All Independent Guided Studies and Immersion Experience will be offered in all sessions as required by students.
To ENROL contact Cheryl Martin on cheryl.martin@bbi.catholic.edu.au
Units
2026 Availability
D9293
Minor Independent Guided Study (Religious Education)Curriculum Objectives
This graduate course unit provides students with demonstrated initiative and creativity an opportunity to focus at an advanced level in a particular area of Religious Education, under the tutelage and guidance of a specialist in the field. The unit is designed to refine the skills of independent study by allowing the student to define their own study, and to set their own goals by means of an extended guided reading program.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit students will be able to:
- develop a focused topic for independent scholarly investigation
- conduct independent research, under supervision, in terms of locating, utilising and referencing a wide range of appropriate primary and secondary sources
- analyse and evaluate with critical empathy a range of disparate scholarly positions
- defend an independent perspective on the topic of the investigation, and
- produce a cogent set of researched findings in an extended piece of academic writing.
Assumed Knowledge
D8120, D8121 & D9291
Study hours
10 hours per week for 12 week session, comprised of:
- At least 10 hour per week of directed study, including reading, research, consultation with tutor and writing up of assessment tasks.
Teaching methods
Online lectures; online activities; guided reading; scaffolded assessments; feedback on assessments.
Indicative Assessment
At the Institute we use a range of assessment tasks, including essays, research papers, online posts, critical reflections, projects and praxis exercises. Within a unit of study each set of assessment tasks is designed as an integral part of your learning experience. These tasks vary across units and programs. All assessment tasks are aligned to the Australian Qualifications Framework level appropriate for graduate awards.
T8106
Foundations for Theological StudiesCurriculum Objectives
This unit provides students with the foundational skills and knowledge necessary for graduate study in Theology. It introduces the student to the disciplines of Biblical Studies and Theology. Students will gain a firm foundation of specialised knowledge in these areas and will be ready for further study in Biblical Studies, Theology, Leadership, or Religious Education.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of foundational Catholic theological teachings and their application to current situations
- understand and apply contemporary approaches to interpreting the scriptures
- utilise key theological terms
- appreciate the value of ongoing learning in theology
Assumed Knowledge
Not Applicable
Study hours
10 hours per week for 12 week session, comprised of:
- At least one hour per week for online lectures.
- At least three hours per week of reading.
- At least six hours per week of directed study, including optional and assessable online activities.
Teaching methods
Online lectures; online activities; guided reading; scaffolded assessments; feedback on assessments.
Indicative Assessment
At the Institute we use a range of assessment tasks, including essays, research papers, online posts, critical reflections, projects and praxis exercises. Within a unit of study each set of assessment tasks is designed as an integral part of your learning experience. These tasks vary across units and programs. All assessment tasks are aligned to the Australian Qualifications Framework level appropriate for graduate awards.
B8101
Introduction to Biblical StudiesCurriculum Objectives
This course unit introduces students to the critical study of the Bible, its literary forms, historical and cultural contexts, and theological themes. It provides a foundation for further biblical and theological study.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit of study, students will be able to:
- analyse the major narratives, themes and structures of the books of the Bible
- assess the significance of the main historical, social and cultural factors that provided the context of the composition of the Bible
- engage critically with significant introductory secondary literature in the study of the Bible
- utilise basic skills in performing historical-critical exegesis of Biblical texts, and
- apply insights from their study to Christian life and ministry within their particular context.
Assumed Knowledge
Not applicable
Study hours
10 hours per week for 12 week session, comprised of
- At least one hour per week for online lectures
- At least three hours per week of reading.
- At least six hours per week of directed study, including optional and assessable online activities.
Teaching methods
Online lectures; online activities; guided reading; scaffolded assessments; feedback on assessments.
Indicative Assessment
At the Institute we use a range of assessment tasks, including essays, research papers, online posts, critical reflections, projects and praxis exercises. Within a unit of study each set of assessment tasks is designed as an integral part of your learning experience. These tasks vary across units and programs. All assessment tasks are aligned to the Australian Qualifications Framework level appropriate for graduate awards.

BBI-TAITE is an associate member of the Catholic Biblical Federation
T8191
Foundations in Catholic Understanding ICurriculum Objectives
This independent directed study critically integrates the theories and concepts introduced in a particular subject in the Cornerstones program. The designated subject is chosen by the student.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit of study, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a critical understanding of the foundational theological issues for Catholic teachers
- apply critically a range of theological understandings of Catholic practice in the Catholic Schools context
- research and develop student appropriate, critically grounded responses to theological issues raised in the classroom
- appreciate the value of critical theological understanding for fulfilling the mission of Catholic education.
