Entry Requirements
Satisfactorily completed
an AQF 7 award
Study Mode
Flexible
Pathway
Graduate Diploma of Ministry, Master of Divinity, Master of Arts
Duration
2 Trimesters
Career Options
Mentor, Chaplain, Pastoral Carer, Mission Worker, Youth Worker
AQF level
Level 8
Course details
TESQA Course ID: CRS1401808
The Graduate Certificate in Chaplaincy is a course designed to enable students who already have a Bachelor’s Degree to study at the postgraduate level and gain a solid theological and practical foundation for Christian service.
The course also allows students to focus their training in the chaplaincy area to suit their vocational or ministry needs. It is ideal for professionals with an undergraduate degree who wish to pursue further training in chaplaincy to serve in non-congregational settings. The course includes topics “respond to client needs”, “work with people with mental health issues”, and “competency in providing Pastoral care”, ensuring that the requirements for the Australian Government School Chaplaincy Program are met.
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SUBJECTS |
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4 Core Units |
Introduction to Chaplaincy |
All applicants who endeavour to apply must meet the general admission requirements.
Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Chaplaincy requires:
- Successful completion of an AQF Level 7 award (i.e. a Bachelor’s degree) in any field.
Applicants must confess their faith in Christ under the PBC Statement of Faith, be involved regularly in a local church, demonstrate a desire to be involved in ministry, demonstrate the physical and psychological capacity for studying in a tertiary institution, agree to abide by PBC policies and procedures and agree to abide by the Student Code of Conduct.
Before applying, please ensure you have:
- A Unique Student Identifier number (USI). If you don’t have one, you can apply here. To find your number, click here.
- A colour PDF of your birth certificate, passport, and permanent resident visa (or a certified copy)
- A digital passport-style image
- A colour PDF of previous academic transcripts and certificates of completion (or a certified copy)
- A page or two detailing your testimony, including how you became a Christian and why you believe the Lord would have you train for Christian life and service at PBC
- Contact information for two non-related referees, including your Pastor/Employer, who have known you for at least 2 years.
When you have all the required supporting information for your application, please apply online here.
Graduate Certificate in Chaplaincy is not available for overseas enrolment.
The course structure is based on two trimesters (each 11-week duration), with two units taught in each trimester. It comprises of:
- 4 core units
- Weekly placement/service in a chaplaincy context (can be paid or volunteer) during the study periods.
Each unit carries three credit points, and graduates require a total of 12 credit points to complete the course successfully.
The Graduate Certificate in Chaplaincy is a higher education award provided by Perth Bible College Inc (PBC).
Provider ID: PRV12165
Course ID: CRS1401808
Core Units
Theological Introduction to Chaplaincy
This is the foundational Chaplaincy Specialisation unit. As such, it will introduce key ideas which will be referred to throughout other Chaplaincy Specialisation Units. Students will be introduced to a number of chaplaincy approaches and their theological underpinnings.
This unit aims to develop the student’s understanding of ‘God as Chaplain’, ‘Incarnation as Divine Strategy’, and the chaplain as ‘presence’, guide, and carer, amongst others. In addition, the unit addresses theological aspects for the modern-day chaplain, encouraging students to assess their ministry through various lenses.
Models of Chaplaincy
The Models of Chaplaincy unit aims to assist students to consider the various models of chaplaincy. This will include the various ways the impact of a chaplain might be measured, from the influence of organisational culture to more overt forms of faith-sharing within appropriate settings.
Chaplaincy in Context
This unit aims to encourage the student to consider how they might develop a culture and environment of spiritual engagement and enquiry, respecting the context within which they are serving. This unit includes the use of third places for negotiation, serving in a multi-faith arena, understanding and engaging with other worldviews, and how to encourage healthy spiritual dialogue.
Students are required to identify and manage an individual at risk in their ministry context. The topics include “respond to client needs” and “work with people with mental health issues”, ensuring that all the requirements for the Australian Government School Chaplaincy Program are met.
Personal and Professional Care of the Chaplain
This unit is designed to challenge students to self-reflect on their own life history, personability, leadership approach, and style, enabling this to inform their approach to chaplaincy. The unit equips the student with various tools of theological reflection to
facilitate this process. Students will be able to identify the need to access external resources and conduct an effective referral.
Course Completion
Students may exit the course at any moment and receive a Statement of Attainment with a list of all the completed units.
When students complete all the requirements of the four core units, they will be awarded the Graduate Certificate in Chaplaincy.