Core Subjects: 260 hours
Stream Subjects: 220 hours
Practicum: 240 hours
Certificate IV in Ministry: 720 hours / 1 year

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.

Core Subjects are done by all students and build a foundation of 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. (48 hours | MINBIB401B Complete and apply a study based on the Biblical material to own life)

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. (48 hours | MINBIB401B Complete and apply a study based on the Biblical material to own life)

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. (40 hours | MINTHY401B Identify and apply foundational theological concepts of Christianity)

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. (16 hours | MINLED401B Demonstrate Christian disciplines and spirituality)

Personal Leadership This subject introduces principles of spiritual leadership and is designed to assist the student in building godly character in to their life as a Christian leader, both spiritually and practically. It covers critical issues including, integrity, core values, healthy living, relationships and finance. (48 hours + 22 hours practicum | MINLED401B Demonstrate Christian disciplines and spirituality & MINLED402B Manage personal and ministry priorities holistically)

Personal Evangelism This subject is customised to equip students with the skills and understanding to effectively share the Gospel in a wide range of settings, from personal relationship to the public sphere. (16 hours | MINLED401B Demonstrate Christian disciplines and spirituality)

Teamwork This subject trains the student with the necessary skills and knowledge to work successfully in a team setting. (32 hours + 39 hours practicum | MINLED402B Manage personal and ministry priorities holistically & CHCORG303B Participate effectively in the work environment 1)

Communication in Ministry This subject trains the student with the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to successfully communicate in ministry settings. (32 hours + 71 hours practicum | CHCORG303B Participate effectively in the work environment 1)

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. (16 hours + 80 hours practicum | MINLED405B Describe and contribute to effective Christian ministry)

1Unit drawn from CHC08 Community Services Training Package 2Unit drawn from BSB07 Business Services Training Package 3Units drawn from CUS09 Music Training Package 4Units drawn from CUA11 Live Performance Training Package 5Units drawn from CUF07 Screen and Media Training Package 6Units drawn from CUE03 Entertainment Training Package

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 pastoral ministry of your choice.

Introduction to Pastoral Leadership This subject introduces the student to their chosen pathway. These different pathways include: Services & Young Adults / Youth / Kids / Social Justice / Pastoral Care / Events/ Training & Education. 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. (16 hours + 29 hours practicum | MINLED405B Describe and contribute to effective Christian ministry2)

Public Speaking and Presentations This subject focuses on developing communication skills and the skills necessary to implement business, leadership and preaching presentations. (40 hours | BSBCMM401A Make a presentation)

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. (40 hours | MINPST402B Investigate Church history and apply findings to a ministry setting)

World Religions Surveying the world's major religions and cults, outlining their history, major teachings, world-view and providing modern demographics. Students are equipped to reach out to the followers of other faiths with an informed Christian response. (40 hours | MINPST403B Investigate and compare major non-Christian beliefs and practices)

Mission and Culture The theories and practices of modern missions are introduced. Topics include: the biblical basis for missions, modern trends in missions, cross-cultural communication and strategies for effective missions. (48 hours | MINPST405B Develop an approach to global mission)

1Unit drawn from CHC08 Community Services Training Package 2Unit drawn from BSB07 Business Services Training Package 3Units drawn from CUS09 Music Training Package 4Units drawn from CUA11 Live Performance Training Package 5Units drawn from CUF07 Screen and Media Training Package 6Units drawn from CUE03 Entertainment Training Package

The first thing you’ll do in this stream is choose to focus on one of the following musical disciplines – vocals, musician or songwriting. Your choice of focus will determine your stream subjects for this year, like this:

Vocal Focus: - The Worship Team 1 & 2 - Music Theory and Application 1 & 2 - Vocal Team Workshop 1 & 2

Musicians Focus: - The Worship Team 1 & 2 - Music Theory and Application 1 & 2 - Musicians Workshop 1 & 2

Songwriters Focus: - The Worship Team 1 & 2 - Music Theory and Application 1 & 2 - Songwriters Workshop 1 & 2

The Worship Team 1 & 2 These two subjects bring you, as a new Worship Music student, into the heart & ethos that has built the Hillsong Creative team and its creative expression. We do this by teaching & training you in the theology of Worship, musical, artistic & leadership communication, and music excellence in a contemporary band-based worship environment. (90 hours | MINLED405B Describe and contribute to effective Christian ministry & CUSMPF302A Prepare for performance³)

Musical Theory and Application 1 & 2 For the Musicians and Vocalists focus, this subject will equip you with an understanding of how music works. We will examine the language & notation of music, and its application in various worship music settings. Delivery is catered toward students with a beginner or intermediate level of theory knowledge. (40 hours | CUSMLT302A Develop and apply aural perception skills³)

Songwriting Fundamentals 1 & 2 This subject, which is for the Songwriters focus only, takes the concepts from Musical Application and tailors it specifically to songwriters, focusing on the foundations of songwriting and dealing with key concepts and how they relate to those who write song. (40 hours | CUSMLT302A Develop and apply aural perception skills³)

Music Development Workshops In the Worship Music stream you have the opportunity to choose to focus your training as a musician in a band, a vocalist or a songwriter, through weekly practical workshops. (96 hours)

• Musicians Workshop 1 & 2 (CUSMPF404A Perform music as part of a group & CUSMPF405A Develop instrumental techniques³)
• Vocalists Workshop 1 & 2 (CUSMPF404A Perform music as part of a group & CUSMPF407A Develop vocal techniques³)
• Songwriters Workshop 1 & 2 (CUSMCP301A Compose simple songs or musical pieces & CUSMCP302A Write song lyrics³)

(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 onto 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.

