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Master of Pastoral and Spiritual Care

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.

Overseas students

CRICOS N/A

Study modes

Classroom, Mixed, Online

Duration

2 years full-time
Up to 6 years part-time

Sample Course Structure

3 Units

3 Level 8/9 Units in Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies
3 Units

3 Level 9 Units in Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies
1 Unit

XX9970W Capstone by Integrative Essay
2 Units

2 Units of Choice
1 Unit

BN8001W Interpreting the New Testament OR
BA8001W Introducing the Hebrew Bible
1 Unit

CT8001W Beginning Theological Studies
1 Unit

DP8001W Foundations of Pastoral and Spiritual Care

NOTE: The information presented in this graphic is a general guide and not a substitute for personal course advice with a Course Advisor. Please click the links on the legend to read about Whitley College units that may be included in this course.

Course details

The Master of Pastoral and Spiritual Care consists of 288 points comprised of:

  1. 24 points of postgraduate foundational units in Biblical Studies;
  2. 24 points of postgraduate foundational units in Systematic Theology;
  3. 24 points of postgraduate foundational units in Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies;
  4. 72 points of postgraduate units in Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies;
  5. a Capstone unit of at least 24 points;
  6. a 24 point Research Methodology unit and the 48 point Minor Thesis OR 72 postgraduate elective points in Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies; and
  7. further 48 points of postgraduate units in any discipline.
Unit ID Unit Field/Discipline

3 Level 8/9 Units in Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

 DP Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

3 Level 9 Units in Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

 DP Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies
XX9970W

XX9970W Capstone by Integrative Essay

 Capstone Other

2 Units of Choice

 Unit of Choice
DP8001W

DP8001W Foundations of Pastoral and Spiritual Care

 DP Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies
CT8001W

CT8001W Beginning Theological Studies

 CT Systematic Theology
BN8001W

BN8001W Interpreting the New Testament OR
BA8001W Introducing the Hebrew Bible

 BN New Testament

The Master of Pastoral and Spiritual Care consists of 288 points comprised of:

  1. 24 points of postgraduate foundational units in Biblical Studies;
  2. 24 points of postgraduate foundational units in Systematic Theology;
  3. 24 points of postgraduate foundational units in Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies;
  4. 72 points of postgraduate units in Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies;
  5. a Capstone unit of at least 24 points;
  6. a 24 point Research Methodology unit and the 48 point Minor Thesis OR 72 postgraduate elective points in Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies; and
  7. further 48 points of postgraduate units in any discipline.

Successful completion of an undergraduate degree, or a Graduate Certificate from the University of Divinity.

All applicants must meet the English admission requirements of the University of Divinity as outlined in the Admissions Policy.

 

Students have 3 hours of class time per standard unit they are enrolled in across the 12 teaching weeks of semester.

Students should allow an additional 10 hours for study and assessment tasks per week for each unit they are enrolled in – that is 13 hours per unit per week.

The full-time study load for the Master of Pastoral and Spiritual Care is 3 units per semester which is a commitment of 39 hours per week.

Depending on the time available for study, students can choose to study part-time by enrolling in 1 to 2 units per semester. Students can complete the 12 units required for the Master of Pastoral and Spiritual Care within the maximum 6 years allowed f they choose to enrol in 1 unit per semester.

Learning outcomes

Course achievements

Graduates of the Master of Pastoral and Spiritual Care:

  1. have advanced knowledge of sources, terms and concepts required in pastoral care, and of the relation of pastoral care to broader theological studies;
  2. have mastery of research principles and methods, including analytical skills applicable to pastoral care;
  3. 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;
  4. articulate and communicate knowledge and insights in pastoral care to specialist and non-specialist audiences; and
  5. apply relevant skills in pastoral care through the execution of a substantial research-based project, capstone experience or piece of scholarship.

Graduate Pathways

Future study options

Graduates who have completed a Minor Thesis at a specified standard may be eligible for admission to a higher degree by research.

Where will this take me?

Vocational Possibilities

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FAQs

Fees

Key Dates

Timetable

Ready for your next step?

If theological education has been on your mind, there’s no better place to start your journey than by stepping out in faith with us at Whitley.

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How to Apply