionnaire sheets and answer sheet. It also includes our marking and administration costs.
Accredited studies:
Initial enrolment is Fee $150 per person. This covers your enrolment up to and including the Certificate in Biblical Studies. After that, a new enrolment fee is required for a new level.
Subject Fee Certificate III is $500 cost per subject; this includes your text book, questionnaire sheets and answer sheet. It also includes our marking and administration costs.
Subject Fee Certificate IV $550 cost per subject; this includes your text book, questionnaire sheets and answer sheet. It also includes our marking and administration costs.
Subject Fee Diploma $600 cost per subject; this includes your text book, questionnaire sheets and answer sheet. It also includes our marking and administration costs.
Time Required
There is no fixed staring time for a complete level, except for people applying for Austudy/Youth allowance; they have to complete a level of study in a year. You may start with any subject and withdraw at any time without financial penalty. To obtain an award the required number of subjects must be completed at a passing grade. By devoting a few hours per week to study, you should be able to complete each subject within a month.
Delivery
Delivery will be two hour class every week. Teaching will be done by a range of inspired teachers that is passionate about the topics covered. Classes are there to inspire and support students but you will gain the most out of self-study in your own time.
FAQ:
What is the difference between accredited and recognised studies?
The same subject material is offered for both, the difference lies in the amount of assessment work to be undertaken.
Why an accredited program?
ASQA accredited
Allows for Austudy/youth allowance (if you complete in 1 year)
TAFE recognition if you want to study further
Why recognised studies program?
Recognised by 150 churches studying for your own personal development, and is cheaper.