Graduate Diploma in Pastoral and Spiritual Care

The Graduate Diploma in Pastoral and Spiritual Care 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.

On site at St Francis College Milton and/or by Zoom

Study Mode

Full-time 1 year / Part-time up to 3 years

Duration


Course Highlights

You'll be introduced to four main sub-disciplines of theology: Biblical studies, church history, systematic and practical theology subjects. You'll also have the opportunity to choose elective subjects within these disciplines to tailor your studies to meet your interests.

Career Opportunities

The skills and attributes you gain in the Graduate Diploma in Pastoral and Spiritual Care are valued in a broad range of careers. Graduates may be eligible to proceed to a Masters award.


ADMISSION CRITERIA

  • Successful completion of a Bachelor degree, or an approved equivalent; or

  • Has obtained a Graduate Certificate from the University of Divinity

The Graduate Diploma in Pastoral and Spiritual Care consists of 144 points (6 units) comprised of:

Program 1

  • 72 points of Postgraduate Foundational units comprised of:
    i)   24 points in the discipline of Biblical Studies
    ii)  24 points in the discipline of Systematic Theology
    iii) 24 points in the discipline of Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

  • 72 points of postgraduate units in the discipline of Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

OR

Program 2

  • 48 points of Postgraduate Foundational units comprised of:
    i)   24 points in the discipline of Biblical Studies or Systematic Theology
    ii) 24 points in the discipline of Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

  • 96 points of postgraduate units in Clinical Pastoral Education

Graduation

 

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Pastoral and Spiritual Care:

  1. 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;

  2. 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;

  3. 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;

  4. apply advanced pastoral helping skills with a developed capacity to engage in the processes of theological reflection.

LEARNING OUTCOMES


Subjects

All students regardless of their course of study, are strongly encouraged to contact the Registrar, Linda Burridge, to discuss their course of study prior to making any subject selections.

Biblical Studies

Biblical Languages

Please contact the Academic Dean for further information

Church History

Mission & Ministry

 

Systematic Theology


The Graduate Diploma in Pastoral and Spiritual Care requires the completion of 6 standard postgraduate units. Fees for 2025 are $3,268 per standard unit or $19,608 for a full-time year (6 units).

Fees are subject to change from year to year. For more information about fees, please visit the Fees page.

Fees