Core Subjects: 260 hours
Stream Subjects: 220 hours
Practicum: 240 hours
Cert IV = 720 hours / Duration: 12 Months

Basic biblical foundations, principles for ministry, as well as general leadership and ministry skills are developed through our core subjects, which all students complete. In addition, students also choose one of our five streams and complete all of their stream's subjects to develop their specialised ministry skills. Students are also given the opportunity to further their competence in weekly practicum as they serve in their specialised fields.

Students will learn in a variety of settings including lecture-style classes, group-work, presentation, self-directed learning activities, workshops, tutorials and work-based training. Assessment methods include written assignments, reports and journals, oral and written presentations, ministry observation, performances, portfolios, tests, and work-place feedback. It trains you with the skills you need to work in a ministry team setting in a local church or Christian organisation, for example,

- A small group leader
- A youth team worker
- A worship team vocalist or musician
- An assistant leader in a kids or student team
- A member of a Christian dance team
- A camera operator
- A sound desk operator

The course also trains you with the skills needed in marketplace careers in the same field as your Stream’s ministry specialisation.

If you’re going to serve Jesus, there are some things you just have to know. Core Subjects are done by all students and build a foundation of the bible, doctrine personal leadership and ministry teamwork that can be applied in a wide range of life and ministry settings.

New Testament Introduction
The books, themes and events of the New Testament in their cultural and historical context are introduced along with their application and relevance today. (MINBIB401 Complete and apply a study based on the Biblical material to own life | 48 hours)

Old Testament Introduction The books, themes and events of the Old Testament in their cultural and historical context are introduced along with their application and relevance today. (MINBIB401 Complete and apply a study based on the Biblical material to own life | 48 hours)

Christian Doctrine This subject identifies and explores a number of the major doctrines of the Bible, with the goal of building a solid foundation of truth for Christian life and ministry. (MINTHY401 Identify and apply foundational theological concepts of Christianity | 40 hours)

Spirit-Filled Living The person and work of the Holy Spirit is introduced including an investigation of the baptism in the Spirit, spiritual gifts and ministering in the power of the Holy Spirit. (MINLED401 Demonstrate Christian disciplines and spirituality | 16 hours)

Personal Leadership This subject introduces principles of spiritual leadership and is designed to assist the student in building godly character into their life as a Christian leader, both spiritually and practically. It covers critical issues including, integrity, core values, healthy living, relationships and finance. (MINLED401 Demonstrate Christian disciplines and spirituality with MINLED402 Manage personal and ministry priorities holistically | 48 hours)

Personal Evangelism This subject is customised to equip students with the skills and understanding to effectively cultivate an evangelistic lifestyle and share the Gospel in a wide range of settings, from a personal relationship to the public sphere. (MINLED401 Demonstrate Christian disciplines and spirituality | 16 hours)

Teamwork This subject trains the student with the necessary skills and knowledge to work successfully in a team setting. It also will be outworked in the practicum component of the course. (MINLED402 Manage personal and ministry priorities holistically with BSBWOR203 Work effectively with others | 32 hours)*

Communication in Ministry This subject trains the student with the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to successfully communicate in ministry settings. It will mainly be outworked in the practicum component of the course. (BSBCMM201 Communicate in the workplace | 32 hours)*

Church and Ministry A wide range of aspects of church ministry and culture are introduced from a biblical basis including how we make church relevant today. It will mainly be outworked in the practicum component of the course. (MINLED405 Describe and contribute to effective local church ministry | 16 hours)

*BSB - Business Services Training Package Release 2.0

In your first year, choosing this stream will start you on the journey towards ministering the Word, ministering to people, and helping build incredible ministries in a local church. In addition to the subjects below, you’ll also choose a Pathway, which allows you to get hands-on experience in the pastoral ministry of your choice.

