Graduate Diploma of Pastoral Counselling

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This course has no international offering.

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.

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Key information

Study mode and sessions

Online
Next session start: July 14, 2025
Session 1 : March 3, 2025
Online
Session 2 : July 14, 2025
Online

Duration

Maximum time - 2 year(s)

Entry score

TBA

Indicative fees

Domestic online
Fee paying postgraduate:

Full fee - $18,720.00
Per 8pt subject - $2,340

Course points and codes

Credit Points: 64
AQF: Level 8
Cricos:

Additional information

    Applications close February 12

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    Find out more

    Why study with us?

    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.

    Study flexibility

    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.

    Progressive and contemporary program

    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.

    Personal and practical development

    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.

    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.

    Professional Accreditation

    This course is professionally accredited by -

    • Australian Counselling Association (ACA)

    Please refer to the Charles Sturt Professional Accreditation resource for specific information and a link to the accreditation body.

    5-star uni for postgrad employment.

    90% of postgrads in full-time employment within 4 months of finishing.

    *Good Universities Guide 2022/23

    Career opportunities

    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.

      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.

      Core subjects64 Credit Points

      Legend:
      • Intensive school
      • Workplace learning
      THL400Pastoral Counselling Skills8 credit pts
      THL420Pastoral Counselling: Theory and Professional Issues8 credit pts
      THL428Pastoral Counselling: Grief and Loss8 credit pts
      THL430Pastoral Counselling: Crisis Intervention8 credit pts
      THL432Pastoral Counselling: Relationship and Family8 credit pts
      THL433Pastoral Counselling: Mental Health and Trauma8 credit pts
      THL434Spiritual Direction in the Christian Tradition8 credit pts
      THL435Applied Pastoral Theology8 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

      Graduation requirements

      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.

      Costs

      Calculate my fee

      The section below is designed to allow you to select the option specific to your circumstances to discover the course fee and course offering information appropriate for you.

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      How is this calculated?

      This is an estimate

      • Fees calculated based on 1 year of full-time study (ETSL).
      • Fees dependant on chosen subjects.
      • Subject to annual increase each year.

      Scholarships

      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 scholarships

      Entry requirements

      Selection rank:

      TBA

      Learn about how our selection ranks are calculated (including ATARs and adjustment factors).

      View the course profile for this course.

      • 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.

      Credit and pathways

      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.

      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

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      Important dates

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