Online Religious Studies Degrees in Australia
Study how religion is expressed in society with Religious Studies degrees. Develop skills for teaching, counselling, pastoral care, and more.
Explore how religion is expressed in society through a religious studies degree. The subject examines belief systems, rituals, texts, and history, and how these shape individual and group behaviour.
Religious studies programs emphasise the analysis and interpretation of texts. You develop an open-minded understanding of people and their diverse perspectives.
The subject’s literary nature suits online study. An online degree offers flexibility while building critical thinking, writing, and research skills for work in teaching, counselling, ministry, and community settings.
What is Religious Studies?
Religious Studies explores the expression of religion in human culture. As a student, you explore ideas about the divine and the ways religious concepts are expressed in texts, rituals and belief systems. You also examine religious history and figures.
Objective, critical analysis is essential. Religious Studies is not limited to a single tradition or religion; it encompasses all religions from all cultures and all times. In contrasts with Theology, which may be subjective and is denominational.
Religious Studies is relevant to many other academic fields, including history, literature, philosophy, anthropology, sociology, psychology, politics, gender studies and the arts.
Studying religion is a pathway to many postgraduate courses, including education, business and law. Graduates also enter the workforce as teachers, editors, administrators, writers, counsellors, researchers and ministers.
Bachelor Degree Courses
UNE – Bachelor of Arts (Studies in Religion)
Online Religion Masters
Postgraduate courses in Religious Studies are popular with students interested in entering the clergy or teaching religion. The advanced study of religion allows you to explore religious topics in greater depth and/or to pursue a particular specialisation.
Few careers require a Masters or PhD in religious studies for getting ahead. The qualifications may be important for teachers and academic scholars. Otherwise, advanced degrees are generally optional.
Students who successfully complete postgraduate degrees in religious studies usually have a passion for the topic. They want to learn as much as possible. They may be on a path towards teaching religion or pursuing a vocation related to ministry and pastoral care.
ACU – Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies
UNE – Master of Arts (Studies in Religion)
Education requirements in Christian roles
Australia has a large Christian community and extensive Catholic school system. Many opportunities are available for those with a relevant religious education.
| Role | Where they work | Main focus | Education required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lay leader | Churches, schools, community programs | Teaching, mentoring, organising | No formal requirement; short courses or theology study may help |
| School teacher | Catholic and independent schools | Classroom teaching, curriculum delivery | Bachelor degree plus a teaching qualification |
| Chaplain | Schools, hospitals, military, prisons | Wellbeing, guidance, student support | Theology or ministry degree plus pastoral training |
| Pastor | Churches | Preaching, teaching, leadership | Usually a Master of Divinity plus ordination |
| Priest | Catholic churches and school systems | Sacraments, doctrine, leadership | Philosophy, Master of Divinity, and seminary formation |
Education requirements rise from minimal training in lay roles to postgraduate theology and ordination for clergy, with school teaching requiring a separate teaching qualification.
Christian ministry and education roles differ by setting and authority. Lay leaders and teachers work within structured programs such as schools. Chaplains provide support across institutions. Pastors lead congregations. Priests exercise sacramental authority within the Church.
Source: Chaplain vs. Pastor vs. Priest: What’s the Difference?