Course overview

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.

Key facts

Delivery

Online

Study level

Postgraduate

Course type

Graduate Diploma

Duration

24 months (Full time)

Units

Fees

FEE-HELP

Price per unit

From $2,340

What will you study

To complete the Graduate Diploma of Pastoral Counselling, you must complete 64 credit points.

Pastoral Counselling Skills
Pastoral Counselling: Theory and Professional Issues
Pastoral Counselling: Grief and Loss
Pastoral Counselling: Crisis Intervention
Pastoral Counselling: Relationship and Family
Pastoral Counselling: Mental Health and Trauma
Spiritual Direction in the Christian Tradition
Applied Pastoral Theology

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree in theology, psychology or an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) equivalent. Applicants with degrees in any discipline other than the specified fields are also encouraged to apply.
Applicants without an undergraduate degree may be considered, with evidence that they can undertake tertiary studies in this area (such as a letter of motivation and two professional or academic references).

Recognition of Prior Learning

Suppose you’ve completed relevant tertiary study or work experience related to your course. In that case, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your degree, which could help you complete your qualification more quickly. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

Charles Sturt University's Graduate Diploma of Pastoral Counselling will 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.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Estimated 2025 first-year fee: $18,720 (domestic full-fee paying place).

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 32 credit points (normally four units) per semester or 64 credit points (normally eight units) per year. A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with: