You are an overseas student if you are NOT one of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand citizen (or dual citizen)
- Australian permanent resident
- Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder
- Pacific Engagement visa holder.
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
If you are holding or applying for a Student Visa Subclass 500 you are required to enrol in a full-time course that is registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) in Australia. For more details, please visit the Department of Home Affairs and the CRICOS website.
Overview
The Master of Pastoral and Spiritual Care enables students to apply an advanced body of knowledge and skill in pastoral care in relation to broader theological studies. Students broaden their knowledge and skills and deepen their engagement with select areas of study to prepare themselves for professional practice and further learning.
Course learning outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Pastoral and Spiritual Care:
- have advanced knowledge of sources, terms and concepts required in pastoral care, and of the relation of pastoral care to broader theological studies
- have mastery of research principles and methods, including analytical skills applicable to pastoral care
- have advanced skills of interpretation and critical reflection on a range of approaches and methodologies in pastoral care, with awareness of implications and application to contemporary issues in professional ministry, in order to generate and evaluate ideas for professional practice and further learning
- articulate and communicate knowledge and insights in pastoral care to specialist and non-specialist audiences
- apply relevant skills in pastoral care through the execution of a substantial research-based project, capstone experience or piece of scholarship.
Course structure
The Master of Pastoral and Spiritual Care consists of 288 points comprised of:
- 72 points of Postgraduate Foundational units comprised of:
i) 24 in the discipline of Biblical Studies
ii) 24 points in the discipline of Systematic Theology
iii) 24 points in the discipline of Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies - 72 points of Postgraduate units in the discipline of Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies
- A Capstone unit of at least 24 points
- Further units at postgraduate level that must include either:
i) at least 72 points of additional Postgraduate Elective units in the discipline of Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies; or
ii) a 24 point Research Methodology unit (either DP9034S or RQ9012C or an equivalent) and the unit RQ9748M Minor Thesis.
Locations and modes
Roman CatholicEast Melbourne VICOnline (off-shore students only) mode
Duration
The standard full-time duration of the Master of Pastoral and Spiritual Care is two years. The Master of Pastoral and Spiritual Care must be completed in not less than two years and not more than six years from the date on which the course is commenced.
| Standard full-time | 2 years |
| Maximum part-time | 6 years |
Admission criteria
One of:
a) An undergraduate degree
b) Graduate Certificate from the University of Divinity.
Probationary admission is not available.
Credit
| Award | Maximum credit | Specific rules |
| N/A | 72 points | |
| Professional experience | 48 points | A candidate who has at least two years’ full-time (or part-time equivalent) pastoral or ministry experience may be exempted by the Course Advisor from the requirement of 11(b) to complete 48 points of Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies units. Where such exemption is granted a candidate must still complete 288 points. |
Fee summary
The Master of Pastoral and Spiritual Care requires completion of 12 standard postgraduate units. Fees for 2025 are $3,268 per standard unit or $19,608 for a full-time year (6 units).
Fees are subject to change from year to year. For more information about fees, please visit the Fees page.
