Studying Externally with the School of Ministry, Theology & Culture

Tabor Adelaide offers Christian tertiary education that incorporates a focus on Life, Spirit and Growth - a great way to build a solid foundation for your life ministry. We're a niche education provider committed to supporting our students in all of these areas both during and after their time at Tabor. We offer a range of programs that are fully accredited. Unlike universities, we offer a more personalised learning experience. Smaller class sizes and overall student numbers mean that our teaching staff know who you are and take a personal interest in your academic progress. We're big enough to provide the resources required for high quality education, yet small enough to offer personal academic direction and care. A student's experience of Life, Spirit and Growth at Tabor is based on the underlying principles of academic excellence, authentic community, and of a multi-denominational Christian perspective.

External Delivery

All subjects are delivered online via our Tabor Online site learn.taboradelaide.edu.au. There is a link in the current students tab on this website. Please note that Tabor online is commonly nicknamed 'Moodle'; you will frequently hear this term throughout your studies!

Enrolment periods

All students can commence new subjects in two specific periods throughout the year:

• February (Semester 1 )
• July (Semester 2 )

Please see the academic calandar for specific starting dates each semester.

How long do the subjects take to complete?

Each semester consists of 13 weeks plus mid semester break.

Can I submit the assignment work in my own time?

No, each subject has assignments with due dates given, and work is expected to be submitted by those dates. You may request extensions, and if there are special circumstances you can negotiate this with your lecturer. All work is required to be submitted by the end of the semester.

Do I need to have a computer and Internet Access?

Yes, most definitely. You will need to have reasonable internet access such as Broadband or ADSL2+.

What does an on-line subject look like?

The on-line subject site will contain the audio lectures, required assignment questions, readings, and many other resources. Some have interactive links and student forums. Your lecturer can be contacted via the site for academic support.

Will I have support during my studies with Tabor?

Yes, your first option is your lecturer, for more specific help, we have an academic support site through the MTC student centre and a MTC support officer you can contact via email or telephone.

What do I need to know about the resources for online subjects?

All of the material, subject outlines and audio lectures etc may be found on the online subject site. You will be able to access the materials, listen to lectures, etc at a time that is suitable for you. While dial-up internet is suitable, broadband is better and quicker for accessing the audio files. Audiofiles can also be downloaded so that you can listen to lectures away from your computer should you wish to do so.

The audio from the lecture and any material for the week are listed under each week. You will most likely be required to participate in a student discussion forum; please ensure that you know how to do this and that you keep up with the forums in the relevant week.
Some online subjects will have all the audio lectures available for the semester and other material on the site at the start of semester; others will have lectures and material posted each week if they are being delivered on campus during that semester.

What if I am studying overseas?

Our online subjects should be available in most countries; assignments can be uploaded via the online site. Most information you require to complete a subject is available on the subject site. We are unable to send library books overseas, so you will need to purchase main textbooks or borrow from appropriate local libraries or friends.

Where can I purchase textbooks?

BookO is a great place to compare prices and view who stocks the book you require. You can go to their website: www.booko.com.au

Koorong Bookshop stocks many of our textbooks and offers a discount for all current Tabor Adelaide students. To receive this discount you need to present your Student ID card or Tabor Library card at the time of purchase. Other outlets such as Uni books and Amazon may stock texts that you need, particularly the secular texts.

The Bible Society bookshop in Adelaide is endeavouring to stock most of our main textbooks. They may be contacted by phone at (08) 8292 4888 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , and they will post out textbooks to external students. There is a 10% discount for Tabor students on most stock, although there are a few lines where this discount is not available.

Can I borrow from the Library if I am not on campus?

Yes, a postal service is available to students who do not live in the metropolitan area (except overseas). Students will have to cover the cost of the return postage.

How do I order books from the library?

First of all you need to determine which text/s you require – use the catalogue, which you can access on the Tabor Adelaide website under 'Library'. The Library staff is willing to help you with accessing the catalogue if you are unsure how to go about it; please contact them by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Once you know which texts you require, email the Library with your request. Please make sure you state the author and name of book/journal. Our library staff prefer that you do not ring through your requests. External students will need to pay for return postage on library books. NOTE: External students living within the Adelaide metropolitan area will need to come into the library in person.

What other resources can I use for writing essays?

Through the Library link, Online Resources, you have other options in accessing sites and databases helpful for study. These will enable you to access journals, research articles, and reports. Please contact the Library at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. regarding these sites if you need help.

How important are due dates?

Due dates are a serious matter! It is the student's responsibility to calculate the actual date; there is an academic calendar on our website under the 'Current Students' tab that will have dates/ weeks for the semester. Assignments need to be uploaded to the Tabor Online site on, or before, the due date. If you have difficulties uploading your assignments, please contact the help desk or if required your lecturer, who may be able to make alternative arrangements. There are percentage penalties for late submission of an assignment without a pre-arranged extension.

Can I get an extension on my due date?

You can request extensions of up to 2 weeks. Please contact your lecturer via the 'apply for extension box' on your subject site. Please contact the Lecturer/Teaching Assistant or School Administrator if you experience any difficulties.

What if I need to withdraw from a subject?

Please refer to the Student Handbook on the website. If it becomes clear after beginning a subject that personal circumstances will prevent you from completing the assignments in the time allowed, it may be best for you to withdraw from the subject rather than being faced with non-completion and a Fail at the end. If contemplating withdrawal from a subject, please keep in mind that it is best to withdraw before the Census Date. After the Census Date, any student who withdraws will have to pay the full cost of the subject, unless there are special extenuating circumstances that the Academic Registrar of the College accepts as valid and sufficient (see the Student Handbook for further explanation). The consequences of withdrawal from a subject after the Census Date apply to all students regardless of whether the FEE-HELP option is being used. Withdrawal before the Census Date without extenuating circumstances may incur a financial withdrawal fee, which is 10% of the subject fee.

Please contact our school administrator Samatha Docherty at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information.