
The Lutheran Strand program at Australian Lutheran College (ALC) is designed for students who are currently studying to become teachers or plan to do so. While ALC does not offer a full teacher education program, this strand provides the necessary units for accreditation as a teacher in a Lutheran school in Australia. These units can often be cross-credited into your Bachelor of Education or Master of Teaching degree at your home university. The program focuses on preparing teachers to deliver Christian Studies in schools and Early Childhood Services. It enhances your initial teaching qualifications and is highly valued by employers in Lutheran and other Christian schools. The Lutheran Strand combines both academic study, primarily delivered online with optional intensives, and a professional experience component.
The Lutheran Strand is composed of both a study component and a practical professional experience component. The units aim to deepen biblical and theological understanding, introduce the ethos of Lutheran schools, and develop the capacity to teach Christian Studies. Undergraduate students typically complete these units as part of the Undergraduate Certificate in Divinity, while postgraduate students pursue the Graduate Certificate in Teaching Religious Education.
The Lutheran Strand is specifically designed to prepare teachers for roles within Lutheran schools and Early Childhood Services. Completing this program helps meet the accreditation requirements to teach Christian Studies and gain a deeper understanding of Lutheran educational principles.
Students are advised to discuss cross-crediting ALC units with their home university course coordinator. The program can be taken via the Undergraduate Certificate in Divinity for bachelor-level students or the Graduate Certificate in Teaching Religious Education for master-level students, or as single units to fill elective spaces.
ALC does not specify separate tuition fees for international students for the Lutheran Strand itself, as it is designed to complement existing teacher education programs at other institutions. Students are responsible for the fees of their primary university program. ALC units are eligible for FEE-HELP for Australian citizens or permanent humanitarian visa holders and eligible New Zealand Special Category Visa holders.
The Board for Lutheran Education Australia (BLEA) is responsible for accrediting teachers in Lutheran schools. ALC's units contribute towards these accreditation requirements. The final accreditation process often continues through a professional development program called 'Connect' during the first two years of teaching, involving a portfolio of evidence for Christian Studies teaching.
ALC does not list separate tuition fees for the Lutheran Strand for international students, as it complements existing teacher education programs. Students are responsible for their primary university's fees, and ALC units are eligible for FEE-HELP for eligible domestic students.
First, discuss cross-crediting options with your home university. Then, select your pathway (Undergraduate Certificate, Graduate Certificate, or single units) and submit an application to ALC. You will also need to arrange your professional experience placement in a Lutheran school.
This program prepares you for roles as a teacher in Lutheran schools, a Christian Studies teacher, or an early childhood educator in a Lutheran setting. It helps meet accreditation requirements for teaching in these environments.
Yes, the units within the Lutheran Strand can often be cross-credited into your Bachelor of Education or Master of Teaching degree at your home university. It is recommended to discuss this with your home university's course coordinator before applying.
The program is delivered in English, aligning with the standard language of instruction in Australian universities and educational institutions.
ALC offers several fee scholarships, such as the Fritzsche New Student Fee Scholarship and the Continuing Student Fee Scholarship, which are generally provided as fee reimbursements. Grants for fieldwork, professional placements, and living expenses are also available; contact ALC for more details.