Graduate Diploma of Pastoral Counselling (with Graduate Certificate exit point)

Graduate Diploma of Pastoral Counselling: Charles Sturt University’s Graduate Diploma of Pastoral Counselling will provide you with the necessary training in professional counselling theory and practice, embedded within a theological model of counselling. Throughout this course, you will develop the necessary knowledge and skills to provide spiritual and psychological support in a wide range of settings—counselling, pastoral care, aged care, school welfare, grief counselling, care coordination, and institutional or congregational chaplaincy.

Graduate Certificate of Pastoral Counselling [Exit point only]: Should you choose to exit the Graduate Diploma early, you will be able to earn a Graduate Certificate of Pastoral Counselling after successful completion of four foundational units.

Pathway to Masters: The Graduate Diploma provides a pathway to entry into the Master of Pastoral Counselling.

Professional Accreditation: This award has professional accreditation by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) as an approved postgraduate counselling training program.

INTERESTED IN THIS COURSE?

Have questions? If you have any questions about the Graduate Diploma (or Graduate Certificate as a possible exit point), please do not hesitate to request assistance from one of our course advisors.

Our course advisors can determine the most suitable course for you based on your experience, educational background, and goals.

Ready to apply? The application process for this postgraduate course is managed by Charles Sturt University. When you click on the Apply button below, you will be taken directly to Charles Sturt University’s Application Portal.

Course Duration

2 years part-time

Study Mode

Online (Distance Education) with compulsory Intensives in Canberra.

View our Intensives calendar. (Includes Residential or Intensive dates for subjects across our courses.)

Charles Sturt University students may be eligible for financial support to attend compulsory Intensives in person.

Admission

Applicants should be able to demonstrate personal suitability to undertake professional practice as a pastoral counsellor, including self-awareness, relational capacity, personal ethical practice, being able to reflect on and learn from experience, and being open to positive and challenging feedback;

and

(1) Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree in theology, psychology or equivalent. Applicants with degrees in other disciplines are encouraged to apply;

or

Applicants without an undergraduate degree will be considered, with evidence that they are able to undertake tertiary studies in this area (such as a letter of motivation and two professional or academic references), as assessed by the Course Coordinator.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

If you have relevant tertiary study or work experience, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your degree, as recognition of prior learning, allowing you to complete your degree faster.

Core Subjects (64 pts)

Core Subjects

Early exit point to obtain a Graduate Certificate of Pastoral Counselling

NOTE: The above eight (8) units form part of the Master of Pastoral Counselling Course.

Standard Enrolment Pattern

PART-TIME

Year 1 – Session 1
THL400 Pastoral Counselling Skills
THL420 Pastoral Counselling: Theory & Professional Issues

Year 1 – Session 2
THL428 Pastoral Counselling: Grief and Loss
THL435 Applied Pastoral Theology

Year 2 – Session 1
THL430 Pastoral Counselling: Crisis Intervention
THL433 Pastoral Counselling: Mental Health and Trauma

Year 2 – Session 2
THL432 Pastoral Counselling: Relationship and Family
THL434 Spiritual Direction in the Christian Tradition

Practical Experience

This counselling graduate diploma emphasises face-to-face practical sessions for role play and hands-on learning. This course includes emphasis on applying course learning to the student’s background context for all assessment tasks.

Professional Recognition

The Graduate Diploma has professional accreditation by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) as an approved postgraduate counselling training program.

Career Opportunities

The Graduate Diploma of Pastoral Counselling enables you to make a difference to people’s lives by providing spiritual and psychological support to those who need it most.

You will develop the skills and experience to offer counselling across a wide range of settings – from pastoral and clinical practice, church and community work, to lay and ordained ministry – to help them with any issue, be it personal, family, marital or faith.