Master of Spiritual Direction

Overview

The Master of Spiritual Direction is a coursework degree for those with a background in theology and an interest in developing a specialisation in spiritual direction. You will develop knowledge, understanding and advanced skills suited to the ethical, self-aware and safe practice of spiritual direction in the Ignatian tradition, normally in Christian contexts.

In the present day, when the choice to belong to institutional religious traditions is perhaps more complex than in earlier eras, the role of Spiritual Directors assumes a new importance as people seek to find meaning and purpose. Spiritual directors must be experienced persons of prayer, humility and integrity, able to listen to, be with, and guide others as they seek to deepen their relationship with God. A specialisation in spiritual direction requires the ability to undertake meta-level reflection on the discipline.

Drawing from the Ignatian spiritual tradition, the Master of Spiritual Direction provides you with the theological, spiritual, psychological and ethical frameworks, as well as practical skills necessary to undertake spiritual direction as a ministry. It aims to develop your research skills, and as a graduate, you may use this program as a foundation to apply for higher degrees by research.

• Specified Units THSP521Psychological Foundations for Supervision and Spiritual Direction _(Inc: THSP502)_ 10.0 cp

• Specified Units THSP520Introduction to Spiritual Direction in the Ignatian Tradition10.0 cp

• Specified Units THSP522Ethics and Professional Practice in Supervision and Spiritual Direction10.0 cp

• Specified Units THSP509Ignatian Discernment and Decision-Making10.0 cp

• Specified Units THSP632Spiritual Exercises Theory A A prerequisite for enrolment in the Spiritual Exercises sequence of units is the private completion of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises according to annotations 19 or 20. _(Pre: THSP509 & THSP520 & THSP521 & THSP522; Inc: THSP504)_ 10.0 cp

• Specified Units THSP633Spiritual Exercises Praxis A A minimum pass mark of 75% (DI) is required in each of Spiritual Exercises Praxis A and B in order to complete the course. Participants not meeting this requirement may be offered an alternative pathway through the Graduate Diploma or Master of Theological Studies. _(Pre: THSP632; Inc: THSP506)_ 10.0 cp

• Specified Units THSP634 Spiritual Exercises Theory B A prerequisite for enrolment in the Spiritual Exercises sequence of units is the private completion of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises according to annotations 19 or 20. _(Pre: THSP509 & THSP520 & THSP521 & THSP522; Inc: THSP504)_ 10 cp

• Specified Units THSP635 Spiritual Exercises Praxis B A minimum pass mark of 75% (DI) is required in each of Spiritual Exercises Praxis A and B in order to complete the course. Participants not meeting this requirement may be offered an alternative pathway through the Graduate Diploma or Master of Theological Studies. _(Pre THSP634 inc: THSP505)_ 10 cp

• Research UnitsTHEL619Introduction to Theological and Philosophical Research10.0 cp
• Research UnitsTHSP636Capstone Research Project (Spiritual Direction) _(Pre: THEL619; Inc: THSP628)_ This unit is completed over the whole year, under supervision. 20 cp

• Elective Unit (600 level) from the Schedule of Unit Offerings of the Master of Theological Studies**Elective (600 level unit)** Students may choose a taught unit in any theological subdiscipline OR a research project unit that enables them to add further depth to the area of research selected for THSP636. The latter option is recommended for students potentially wishing to apply for a higher degree by research. Graduates are referred to the Arrupe Program as a way of enhancing their professional practice by being able to offer the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. May be undertaken in any semester. 10.0 cp
• Research UnitsTHSP636Capstone Research Project (Spiritual Direction) Continued from Sem 1 _(Pre: THEL619; Inc: THSP628)_ 20.0 cp