Assumed Knowledge
Nil
Study hours
11 hours per week for 11 week session, comprised of:
- At least one hour per week for online lectures
- At least four hours per week of reading.
- At least six hours per week of directed study, including optional and assessable online activities.
Teaching methods
Online lectures; guided reading; scaffolded assessments; feedback on assessments.
Indicative Assessment
At the Institute we use a range of assessment tasks, including essays, research papers, online posts, critical reflections, projects and praxis exercises. Within a unit of study each set of assessment tasks is designed as an integral part of your learning experience. These tasks vary across units and programs. All assessment tasks are aligned to the Australian Qualifications Framework level appropriate for graduate awards.
T9294
Capstone Project in Theological Studies (Independent Guided Study) (18cp)Curriculum Objectives
This graduate course unit provides students with demonstrated initiative and creativity an opportunity to produce an extended piece of individual research at an advanced level on a particular area of study. It may be on a topic that has arisen from a standard unit or on a topic that is not available elsewhere in the curriculum. The unit is designed to refine the skills of independent study by allowing the student to define their own study and to set their own goals by means of an extended guided reading program.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit of study, students will be able to:
- develop a focused topic for independent scholarly investigation
- conduct independent research, under supervision, in terms of locating, utilising and referencing a wide range of appropriate primary and secondary sources
- analyse and evaluate with critical empathy a range of disparate scholarly positions
- defend an independent perspective on the topic of the investigation, and
- produce a cogent set of researched findings in an extended piece of academic writing.
Assumed Knowledge
T8106, B8101 & T9210
Study hours
10 hours per week for 12 week session, comprised of:
- At least one hour per week for online lectures
- At least three hours per week of reading.
- At least six hours per week of directed study, including optional and assessable online activities.
Teaching methods
Online lectures; one-to-one supervision.
Indicative Assessment
At the Institute we use a range of assessment tasks, including essays, research papers, online posts, critical reflections, projects and praxis exercises. Within a unit of study each set of assessment tasks is designed as an integral part of your learning experience. These tasks vary across units and programs. All assessment tasks are aligned to the Australian Qualifications Framework level appropriate for graduate awards.
B9200
Great Narratives of the BibleCurriculum Objectives
This unit introduces students to the most prominent Biblical Narratives, their nature, and the tools used to study them. Next, students will interpret them in light of their original historical and literary context. Finally, students will critically review the use and re-use of these narratives in ancient and modern interpretation, and apply them in a contemporary context.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit of study, students will be able to:
- analyse critically key Biblical texts as narratives
- contextualise Biblical narratives according to historical and literary factors
- review and evaluate critically ancient and modern interpretations of Biblical narratives
- reflect on and articulate the contemporary and personal relevance of Biblical narratives, and
- apply Biblical narratives for a contemporary audience.
Assumed Knowledge
T8106 & B8101
Study hours
10 hours per week for 12 week session, comprised of:
- At least one hour per week for online lectures.
- At least three hours per week of reading.
- At least six hours per week of directed study, including optional and assessable online activities.
Teaching methods
Online lectures; online activities; guided reading; scaffolded assessments; feedback on assessments.
Indicative Assessment
At the Institute we use a range of assessment tasks, including essays, research papers, online posts, critical reflections, projects and praxis exercises. Within a unit of study each set of assessment tasks is designed as an integral part of your learning experience. These tasks vary across units and programs. All assessment tasks are aligned to the Australian Qualifications Framework level appropriate for graduate awards.
B9293
Minor Independent Guided Study (Biblical Studies)Curriculum Objectives
This graduate course unit provides students with demonstrated initiative and creativity an opportunity to focus at an advanced level on a particular area of Biblical Studies under the tutelage and guidance of a specialist in the field. The unit is designed to refine the skills of independent study by allowing the student to define their own study, and to set their own goals by means of an extended guided reading program.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit of study, students will be able to:
- develop a focused topic for independent scholarly investigation
- conduct independent research, under supervision, in terms of locating, utilising and referencing a wide range of appropriate primary and secondary sources
- analyse and evaluate with critical empathy a range of disparate scholarly positions
- defend an independent perspective on the topic of the investigation, and
- produce a cogent set of researched findings in an extended piece of academic writing.
Assumed Knowledge
T8106, B8101, and one of B9249 or B9253
Study hours
10 hours per week for 12 week session, comprised of:
- At least 10 hour per week of directed study, including reading, research, consultation with tutor and writing up of assessment tasks.
Teaching methods
Online lectures; online activities; guided reading; scaffolded assessments; feedback on assessments.
Indicative Assessment
At the Institute we use a range of assessment tasks, including essays, research papers, online posts, critical reflections, projects and praxis exercises. Within a unit of study each set of assessment tasks is designed as an integral part of your learning experience. These tasks vary across units and programs. All assessment tasks are aligned to the Australian Qualifications Framework level appropriate for graduate awards.
