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Master of Spiritual Direction

The Master of Spiritual Direction enables students to acquire advanced knowledge of the theological and scriptural foundations of approaches to spiritual direction in the Christian tradition, and to apply this knowledge in professional practice.

Overseas students

CRICOS Available

Study modes

Classroom, Mixed, Online

Duration

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

Sample Course Structure

1 Unit

BA8001W Introducing the Hebrew Bible OR
BN8001 Interpreting the New Testament
1 Unit

CT8001W Beginning Theological Studies OR
CH8011W Early Christianity in Context
2 Units

2 Units in Spiritual Direction or Spirituality
1 Unit

XX9970W Capstone by Integrative Essay
1 Unit

DS8201W Art of Contemplative Practice 1
2 Units

DD8202W Art of Spiritual Companioning 1
(double unit)
2 Units

DD8203W Art of Spiritual Companioning 2
(double unit)
2 Units

DD9204W Art of Spiritual Companioning 3
(double unit)

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 Spiritual Direction consists of 288 points comprised of:

  1. 96 points of Postgraduate Foundational units in the discipline of Spiritual Direction;
  2. 24 points of Postgraduate Foundational units in the discipline of Biblical Studies;
  3. 24 points of Postgraduate Foundational units in the discipline of Systematic Theology or in the discipline of Church History;
  4. 96 points of Postgraduate Elective units in the disciplines of Spiritual Direction, Spirituality and Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies;
  5. Either one Capstone unit of at least 24 points in Spiritual Direction or the unit RQ9748M Minor Thesis; and
  6. Further units at the postgraduate level in the disciplines of Spiritual Direction and Spirituality.
Unit ID Unit Field/Discipline
BN8001W

BA8001W Introducing the Hebrew Bible OR
BN8001 Interpreting the New Testament

 Field B (Biblical Studies)
CH8002W

CT8001W Beginning Theological Studies OR
CH8011W Early Christianity in Context

 CH Church History

2 Units in Spiritual Direction or Spirituality

 DS Spirituality
XX9970W

XX9970W Capstone by Integrative Essay

 Capstone Other
DD9204W

DD9204W Art of Spiritual Companioning 3
(double unit)

 DD Spiritual Direction
DD8203W

DD8203W Art of Spiritual Companioning 2
(double unit)

 DD Spiritual Direction
DD8202W

DD8202W Art of Spiritual Companioning 1
(double unit)

 DD Spiritual Direction
DS8201W

DS8201W Art of Contemplative Practice 1

 DS Spirituality

The Master of Spiritual Direction consists of 288 points comprised of:

  1. 96 points of Postgraduate Foundational units in the discipline of Spiritual Direction;
  2. 24 points of Postgraduate Foundational units in the discipline of Biblical Studies;
  3. 24 points of Postgraduate Foundational units in the discipline of Systematic Theology or in the discipline of Church History;
  4. 96 points of Postgraduate Elective units in the disciplines of Spiritual Direction, Spirituality and Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies;
  5. Either one Capstone unit of at least 24 points in Spiritual Direction or the unit RQ9748M Minor Thesis; and
  6. Further units at the postgraduate level in the disciplines of Spiritual Direction and Spirituality.

Successful completion of an undergraduate degree, or an approved equivalent.

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 Spiritual Direction 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 Spiritual Direction within the maximum 6 years allowed when enrolled in 1 unit per semester. Please note the 3 Spiritual Companioning units required for this course are year-long double units taken one after the other.

Learning outcomes

Course achievements

Graduates of the Master of Spiritual Direction:

  1. have advanced knowledge of the theological and spiritual foundations of approaches to spiritual direction in the Christian tradition, and of the relation of the discipline to broader theological studies;
  2. have mastery of skills to reflect critically on giving guidance to an individual’s spiritual experience in the light of key themes, traditions and approaches in spirituality;
  3. have communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions and professional decisions about themes, traditions and approaches in spiritual direction;
  4. apply knowledge of themes, traditions and approaches in spiritual direction with creativity and initiative to professional practice and for further learning; and
  5. apply relevant theological and hermeneutical skills 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