¹Unit drawn from CHC08 Community Services Training Package ²Unit drawn from BSB07 Business Services Training Package ³Units drawn from CUS09 Music Training Package ⁴Units drawn from CUA11 Live Performance Training Package ⁵Units drawn from CUF07 Screen and Media Training Package ⁶Units drawn from CUE03 Entertainment Training Package

If you’re a dancer, the Dance subjects in 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. (51 hours | MINLED405B Describe and contribute to effective Christian ministry)

Dance Technique Foundations, Development and Repertoire 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 practise, as well as understand the relationship between musical accompaniments and various technique styles.  (96 hours | CUADAN201A Develop basic dance techniques4)

Choreography 1 & 2 This subject teaches the you the tools and skills of industry professional choreography. You will research well-known choreographers and apply structural components of movement in order to communicate the creative message. You will also create short choreographic works of your own and incorporate your broad range of dance knowledge into your compositions. This subject teaches you to "think outside the box" and manage creatively challenging moments. (32 hours | CUACHR401A Develop skills in the craft of choreography⁴)

Dance Performance 1 & 2 This essential class teaches both performance skills and performance psychology techniques in order to equip the you with the skills to communicate on many levels. You will learn a variety of dance styles used in different contexts in order to increase performance skills. You will also perform in an array of settings to gain practical and live experience. (32 hours | CUADAN407A Develop expertise in dance performance skills⁴)

Dance Anatomy & Nutrition This subject teaches you to have a holistic approach to your dance studies, assisting you both internally and externally. You will learn to apply the basic principles of health and nutrition, along with knowledge of alignment and an understanding musculo-skeletal structures to improve posture and to help prevent injury. (8 hours | CUAOHS403A Incorporate anatomy and nutrition principles into skill development⁴)

¹Unit drawn from CHC08 Community Services Training Package ²Unit drawn from BSB07 Business Services Training Package ³Units drawn from CUS09 Music Training Package ⁴Units drawn from CUA11 Live Performance Training Package ⁵Units drawn from CUF07 Screen and Media Training Package ⁶Units drawn from CUE03 Entertainment Training Package

In first year, the TV and Media stream subjects begin to develop your camera and editing skills. You will be immersed into studio recording environments while getting hands-on experience in the world of cinematography and being apart of a working production chain. Students will also have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of other Film and Television projects within our College and Hillsong Church, including the creation of content for Hillsong Channel. Introduction to Film & TV in Ministry  This subject introduces you to the role of Film and 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. (16 hours | MINLED405B Describe and contribute to effective Christian ministry) Studio Camera Operations  This subject involves operating broadcast camera equipment in a multi-camera studio environment to record broadcast quality TV content. This includes operating Broadcast Pedestals, Tripods, and Handhelds plus working and responding to a director all while working in state of the art TV control rooms and master control facilities. The foundations taught in this course will prepare you to participate in our various Hillsong Channel recordings as well as work within studio camera environments found throughout the world. (36 hours | CUFCAM402A Shoot television content in a multi-camera environment) Location Camera Operation  This subject includes operating cameras in a Film and Television environment. You 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 are also taught in this course. Furthermore, you 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 your own short film. (48 hours | CUFCAM301A Shoot material for screen productions5) Digital Video Editing Using the latest 5K Apple iMacs, you will learn to edit a variety of video content on the most up to date Adobe Creative Cloud Suite including Premiere Pro and After Effects. This subject has a strong practical focus and hands-on approach to learning the art of editing. Some of the projects covered in this unit include cutting a multi-camera sermon using footage from Hillsong Television, green screen techniques, and being apart of the production chain in editing a short film shot by fellow students. (48 hours | CUFPOS201A Perform basic vision and sound editing5) Visual Design for Video This subject involves learning and applying principles of design explored through the mediums of print, web, and video using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to deliver effective communication via the key elements of image and typography. Additionally, you will begin to learn how to use Adobe After Effects for the creation of motion graphics used in film. (36 hours | CUFDIG304A Create visual design components5)

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 you 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. (51 hours | MINLED405B Describe and contribute to effective Christian ministry)

Audio Systems During the audio systems subject students will be trained in industry standards for operating a variety of equipment & translating this into the live environment. Digital consoles include PM1D, M7CL, Avid Profile, LS-9, & analogue Soundcraft MH4. Students will also become familiar with 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 & skills to the audio production requirements will ultimately lead to ability of competency in operating audio equipment during a live event. (40 hours | CUESOU03C Operate professional audio equipment⁶)

Input Sources This subject delivers the skills and knowledge required to select & manage appropriate microphones & 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 & clear input patch list and follow this through to successful connection. (40 hours | CUESOU08B Select & manage microphone & other audio input sources⁶)

Mix 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 & the opportunity to gain this experience of putting what you learn in class time into practise is required & 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, extension church services and even additional creative college workshops. (40 hours | CUESOU04C Mix live audio⁶)

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 setup and operate a stage fold back 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 fold back environment. (CUESOU011B Setup & operate stage monitor systems⁶)

¹Unit drawn from CHC08 Community Services Training Package ²Unit drawn from BSB07 Business Services Training Package ³Units drawn from CUS09 Music Training Package ⁴Units drawn from CUA11 Live Performance Training Package ⁵Units drawn from CUF07 Screen and Media Training Package ⁶Units drawn from CUE03 Entertainment Training Package

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.

At the end of your first year
After successfully completing your first year of study you are eligible to receive a Certificate IV in Ministry. This gives you entry into the Diploma of Ministry course, the second year of our program.

Graduation
Students are entitled to receive each award at the conclusion of each qualification. However most of our students elect to receive all of their awards together at our public graduation ceremony at the completion of all their studies.

Click below for fees and costs