Updating Results

Charles Sturt University

  • 24% international / 76% domestic

Graduate Diploma of Pastoral Counselling

  • Graduate Diploma

The Graduate Diploma of Pastoral Counselling provides training in professional counselling theory and practice within a theological framework, equipping students for counselling and pastoral care across diverse settings.

Key details

Degree Type
Graduate Diploma
Study Mode
Online
Intake Months
Jul

About this course

Overview

The Graduate Diploma of Pastoral Counselling from Charles Sturt University provides training in professional counselling theory and practice, integrated within a theological framework.

This pastoral studies course gives you the skills and experience to offer counselling and advanced pastoral care across a wide range of settings.

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.

  • Master of Pastoral Counselling
  • Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Counselling [Exit point only]

Entry requirements

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).

Standard English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements apply. Click here to view the specific international course entry requirements.

Study locations

Online

What you will learn

What you will study

For each 8-point subject you are enrolled in, you should expect to spend 10 to 12 hours per week working on assignments and assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, and attending lectures, intensive schools, or examinations. If you are studying four subjects per session, this is equivalent to a full-time job. The workload for some subjects may vary as a result of approved course design.

Intensive school

You may need to attend an online or on-campus intensive school for certain subjects in this course. These schools usually involve lectures, tutorials and practicals that will give you a deeper understanding of your subject.

Career pathways

Charles Sturt University's Graduate Diploma of Pastoral Counselling will equip you for - or enhance your performance in - a wide range of people-centred professions, faith-based or otherwise. These include counselling, pastoral care, aged care, school welfare, grief counselling, care coordination and institutional or congregational chaplaincy. The course also provides a solid foundation for further study in the discipline, or you could use your pastoral counselling studies to articulate into further study for ministry.

Course structure

Core subjects (64 pts)CodeSubjectCredit PointsTHL400Pastoral Counselling Skills8 credit ptsTHL420Pastoral Counselling: Theory and Professional Issues8 credit ptsTHL428Pastoral Counselling: Grief and Loss8 credit ptsTHL430Pastoral Counselling: Crisis Intervention8 credit ptsTHL432Pastoral Counselling: Relationship and Family8 credit ptsTHL433Pastoral Counselling: Mental Health and Trauma8 credit ptsTHL434Spiritual Direction in the Christian Tradition8 credit ptsTHL435Applied Pastoral Theology8 credit ptsStandard enrolment patterns

PART-TIME

Year 1 - Session 1 THL400 Pastoral Counselling SkillsTHL420 Pastoral Counselling: Theory & Professional Issues

Year 1 - Session 2 THL428 Pastoral Counselling: Grief and LossTHL435 Applied Pastoral Theology

Year 2 - Session 1 THL430 Pastoral Counselling: Crisis InterventionTHL433 Pastoral Counselling: Mental Health and Trauma

Year 2 - Session 2 THL432 Pastoral Counselling: Relationship and FamilyTHL434 Spiritual Direction in the Christian Tradition

Credit for prior study or work

If you've completed relevant tertiary study, or work experience related to your course, you could receive credit towards your degree. Which would mean completing your qualification quicker. Find out how to apply for credit and see our credit policy.

How to apply

Applying to Charles Sturt University is easy. Choose how you want to apply below, or get in touch with Charles Sturt University and we can help you with your application.

Apply via UAC
Important dates
Refer to key dates on the UAC website
Apply through UAC

Apply via VTAC
Important dates
Refer to key dates on the VTAC website
Apply through VTAC

Apply directly to Charles Sturt
Important dates
Check out our direct application closing dates
Check out our direct application closing dates
Check out our direct application closing dates
Apply direct

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Humanities, Culture & Social Sciences courses at Charles Sturt University.
83.3%
Overall satisfaction
72.4%
Skill scale
71.6%
Teaching scale
86.8%
Employed full-time
$80k
Average salary