Introduction to Pastoral Leadership: 
This subject introduces the student to their chosen pathway. These different pathways include: Church Ministry / Youth / Young Adults / Kids / Social Justice / Pastoral Care / Events. In this subject, you will identify the essential features of that form of ministry, develop an understanding of its key social, ministry and leadership issues, and cultivate the specialised skills you need for ministry effectiveness. (MINPST406 Describe and contribute to effective pastoral ministry | 16 hours)

Public Speaking and Presentations:
This subject focuses on developing communication skills and the skills necessary to implement business, leadership and preaching presentations. (BSBCMM401 Make a presentation | 40 hours)*

Church History:
A refreshing overview of our Christian heritage from the early church to modern day. Attention is given to lessons relevant to contemporary ministry. (MINPST402 Investigate Church history and apply findings to a ministry setting | 40 hours)

Bible Study Methods:
This subject identifies and explores a range of specific in-depth study methods and how to apply them to the Bible, with the goal of increasing one's understanding of the biblical narrative and draw relevant applications for life and ministry. (MINBIB402 Identify and apply in-depth Bible study methods to biblical material | 48 hours)

Discipleship:
This subject presents the biblical and socio-cultural foundations of Christian discipleship and will equip students to cultivate Christian growth and maturity in others by developing their understanding of Christian development. (MINPST407 Disciple others in a Christian context | 40 hours)

*BSB - Business Services Training Package Release 2.0

In the Worship Music stream you will have the option to focus on one of the following musical disciplines – vocals, musicianship, or songwriting. Your focus will determine your stream subjects, as outlined below:

Vocal Focus:
Subjects in the Vocal focus include: The Worship Team - Vocal Techniques - Music Theory for Vocals - Principles of Worship - Worship Ensemble

Musicians Focus: Subjects in the Musicians focus include: The Worship Team - Band Techniques - Music Theory for Band - Principles of Worship - Worship Ensemble

Songwriters Focus:
Subjects in the Songwriting focus include: The Worship Team - Songwriting Techniques - Music Theory for Songwriting - Principles of Worship - Worship Ensemble

The Worship Team
This subject brings our new Worship Music students into the heart and ethos that has built the Hillsong Creative team and its creative expression. We do this by teaching and training students for the leadership excellence necessary to thrive in a contemporary band-based worship environment. (MINWMU406 Describe and contribute to effective worship ministry | 32 hours)

Musical Theory for Vocals
In this subject we will examine the language and notation of music, and its application for vocalists in various worship music settings. Delivery is catered toward vocal students with a beginner or intermediate level of theoretical knowledge. (CUAMLT301 Develop and apply aural perception skills | 32 hours)*

Musical Theory for Band
In this subject we will examine the language and notation of music, and its application for musicians in various worship music settings. Delivery is catered toward musician focus students with a beginner or intermediate level of theoretical knowledge. (CUAMLT301 Develop and apply aural perception skills | 32 hours)*

Music Theory for Songwriting
This subject will equip the student with an understanding of how music works in the context of songwriting. Students will become a more informed songwriter as we will deconstruct and examine the standard uses, functions, and behaviours of musical elements and their application for crafting original music. Delivery is catered toward songwriting students with a beginner or intermediate level of theoretical knowledge. (CUAMLT301 Develop and apply aural perception skills | 32 hours)*

Music Development Workshops
In first semester of the Worship Music stream, students have the opportunity to choose to focus their training as a musician in a band, or as a vocalist or a songwriter, through weekly practical workshops.

Vocal Techniques
Vocal students learn the basic anatomy of the singing voice and techniques for improving vocal health, production, and performance. (CUAMPF407A Develop vocal techniques | 40 hours)*

Band Techniques
Musician students learn the principles of working successfully in a music ensemble environment to produce effective communication, musical cohesion, and inspirational performances. (CUAMPF404 Contribute to backup accompaniment | 40 hours)*

Songwriters Techniques
Songwriting students learn and apply tools and techniques for building functional songs from scratch from idea generation, refinement, and polishing, to strategies for writing blocks and trouble spots. (CUAMCP301 Compose simple songs or musical pieces | 40 hours)*

Principles of Worship (2nd Semester)
This subject will train students in biblical and practical foundations for Christian worship. We aim to enrich their understanding and practice of worship by giving students a theological insight to spiritually prepare for, engage with, and evaluate their worship practice in both private and corporate worship enviroments. (MINWMU401 Describe and apply a theology of Christian worship | 40 hours)

Worship Ensemble
This subject is a practical extension of "The Worship Team" and "Principles of Worship" subjects to develop musicianship and leadership abilities. In this workshop students will actively participate alongside their fellow worship stream students to practically prepare, perform, and evaluate their worship practice within a contemporary worship music ensemble. (CUAMPF404 Perform music as part of a group | 56 hours)*

*CUA Creative Arts and Culture Training Package Release 2, April 2016

To note: If you are already advanced in music theory you are able to apply for recognition of your prior learning. You then have the opportunity move on to other creative opportunities in the church or College life). Please note: We do not provide individual vocal or instrument lessons. However, a number of Hillsong Creative team members teach private vocal or music lessons.

