Master of Pastoral Counselling

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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.

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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

Minimum time - 2 year(s)
Maximum time - 4 year(s)

Entry score

TBA

Indicative fees

Domestic online
Fee paying postgraduate:

Full-time - $18,720.00 pa
Part-time - $9,360.00 pa

Course points and codes

Credit Points: 128
AQF: Level 9
Cricos:

Additional information

    Applications close February 12

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    Find out more

    Why study with us?

    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

    This course is professionally accredited by -

    • Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
    • 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

    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.

      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 subjects88 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
      THL530Social Research Methods for Pastoral Studies8 credit pts
      THL557Advanced Pastoral Counselling16 credit pts

      Non-specialisation40 Credit Points

      Legend:
      • Intensive school
      • Workplace learning
      THL531Pastoral Counselling: Research Proposal8 credit pts
      THL604Pastoral Counselling Dissertation32 credit pts

      Specialisation32 Credit Points

      Legend:
      • Intensive school
      • Workplace learning
      Students selecting the Clinical specialisation must complete the requirements of the specialisation and THL521.
      PC0001Clinical32 credit pts

      Compulsory Specialisation subject8 Credit Points

      Legend:
      • Intensive school
      • Workplace learning
      THL521Theological Ethics for the Helping Professions8 credit pts

      Essential set

      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.

      Essential set

      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.

      Clinical

      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.

      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

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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 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;
        and
      • hold an undergraduate degree (or AQF equivalent) in theology or psychology, however applicants with degrees in other disciplines are encouraged to apply;
        or
      •  have successfully completed the Graduate Diploma of Pastoral Counselling
        or
      • 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.

      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.

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