Distance Education

Distance Education was established in 2011 as an outreach intended for students who do not reside within the Sydney metropolitan area and who cannot relocate to Sydney for the purpose of theological education.

All prospective students residing within Sydney are strongly urged to consider attending the weekly lectures during the semester on campus in Redfern as the preferred means of undertaking their theological studies by face-to-face interaction with their lecturer and fellow students. The Redfern campus is open to students and access is managed according to prevailing public health orders in NSW.

Enrolment Options:

Synchronous Learning: Distance education students are encouraged to participate in face-to-face learning in real time (synchronous learning) via Zoom^TM video conferencing according to the timetable sessions.
Asynchronous Learning: Distance education is also available via Zoom video recordings (asynchronous learning) which are provided 24hrs after each weekly lecture. Even if a student chooses this enrolment option, they are still welcome to join the live lecture via Zoom according to the timetable session whenever possible in communication with the lecturer.

Courses Offered via Distance Education

Study by distance education will enable a student to complete undergraduate and postgraduate courses. See the 'Courses' page.

St Andrew's Distance Education program also encourages:

Cross-Institutional Study

Audit Students (Individual Unit Study)

Overseas Students

Units Offered in 2024:

See timetable for details

Participation:

Regular internet access is a compulsory requirement of distance education. All study resources are delivered electronically for students to download, usually as word and pdf documents, slide presentations, and/or audio files. In addition, regular participation in any prescribed online discussion forums is compulsory.

The definition of ‘regular’ participation is defined by each lecturer within their respective course unit outline but normally refers to either weekly or fortnightly participation.

Study Options:

A full-time study option, normally defined as enrolment in 4 units per semester, is available for all of the courses with the exception of the Master of Theology and Master of Theological Studies.

A part-time study option, normally defined as enrolment in 2 units per semester, is available for all of the courses.

Technology & Computer Requirements

Moodle^TM is the learning management system used by St Andrew’s for its distance education (online) units. Zoom^TM is the cloud-based video conferencing system used in all lectures.

Click here to visit our Moodle System Requirements page.

Click here to learn the basics relating to Zoom.

Students can use a PC, MAC or Linux based computer. There are no minimum hardware requirements, as long as the computer is capable of running Microsoft Office 2003 (or newer) or Open Office (open-source; available for free download). Internet Explorer 6 or newer, Safari (version 3 and later) and Firefox (version 2 and later) are recommended. Also Adobe Acrobat Viewer 7 or newer (or a similar program) is required to view PDF files for online units (available for free download). Adobe Acrobat Standard (or equivalent) is recommended to convert word documents to pdf for greater content security before emailing or posting although MS Word (or equivalent) is acceptable.

Students are reminded that computer hardware and software are often available for purchase from various vendors at academic or student prices that are well below the standard retail price.

Broadband internet (e.g. ADSL, cable, wireless) is essential; not dial-up.

Students must have an active email address which is checked regularly.

TROUBLESHOOT MOODLE

Orientation and Residential School Program (28 February to 1 March 2024)

2024 ORIENTATION AND RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL PROGRAM (draft)

The rationale of an orientation and residential school is to build rapport between lecturers and students, and amongst students, from the earliest stage of the educational journey. The program will take place at the beginning of the academic year for the purposes of acquaintance with the campus, communal prayer, library sessions, field excursions (where applicable), lecturer and peer interaction, advice for study and learning, and face-to-face discussion sessions.

Attendance is COMPULSORY for all new students and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all continuing students during EACH year of their candidature in a course of study.

Exemption to the aforementioned rule may only be granted on the following grounds: (a) medical illness (certified by medical certificate); (b) extreme hardship, (c) compassionate grounds; and/or (d) off-shore status (residency outside of Australia). Except when a student has off-shore status, the Registrar must be notified in writing before the beginning of the academic year for such exemption to be considered by the Faculty.

The program is conducted on campus at Redfern NSW, normally between 8:00am and 5:00pm on the prescribed days.

The cost of travelling to attend the program is not included in the tuition fees. Students are required to make their own travel arrangements.

Light refreshments are provided on campus at no additional cost and in keeping with the feasting and fasting periods of the Church.

St Andrew’s is not able to provide accommodation during the residential school period. Students are advised of nearby accommodation options which include:

Adina Sydney Central, 2 Lee Street, Sydney, tel. (02) 8396 9800
Central Railway Motel, 240 Chalmers Street, Sydney, tel. (02) 9319 7800
Hotel Hacienda, 179 Cleveland Street, Redfern, tel. 1800 300 882
Mercure Sydney, 818-820 George Street, Sydney, tel. (02) 9217 6666
Nesuto Chippendale Sydney Apartment Hotel, 47-49 Chippen Street, Chippendale, tel. (02) 9690 9690
Noah Lodge Sydney, 179 Cleveland Street, Chippendale, tel. (02) 8303 1303
St Barnabas' Terraces, 76 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, tel. (02) 9660 6762