T9218
Church: The Living Community of FaithUnit overview and content
This course is an advanced study of ecclesiology. Ecclesiology is a sub-discipline of systematic theology which emerged during the late 19th and 20th centuries. Ecclesiology is a systematic study of the nature and mission of the Church. The unit will consider factors which contributed to the development of this discipline and examine key theologians and ecclesiologies. The unit will examine a variety of historical and contemporary theological understandings of the Christian Church, with an emphasis on the ecclesiology of communion emerging from Vatican II.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit of study, students will be able to:
- explain and interpret the theological foundations, nature and mission of the Church, and their application
- synthesise the ways the Church has unfolded from New Testament times to today
- analyse critically the Church’s ecumenical and interfaith relationships and possibilities, and
- reflect on and evaluate the challenges and opportunities facing the contemporary Church, particularly in Australia.
Assumed Knowledge
T8106 and B8101
Study hours
11 hours per week for 11 week session, comprised of:
- At least one hour per week for online lectures.
- At least four hours per week of reading.
- At least six hours per week of directed study, including optional and assessable online activities.
Teaching methods
Online lectures; online activities; guided reading; scaffolded assessments; feedback on assessments.
Indicative Assessment
At the Institute we use a range of assessment tasks, including essays, research papers, online posts, critical reflections, projects and praxis exercises. Within a unit of study each set of assessment tasks is designed as an integral part of your learning experience. These tasks vary across units and programs. All assessment tasks are aligned to the Australian Qualifications Framework level appropriate for graduate awards.
T9262
Ecological TheologyUnit overview and content
This unit provides students with an opportunity to discover the relevance of theology in the context of the present ecological and climate crises. It introduces students to an ecologically sensitive reading of the Bible and interpretation of the theology of creation. Building on these, students will explore insights from ecology, (eco)feminist theology, Australian Aboriginal cosmology, and liberation theology to form an ecologically aware understanding of the relationships between the Triune God, the world as God’s creation, and humanity. Drawing, among others, on Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, students will gain an understanding of the ethical, liturgical, spiritual, and other practical dimensions of a Christian response to the ecological crisis.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit of study, students will be able to:
- Critically appreciate the theology of creation in light of the ecological crisis
- Articulate for a general audience foundational concepts in ecological theology
- Evaluate the ethical, liturgical and justice dimensions of a Christian response to the ecological crisis
- Articulate and appraise the contribution of the theology of integral ecology to Christian faith and praxis
- Appreciate and communicate the moral, spiritual and practical implications of ecological conversion
Assumed Knowledge
T8106 and B8101
Study hours
10 hours per week for 12 week session, comprised of:
- At least one hour per week for online lectures.
- At least three hours per week of reading.
- At least six hours per week of directed study, including optional and assessable online activities.
Teaching methods
Online lectures; online activities; guided reading; scaffolded assessments; feedback on assessments.
Indicative Assessment
At the Institute we use a range of assessment tasks, including essays, research papers, online posts, critical reflections, projects and praxis exercises. Within a unit of study each set of assessment tasks is designed as an integral part of your learning experience. These tasks vary across units and programs. All assessment tasks are aligned to the Australian Qualifications Framework level appropriate for graduate awards.
T9293
Minor Independent Guided Study (Theological Studies)Curriculum Objectives
This graduate course unit provides students with demonstrated initiative and creativity an opportunity to focus at an advanced level in a particular area of Theological Studies, under the tutelage and guidance of a specialist in the field. The unit is designed to refine the skills of independent study by allowing the student to define their own study, and to set their own goals by means of an extended guided reading program.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit of study, students will be able to:
- develop a focused topic for independent scholarly investigation
- conduct independent research, under supervision, in terms of locating, utilizing and referencing a wide range of appropriate primary and secondary sources
- analyse and evaluate with critical empathy a range of disparate scholarly positions
- defend an independent perspective on the topic of the investigation, and
- produce a cogent set of researched findings in an extended piece of academic writing
Assumed Knowledge
T8106, B8101 & T9210
Study hours
10 hours per week for 12 week session, comprised of:
- At least 10 hour per week of directed study, including reading, research, consultation with tutor and writing up of assessment tasks.
Teaching methods
Online lectures; online activities; guided reading; scaffolded assessments; feedback on assessments.
Indicative Assessment
At the Institute we use a range of assessment tasks, including essays, research papers, online posts, critical reflections, projects and praxis exercises. Within a unit of study each set of assessment tasks is designed as an integral part of your learning experience. These tasks vary across units and programs. All assessment tasks are aligned to the Australian Qualifications Framework level appropriate for graduate awards.