Students in the Songwriting focus can elect to be either a vocalist or musician in the ensemble. College trainers can assist students in deciding based on their observation of the students' abilities in their first semester.

If you’re a dancer, the Dance subjects in the first year will train you in the theoretical and leadership principles of dance, and get you ready to lead a dance ministry in your local church.

Introduction to Dance Ministry:
This subject introduces you to dance as a ministry within the local church. It explores the biblical and theological foundations for dance as a ministry and form of creative worship and expression. It also investigates the practical dimensions of a dance ministry within the worship and creative life of the church. (MINDNC401 Describe and contribute to effective dance ministry | 32 hours)

Dance Technique 1 & 2
These subjects cover a variety of dance styles, focusing on basic technique, expression and performance particular to each style. These styles may include ballet, jazz, contemporary and hip hop amongst others. You will learn and apply technical skills to correctly execute movements and routines, whilst ensuring safe dance practice, as well as understand the relationship between musical accompaniments and various technique styles.(CUADAN201 Develop basic dance techniques with CUADAN304 Develop dance improvisation skills | 84 hours)*

Choreography 1 & 2:
These subjects teach students the tools and skills of industry professional choreography. They will research well-known choreographers and apply structural components of movement in order to communicate the creative message. They will also create short choreographic works of their own and incorporate their broad range of dance knowledge into their compositions. These subjects teach students to think innovatively and manage creatively challenging moments. (CUACHR401 Create and perform dance pieces with CUADAN304 Develop dance improvisation skills | 48 hours)*

Dance Performance 1 & 2 :
This essential class teaches both performance skills and performance psychology techniques in order to equip students with the skills to communicate on many levels. Students will learn a variety of dance styles used in different contexts in order to increase performance skills. They will also perform in an array of settings to gain practical and live experience. (CUADAN407 Develop expertise in dance performance technique | 32 hours)*

*CUA Creative Arts and Culture Training Package Release 2, April 2016

The first year of the Film & TV stream gives you an introduction to the basics of camera and video editing skills. You will be immersed into studio recording environments, gain hands-on experience in the world of cinematography and be part of working production teams. Students will also have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of Film and Television projects within our College and Hillsong Church, including the creation of content for our new Hillsong Channel.

Introduction to Film & TV in Ministry:
This subject introduces students to the role of Film & TV in ministry within the local church. It explores the power and possibilities of media for the communication of vision, facilitating worship, and building community in the life of the local church. It also investigates the use of film to communicate the Gospel in visually captivating and compelling ways to our society. (MINTV406 Describe and contribute to effective Christian Film and TV ministries | 16 hours)

Studio Camera 1 & 2:
These subjects involve operating broadcast camera equipment in a multi-camera studio environment to record broadcast quality TV content. This includes operating Broadcast Pedestals, Tripods, and Handheld cameras plus working and responding to a director and working in state of the art TV control rooms. Students will experience Directing, Producing and many control room operations essential to creating world class television content. The foundations taught in this course will prepare them to take an active role in various Hillsong Channel recordings, live Church events as well as work within professional studio camera environments. (CUACAM402 Shoot screen content in a multi-camera environment | 48 hours)*

Cinematography 1 & 2
These subjects include operating cameras in a Film and Television environment. Students will have the opportunity to learn the basics of cinematography on up-to-date Canon DSLR cameras while using industry-standard lighting and other video production equipment. Introductions into scriptwriting, lighting, shot composition, and production management is also taught in this course. Furthermore, students will learn basic location audio recording skills required for capturing sound on a shoot. The culmination of learning these skills will be used in the production of a short film. (CUACAM301 Shoot material for screen productions | 48 hours)*

