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Pastoral counselling

Graduate certificate

(exit point only)

The Graduate Diploma of Pastoral Counselling—of which the Graduate Certificate is an exit point—from Charles Sturt University offers training in professional counselling theory and practice within a theological framework. This course provides skills and experience for counselling and advanced pastoral care in various settings.

This course is part of an articulated program, which allows students to build on their studies to reach their desired level of qualification.

What does "exit point" only mean?

It means that this course forms part of another course, in this case the Graduate Diploma in Pastoral Counselling.  You will first need to enrol in the Graduate Diploma.  After completing the four foundational units below, you will be eligible to exit the Graduate Diploma early, earning a Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Counselling.

Career opportunities

Charles Sturt University’s Graduate Diploma of Pastoral Counselling offers training suitable for a variety of professions focused on supporting individuals, both within faith-based contexts and beyond. These professions include counselling, pastoral care, aged care, school welfare, grief counselling, care coordination, and chaplaincy within institutions or congregations. The course also provides a foundation for further study in the field or can be used as a pathway into ministry-related studies.

Award name:

Graduate Certificate of Pastoral Counselling

Study Level:

Postgraduate

AQF Level:

Level  8

Credit Points:

32

Duration:

0.5  years

Charles Sturt Faculty:

Faculty of Arts & Education

Charles Sturt School:

School of Theology

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Entry Requirement
  • Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree in theology, psychology or Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) equivalent. Applicants with degrees in any other disciplines are encouraged to apply.

OR

  • Applicants without an undergraduate degree may 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).

PART-TIME

Year 1 - Session 1
THL400 Pastoral Counselling Skills (8 cp)
THL420 Pastoral Counselling: Theory and Professional Issues (8 cp)

 

Year 1 - Session 2
THL428 Pastoral Counselling: Grief and Loss (8 cp)
THL435 Applied Pastoral Theology (8 cp)

 

 

For more details about the individual components of this course see Charles Sturt University School of Theology Handbook.
  1. Be able to establish a safe pastoral counselling relationship and environment
  2. Be able to apply foundational communication and counselling skills within pastoral counselling situations
  3. Be able to address critically professional, ethical and theological issues relevant to pastoral counselling
  4. Be able to identify and evaluate critically complex problems in the pastoral counselling context
  5. Be able to evaluate critically the need and timing for referral to other relevant professionals
  6. Be able to demonstrate basic skills in self-reflective practice
  7. Be able to demonstrate responsibility and accountability for personal professional practice
Articulated Set
 
1604PC01 - Graduate Diploma of Pastoral Counselling
1715PC01 - Master of Pastoral Counselling

Need more info?

If you need more information, or have any questions about this course, please do not hesitate to ask us about this course today.

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Apply today!

Start your application today by following the application process on the Charles Sturt University website.

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