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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Domestic online
Fee paying postgraduate:
Full-time - $18,720.00 pa
Part-time - $9,360.00 pa
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 | ||
| THL530 | Social Research Methods for Pastoral Studies | 8 credit pts | ||
| THL557 | Advanced Pastoral Counselling | 16 credit pts |
| THL531 | Pastoral Counselling: Research Proposal | 8 credit pts | ||
| THL604 | Pastoral Counselling Dissertation | 32 credit pts |
| Students selecting the Clinical specialisation must complete the requirements of the specialisation and THL521. | ||||
| PC0001 | Clinical | 32 credit pts |
| THL521 | Theological Ethics for the Helping Professions | 8 credit pts |
The essential subject set consists of subjects that meet the specific depth of knowledge and skills requirements for the disciplinary or professional area of study in a course.
The essential subject set consists of subjects that meet the specific depth of knowledge and skills requirements for the disciplinary or professional area of study in a course.
The Clinical specialisation provides the advanced knowledge and skills needed for professional counselling practice and meets the requirements for Intern Registration with PACFA member organisations.
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
Students may choose to exit at this point with the award Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Counselling
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
Students may choose to exit at this point with the award Graduate Diploma of Pastoral Counselling
Year 3 - Session 1
THL557 Advanced Pastoral Counselling (16) (commence)
THL530 Social Research Methods for Pastoral Studies
Year 3 - Session 2
THL520 Advanced Pastoral Counselling (16) (complete)
THL531 Pastoral Counselling Research Proposal
Year 4 - Session 1
THL604 Pastoral Counselling Dissertation (32) (commence)
Year 4 - Session 2
THL604 Pastoral Counselling Dissertation (32) (complete)
Students undertaking the Clinical specialisation should refer to the enrolment pattern in the specialisation.
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.
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View the course profile for this course.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
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.
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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.
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