Graduate Diploma in Pastoral and Spiritual Care
Students
Available to
- Domestic
- Offshore
Duration
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: 3 years
Modes
- Classroom
- Mixed
- Online
Units
6 units
Intake
- February
- July
AQF 08
CRICOS
N/A
The Graduate Diploma in Pastoral and Spiritual Care (GDPSC) provides students with the opportunity and skills for reflective and critical engagement in the conversation between the texts of human experience, contemporary culture, ministry or service or wider societal context, and Christian scriptures and tradition. The purpose of this engagement is to encourage the development of relevant, flexible strategies for effective pastoral mission and practice in partnership with all those who seek to serve the world through individual or systemic practice.
Course learning outcomes
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Pastoral and Spiritual Care:
- have knowledge of sources, terms and concepts required for theological engagement and articulate the nature of practical theology as a method of biblical and theological inquiry
- apply their own experience and practice (personal or professional) to social and behavioural sciences and / or cultural studies and offer an integration of these with the Christian tradition
- have skills to explore issues of Christian identity, personal vocation and self-understanding through the methods and practices of theological reflection and dialogical engagement with their ministry and mission context
- apply advanced pastoral helping skills with a developed capacity to engage in the processes of theological reflection.
Course structure
The Graduate Diploma in Pastoral and Spiritual Care consists of 144 points.
| Course Content | Type | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Program 1 | ||
| Biblical Studies unit | Foundational | 24 |
| Systematic Theology unit | Foundational | 24 |
| Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies unit | Foundational | 24 |
| Further Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies units | Foundational or Elective | 72 |
| Program 2 | ||
| Biblical Studies or Systematic Theology unit | Foundational | 24 |
| Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies unit | Foundational | 24 |
| Clinical Pastoral Education units (48-points each) | CPE | 96 |
Admission criteria
An undergraduate degree or a graduate certificate from the University of Divinity.
Probationary admission is not available.
Tuition fees
Fees are subject to change from year to year. For more information, please visit our fees page.
| 2026 | 2025 |
| $3,384 per 24-point unit | $3,268 per 24-point unit |
| $6,768 per 48-point unit | $6,536 per 48-point unit |
Credit
Credit of up to 72 points may be granted towards this award. Credit is granted in accordance with the Credit Policy.