Course Structure

This double diploma arrangement is based on the three semesters (each of 13 weeks duration), with four subjects taught in each semester. It comprises:

• 8 Core Subjects (80 credit points)
• 4 Elective Subjects (40 credit points)

To qualify for award of the degree of Diploma of Chaplaincy and Diploma of Ministry a candidate shall accrue an aggregate of at least 120 credit points.

Subjects

Core / 8 Subjects (80 credit points)

• ACA001 Faith and Purpose
• EXP009 Professional Practice in Chaplaincy
• BIB009 Old Testament Foundations OR BIB010 New Testament Foundations
• MIN001 Introduction to Pastoral Ministry
• MIN012 Character Formation and Ministry
• MIN013 Chaplaincy Ministry
• MIN014 Theories and Practices in Chaplaincy
• MIN015 Chaplaincy Support in Practice

Specialisation

An optional specialisation in Community Chaplaincy is available to all students. Students interested in becoming accredited Chaplains must complete the subjects in this specialisation.

Electives / 4 Subjects (40 credit points)

For more details on which subjects you can choose, see the current enrolment guide for this course.

View the full list of subjects for this course.

Rules of Progression

Any rules of progress defined in the Diploma of Chaplaincy or Diploma of Ministry apply.

Admission Criteria

Applicants with Recent Secondary Education (within the past 2 years)

Applicants with recent high school education only will demonstrate completion of the NSW Higher School Certificate, or the completion of the interstate or overseas equivalent qualification.

Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) Study

Applicants with a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification will demonstrate the completion of a Certificate III or higher qualification awarded by an authorised institution or registered training organisation (RTO).

Applicants with Higher Education Study

Applicants whose highest level of study enrolment since leaving secondary education is a higher education qualification will demonstrate the completion of an AQF Level 5 Diploma (or higher) by an authorised institution for admission into this course.

Applicants with Work and Life Experience

Applicants who have not completed formal higher education study are eligible for direct entry into this course.

Language

If English is not the applicant’s first language or if their first degree was awarded in a non English speaking nation, they will be required to show proficiency in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (or equivalent) with an overall IELTS (or equivalent) score of at least 5.5, with a score of not less than 5.0 in any of the four skill areas, or equivalent. 

Statement of Intent

A 200-word Statement of Intent, which is a short summary of why you wish to study this program.

A reference from a minister / community leader which endorses your readiness and suitability to complete the chaplaincy training and undertake a chaplaincy work placement in the community. The letter should contain the endorser's letter head, contact details and signature. Examples of appropriate community include: Pastor or Minister, Rotary Member, Council Member, or JP.

Study Modes

Delivery Mode*: Face-to-Face (Campus class), Online Live (Zoom class), Online Recorded
Locations**: Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Hobart, Melbourne, Adelaide, Online
Duration: 1.5 years (three semesters) full-time, or up to five years part-time.
Intakes: Semester 1, Semester 2

* Our study modes are flexible so you can mix-and-match different modes throughout your course to fit your needs. For example, a face-to-face student can choose to attend some classes online or an online student may choose to take some subjects face-to-face.

** Some subjects may only be available in certain study modes each semester. Please check the timetable for the most up-to-date information. Face-to-face classes can be delivered weekly or via intensives, where the subject is delivered in a block over consecutive weekdays and/or weekends. Some subjects must be completed face-to-face to meet professional accreditation requirements.

Fees & Timetable

Fee-Help information and a complete Fee Schedule for all Alphacrucis courses can be found in our Fees Information section.

For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students, please see our Timetables.

Course Learning Outcomes

Demonstrated:

• general understanding of key issues, recent scholarship and practices within the discipline areas of chaplaincy and ministry, consistent with a Christian worldview;
• depth of understanding of practical fieldwork;
• technical and theoretical understanding of basic research principles and methods, and knowledge of research approaches used in the discipline areas of chaplaincy and ministry.

Demonstrated ability to:

• identify, analyse and synthesise theoretical knowledge in the discipline areas of chaplaincy and ministry;
• examine a complex problem or presenting issues using appropriate ministry and chaplaincy methodologies and theories;
• communicate technical and creative skills to express ministry ideas and perspectives;
• communicate effectively to transfer knowledge and specialised chaplaincy skills to peers, clients, and general audiences in diverse contexts;
• communicate effectively and creatively ideas and perspectives on key ministry issues, recent scholarship and practices in ministry to peers and general audiences in diverse contexts;
• apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills acquired within the specialist area of ministry in a range of professional contexts to develop appropriate solutions to chaplaincy issues;
• work independently, responsibly and with the level expected in a broad range of professional, ministry, and chaplaincy contexts;
• collaborate in team projects to make a positive contribution toward social issues;
• undertake self-reflection and evaluation of performance for the purpose of vocational development.