ACOM / Study / Units / A5100C Academic Research and Writing

A5100C Academic Research and Writing

This unit will provide students with skills in planning and executing basic research tasks, critical thinking, academic paragraph writing, editing, proofreading, and formatting for consistent referencing.
Unit Overview

Qualification

Diploma

Unit Availability

Trimester 1 2027, Trimester 3 2027

Study Mode

Online Facilitation

Placement

N/A

Tuition

Diploma BTM Fee

Prerequisite

N/A

Corequisite

N/A

Notes

N/A

Schedule
Availability Facilitation Type Time Dates
Trimester 1 2027 Online Facilitation 1pm – 4pm (AEDT/AEST) Monday 1 March
Monday 22 March
Monday 5 April
Monday 12 April
Monday 19 April
Trimester 3 2027 Online Facilitation 1pm – 4pm (AEST/AEDT) Monday 13 September
Monday 11 October
Monday 25 October
Monday 1 November
Monday 8 November

Unit Details

This unit will provide students with skills in planning and executing basic research tasks, critical thinking, academic paragraph writing, editing, proofreading, and formatting for consistent referencing.

At the end of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. State the difference between fact and opinion, between belief and knowledge
  2. Analyse examples of arguments in theological readings to distinguish valid from invalid conclusions
  3. Access a range of relevant primary and secondary theological resources
  4. Construct a valid argument in a specific theological discipline
  5. Produce a piece of well-reasoned formal writing based on evidence and conforming to accepted academic presentation conventions
  1. Critical Thinking Concepts: Reading with Criteria in Mind
  2. Academic Integrity: Citing, Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism
  3. Library Skills, Credible Sources and Notetaking
  4. Use of AI in Assessment Preparation
  5. Higher Education Study Skills; Time Management and Self-Care; Understanding Grading and Feedback
  6. The Art of Academic Writing: Sentences, Mechanics of Style and Bias-Free Language
  7. Paragraphs for Logical Reasoning
  8. Getting it on Paper: Organising Your Argument into a Skeleton
  9. Finishing Your Essay: Giving Your Skeleton a Body
  10. Academic Research and Writing Upskill

TBC

Student Stories

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Ben Dainton – Graduate Diploma of Arts

Student Stories

My studies at ACOM equipped me to be job-ready by providing the ability to complete my student ministry placement in local churches, allowing me to apply what I was learning directly to real-world situations. The practical elements of the coursework gave me the hands-on experience and confidence needed to step into ministry roles, fully prepared to make a meaningful impact.
Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

Admittedly, at first I was nervous about the prospect of Spiritual Formation and what might be involved. But after my first Spiritual Formation retreat, Spiritual Formation very quickly became one of my favourite subjects, and created some of my fondest memories throughout my years studying with ACOM. The relationships I built and the journey I went on with my formation companions, has left a profound impact on my faith, the shaping of who I am, how I lead and my continued involvement in ministry today. I couldn’t recommend Spiritual Formation highly enough as a valuable part of your studies.
Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

As a relatively young person in an employed ministry position, I have greatly benefited from my degree of Bachelor of Ministry and have observed my growth through undergoing studies. While studying and working full time in ministry, I have found that each unit, in some way or another, is relevant to my job whether that be learning to preach or growing my Biblical literacy skills. Through working full-time in ministry, I have found that the online content and structures of my studies allows me to be flexible in structuring my learning around my busy ministry schedule. Each week I am able to accommodate my studies to fit my needs based on my schedule demands.
Libby Hall – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

ACOM's online study options have allowed me to study a theological degree without having to leave my current church setting. The experience of journeying with my formation group has been a huge part of my growth this year.
Simon Cauchi – Bachelor of Theology

Student Stories

Studying with ACOM provided me with a unique and incredible academic experience! ACOM worked with me to deliver a course that benefited and enriched my role in ministry, and that was of great benefit as it meant that I was actively able to apply the material that I had been studying. What stood out for me though while studying with ACOM was how seamlessly spiritual formation was integrated with academic learning. Instead of studying material and writing assessments that had little to do with the complexities of life in ministry, many of the units that I studied were tailored in such a way that I was engaging with God, my heart, and others which led to a deep transformation in my own character and relationship with God. I would highly recommend ACOM to anyone who desires more in their life with God!
Alec Van Bockel – Bachelor of Ministry