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.
At Charles Sturt you can create a world worth living in. Let's do it together.
Domestic online
Fee paying postgraduate:
Full fee - $18,720.00
Per 8pt subject - $2,340
Building on your undergraduate qualifications, Charles Sturt University's Graduate Diploma of Pastoral Counselling equips you with the knowledge and counselling skills to work in diverse settings, from pastoral and clinical practice, and church and community work, to lay and ordained ministry. You'll be qualified to help people with personal, faith, family and marital matters.
This course combines 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.
You'll undertake a comprehensive learning program that includes all the latest theories and practices. You'll develop a wide range of knowledge and skills that will prepare you to work across clinical and pastoral settings.
By attending residential schools, you'll develop skills and competencies in counselling practice and the ability to become a self-aware and reflective practitioner through real-life counselling experience.
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.
This course is professionally accredited by -
Please refer to the Charles Sturt Professional Accreditation resource for specific information and a link to the accreditation body.
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.
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.
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.
| THL400 | Pastoral Counselling Skills | 8 credit pts | ||
| THL420 | Pastoral Counselling: Theory and Professional Issues | 8 credit pts | ||
| THL428 | Pastoral Counselling: Grief and Loss | 8 credit pts | ||
| THL430 | Pastoral Counselling: Crisis Intervention | 8 credit pts | ||
| THL432 | Pastoral Counselling: Relationship and Family | 8 credit pts | ||
| THL433 | Pastoral Counselling: Mental Health and Trauma | 8 credit pts | ||
| THL434 | Spiritual Direction in the Christian Tradition | 8 credit pts | ||
| THL435 | Applied Pastoral Theology | 8 credit pts |
PART-TIME
Year 1 - Session 1
THL400 Pastoral Counselling Skills
THL420 Pastoral Counselling: Theory & Professional Issues
Year 1 - Session 2
THL428 Pastoral Counselling: Grief and Loss
THL435 Applied Pastoral Theology
Year 2 - Session 1
THL430 Pastoral Counselling: Crisis Intervention
THL433 Pastoral Counselling: Mental Health and Trauma
Year 2 - Session 2
THL432 Pastoral Counselling: Relationship and Family
THL434 Spiritual Direction in the Christian Tradition
As a Charles Sturt University student, throughout your course you have a responsibility to continue to develop skills in English language, literacy and numeracy as appropriate to your discipline. This ongoing development will enable you to effectively participate in your course and graduate prepared to enter the workforce.
This is an estimate
We have scholarships and grants, totalling over $11 million annually!
They cover various areas such as academic performance, volunteering, sports achievements, community service, specific courses, on-campus living and individuals in unique circumstances.
Explore scholarshipsTBA
Learn about how our selection ranks are calculated (including ATARs and adjustment factors).
View the course profile for this course.
Standard English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements apply. Click here to view the specific international course entry requirements.
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.
Check your eligibility for credit
We also have several admission pathways to help you take the step into your preferred course, even if you don't quite meet the entry requirements at first. Find out what admission pathways are available to you.
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.
Important dates
Check out our direct application closing dates
