Charles Sturt University’s Master of Ministry gives current ministers the practical skills and knowledge to step up in their professional practice.

This is a practical, ministry-oriented Masters by course work for qualified ministers, pastoral workers, chaplains and church leaders looking to reflect on contemporary ministry practice. 

Students who complete MIN401 Supervision in Ministry (a core subject) and MIN525 Professional Supervision (an elective) can be recognised as an Associate Member of the Australian Association of Supervisors (AAOS).

This course can be taken part-time to suit current work and family commitments while you undertake your professional development.

 

Options

Not ready to take on a full Masters yet? We also offer a Graduate Certificate in Ministry as well as an early exit point in this Masters so you could graduate with a Graduate Diploma in Ministry upon successful completion of the required subjects and electives.

INTERESTED IN THIS COURSE?

Our course advisors are well placed to match your background and educational objectives to the course that would best suit your needs. 

Just fill out our online form and one of our course advisors will get in touch with you.

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  • 1.5 years full-time
  • 3-4 years part-time
  • Online or on campus with possible residential school components for select electives
  • Available on campus in Canberra

You will need the following qualifications to be eligible for this course.

  • An undergraduate degree in Theology from a recognised Australian university or equivalent; or hold the Graduate Diploma of Theology with a Credit average or higher;
    and
  • At least two years of full-time professional experience in ministry.
Credit

16 points of Transfer Credit towards General Electives may be granted for the completion of either:

Enrolment 

To enrol, students apply directly to Charles Sturt University. 

This course is part of an articulated program of study. Articulated programs allow you to build on your study to achieve the right level of qualification for you. Learn about our Graduate Certificate in Ministry.

This degree consists of 96 points comprising three core subjects (32 points). Subjects have a value of 8 points unless otherwise stated.

Core Subject

  • MIN400 — Reflective Practice in Contemporary Ministry (8 points)
  • MIN401 — Theory and Practice of Christian Formation for Ministry (8 points)
  • MIN501 — Guided Research in Ministry (16 points) (final subject)

Restricted electives

(Choose 32 points from one of the following fields)

MINISTRY IN CONTEXT

  • MIN402 — Church Governance and Management
  • MIN403 — Christian Chaplaincy in Context
  • MIN405 — Applied Principles of Church Leadership
  • MIN418 — Practical Studies in Liturgy and Worship
  • MIN419 — Contemporary Issues in Practical Theology
  • MIN438 — Contemporary Mission and Evangelism
  • MIN440 — Public Theology for Ministry
  • THL445 — Foundations for Pastoral and Spiritual Care of Older People
  • THL451 — Theological and Ethical Issues for People in Later Life
  • THL446 — Pastoral and Spiritual Care of Older People
  • MIN503 — Professional Supervision 1
  • MIN525 — Professional Supervision 2*
  • MIN540 — Approaches to Enquiry in Ministry (16 points)
  • MIN541 — Reflective Practitioner Perspectives in Ministry (16 points)

*Professional Supervision 1 is a prerequisite for Professional Supervision 2 and Group and Peer Supervision.

PASTORAL COUNSELLING

  • THL400 — Pastoral Counselling Skills
  • THL420 — Pastoral Counselling: Theory and Professional Issues
  • THL428 — Pastoral Counselling: Grief and Loss
  • THL430 — Pastoral Counselling: Crisis Intervention
  • THL432 — Pastoral Counselling: Relationships and Family
  • THL434 — Spiritual Direction in the Christian Tradition
  • THL435 — Applied Pastoral Theology

*Pastoral Counselling Skills and Pastoral Counselling: Theory and Profesional Issues are prerequisites for Pastoral Counselling: Grief and Loss; Pastoral Counselling: Crisis Intervention; and, Pastoral Counselling: Relationship and Family.

ADDITIONAL MINISTRY ELECTIVE

Students choose a further 32 points from any of the restricted electives listed above, and may include the following:

  • THL521 — Theological Ethics for the Helping Professions

Graduate Diploma in Ministry (64 points)

  • Reflective Practice in Contemporary Ministry
  • Supervision in Ministry
  • 4 x Restricted Electives
  • 2 x additional Ministry Electives

Students who complete MIN503 Professional Supervision 1 and MIN525 Professional Supervision 2 can be recognised as an Associate Member of the Australian Association of Supervisors (AAOS).