Digital Editing 1 & 2:
In our modern Mac Labs, you will learn how to edit a range of video content in Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects. This subject has a strong practical focus and hands-on approach to learning the art of editing and is completed in weekly workshops with trainers who are actively working in the industry. (CUAPOS401 Edit screen content for fast turn around | 48 hours)*

Screenwriting 1 & 2:
Stories are the starting point and foundation for any film. This subject will teach you the basics of screenwriting and help you evaluate audiences, imagine ideas, develop characters and draft stories that change lives. (CUAWRT302 Write simple stories | 32 hours)*

*CUA Creative Arts and Culture Training Package Release 2, April 2016

The Production stream’s subjects will equip you to function at a professional level with the ability to use your skills in both your local church and the broader production industry.

Introduction to Production in Ministry:
This subject introduces students into production as a ministry in the local church. It explores the role of the production team within the creative ministry and expression of the church. It seeks to cultivate a ministry philosophy that harnesses the power and possibilities of all dimensions of production, bringing them into the service of the gospel and the life-changing mission of the church. (MINPRD401 Describe and contribute to effective technical production ministry | 16 hours)

Audio Systems:
During the audio systems subject students will be trained in industry standards for operating a variety of equipment and translating this into the live environment. Students will also become familiar with the bump in/out procedures, participation in technical rehearsals, workplace safety standards & procedures, 2-way communication systems and various production roles within church services. Learning to interpret this knowledge and skills to the audio production requirements will ultimately lead to the ability of competency in operating audio equipment during a live event. (CUASOU301 Undertake live audio operations | 40 hours)*

Input Sources:
This subject delivers the skills and knowledge required to select & manage appropriate microphones and input sources for each given situation as well as the understanding of the signals these devices will create. We will go beyond the general knowledge and use of microphones and delve into what it takes to create and implement complex microphone plots. In addition to these we will look at alternate input sources available, such as DI’s and replay equipment, how to create a concise and clear input patch list and follow this through to successful connection. (CUASOU402 Manage audio input sources | 48 hours)*

Live Audio:
This subject delivers the skills and knowledge required to move from operating a console to mixing audio for a live performance. Skills in mixing audio are developed over an extended period of time and the opportunity to gain this experience of putting what you learn in class time into practice is required and made mandatory by logging practise hours in a real environment. These opportunities will be made available through college life with opportunities through our youth services, college chapels and even additional creative college workshops. (CUASOU401 Mix live audio | 40 hours)*

Stage Monitoring:
This subject equips students with the skills and knowledge required to establish stage requirements for a range of venues and events whilst fulfilling technical requirements and satisfying the final delivery platforms. Students will learn how to set up and operate a stage foldback system as a dedicated console or via a FOH send. Stage equipment and specific issues are explored to lay a foundation for the management of engineering a monitor’s mix and the problems that can arise within the stage foldback environment. (CUASOU502 Manage the operation of stage monitor systems | 48 hours)*

*CUA Creative Arts and Culture Training Package Release 2, April 2016

Practicum 1 & 2:

Giving you plenty of opportunity to practice your ministry skills and develop real practical ministry experience is a critical part of our course. In your Practicum, you will be involved every week in one of the cutting-edge ministries of Hillsong Church, learning from leaders with a track record of success in ministry.

By being involved on a weekly basis in real-life ministry you will get the chance to put into practice all your classroom learning. This means that when you’re finished your training you will have developed what it takes to be fruitful in ministry over the long term.

Your Practicum is also intimately connected to your Core Subjects, so through your consistent involvement in team ministry you will really develop the leadership, communication and teamwork skills these subjects are teaching.

In your first year, your Practicum will place you in a ministry team relevant to the kind of ministry you’re being trained for in your Stream. In particular, Pastoral Leadership stream students will be allocated to an area of ministry determined their choice of Pathway.

If you are from a local church in the Sydney Metropolitan or Brisbane areas, you can choose to do your Practicum in your home church.

*BSB - Business Services Training Package Release 2.0

Graduation
Students are entitled to receive a Certificate IV in Ministry at the conclusion of the year. However, most of our students elect to receive all of their certificates together at our public graduation ceremony at the completion of all their studies.

Click below for fees and costs