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Master of Pastoral Counselling

Masters (Coursework)

The Master of Pastoral Counselling provides advanced training in counselling theory and practice within a theological framework, offering pathways to registration and opportunities in diverse settings.

Key details

Degree Type

Masters (Coursework)

Duration

2 - 4 years full-time

Study Mode

Online

Intake Months

Jul

About this course

Overview

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

This course enables you to develop the skills necessary to offer counselling across a wide range of settings and gain a pathway to counsellor registration.

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.

Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Counselling [Exit point only]
Graduate Diploma of Pastoral Counselling

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

be able to demonstrate through a pre-admission interview personal suitability to undertake professional practice as a pastoral counsellor, including self-awareness, relational capacity, personal ethical practice, being able to reflect on and learn from experience, and being open to positive and challenging feedback;
hold an undergraduate degree (or AQF equivalent) in theology or psychology, however applicants with degrees in other disciplines are encouraged to apply;
have successfully completed the Graduate Diploma of Pastoral Counselling;
hold a Graduate Diploma of Counselling from another institution; These applicants may be required to complete the core subject theological component of a Graduate Diploma of Theology before being granted admission to the Master of Pastoral Counselling.

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

Study locations

Online

What you will learn

The Master of Pastoral Counselling equips you with the advanced knowledge and skills to provide counselling or enhance your pastoral care practice in a range of faith-based and other institutions. These could include congregational, educational, healthcare, aged care, hospital, corrective services, welfare, university, military, emergency services and industry settings.

Advanced studies

This degree offers you the choice of a clinical specialisation or a research stream. You'll study the latest theories and practices in counselling, integrated within a theological framework, and build your research skills by conducting a research project and completing a dissertation in an area of special interest.

Significant practical component

By attending intensives and a counselling field placement (clinical specialisation stream), you'll develop skills and competencies in counselling practice and the ability to be a self-aware and reflective practitioner through real-world counselling experience.

Professionals teaching you

Our teaching staff are experts in the field and have strong industry links and extensive experience, enhancing graduate employment outcomes. Charles Sturt University has a well-established reputation for its emphasis on quality student learning, teaching and research in theology.

Study flexibility

This course combines flexible online learning with practical experiential learning in residential schools, during which you will connect with leaders in the field and other members of our diverse, committed student community.

Professional Accreditation

Please refer to Charles Sturt Professional Accreditation for specific information on the accrediting body:

Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
Australian Counselling Association (ACA)

Career pathways

The Master of Pastoral Counselling (with specialisation) will prepare you to work in a variety of institutional, congregational or educational roles in which formal counselling or working with mental health is a central part. Your opportunities include private practice counsellor, clinical counsellor, organisational staff counsellor, pastoral counsellor, registered counsellor, chaplain, hospital chaplain, military chaplain, school chaplain, aged care chaplain and pastoral care coordinator. You could also further your expertise by pursuing a Higher Degree by Research.

Course structure

Master of Counselling (128 pts)Core subjects88 Credit PointsLegend:Intensive schoolWorkplace learningCodeSubjectCredit 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 ptsTHL530Social Research Methods for Pastoral Studies8 credit ptsTHL557Advanced Pastoral Counselling16 credit ptsNon-specialisation40 Credit PointsLegend:Intensive schoolWorkplace learningCodeSubjectCredit PointsTHL531Pastoral Counselling: Research Proposal8 credit ptsTHL604Pastoral Counselling Dissertation32 credit ptsSpecialisation32 Credit PointsLegend:Intensive schoolWorkplace learning

Students selecting the Clinical specialisation must complete the requirements of the specialisation and THL521.

CodeSubjectCredit PointsPC0001Clinical32 credit ptsCompulsory Specialisation subject8 Credit PointsLegend:Intensive schoolWorkplace learningCodeSubjectCredit PointsTHL521Theological Ethics for the Helping Professions8 credit pts

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.

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

Data source