Course Structure and Course Dates

The Diploma of Chaplaincy consists of eight subjects: 6 core subjects and 2 electives.

Course Information

Length of Program

• Full-Time: 1 Year (4 subjects per semester)
• Part-Time: Up to 4 Years (1 - 2 subjects per semester)

Campuses

• Selected Campuses (For Intensives and Bible subjects)
• Global Online Campus (BIB001 and THE001 only)

Delivery Modes

INTENSIVES: All students who study the Diploma of Chaplaincy are required to attend 5 Intensives at AC Campuses and approved locations. Intensives are generally Thursday- Saturday, 8.30-5pm and cover content for multiple subjects (see below). Additional lectures, information and assessments for each subject is then completed online.

     INTENSIVE 1 & 2  (2 x 3-day Intensives) - MIN001, SSC001  

     INTENSIVE 3 & 4  (2 x 3-day Intensives) - EXP001A, SSE005

     INTENSIVE 5         (1 x 2-day Intensive)  - EXP001B, 2x Electives 
                                    (Note: Two Electives are chosen by student vote)
            
 

ONLINE/FACE-TO-FACE: Two of the subjects (BIB001, THE001) can be completed either online or face to face at selected campuses.
     FACE-TO-FACE:   Available for BIB001 and THE001 at selected campuses.
                                   Weekly 3 hour lectures.
     ONLINE DELIVERY: Available for BIB001 and THE001.
                                       Weekly video/audio lectures provided to be viewed at own convenience.
 

PLACEMENT: Students also arrange and undertake a 100 hour chaplaincy placement in an area of their choice and engage in professional supervision as a part of their training. 

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Articulation Options

Upon completion, students can continue their studies into the Bachelor of Applied Social Science. See the Awards Offered page for more information.

NEW STUDENTS 2020 - CLICK HERE TO FIND A COURSE NEAR YOU

CONTINUING STUDENTS - CLICK HERE FOR COURSE DATES & ELECTIVES

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Entry Requirements

IELTS

For prospective students from a non-English speaking background, an IELTS Score of 5.5 (or demonstrate equivalent English proficiency) is recommended.

Academic Entry Requirements

Domestic and International applicants must meet one of the following academic entry requirements:

Completion of NSW Higher School Certificate, or the completion of the interstate or overseas equivalent qualification and result.

Completion of an Australian Certificate IV or higher qualification awarded by an authorised institution or registered training organisation (or equivalent overseas qualification).

Completion of at least an Australian Level 5 Higher Education Diploma awarded under the Australian Qualifications Framework (or equivalent overseas qualification)..

Applicants with no formal qualifications who are aged 21+ may be eligible for provisional entry into this course. These students will need to successfully complete their first 4 subjects to be permitted to continue without the Provisional Entry restrictions.

Non-Academic Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to submit 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 leaders could be a Pastor or Minister, Rotary Member, Council Member, or JP.

A Statement of Intention (Minimum 200 words explaining why you would like to be considered for entry into this course. Please include mention of relevant practical experience such as ministry/community service that you have participated in).

Fees

Complete Fee Schedules and FEE-HELP information (where appropriate) for all Alphacrucis courses can be found in our Documents section, under the Fees and FEE-HELP Information link.

Units offered as part of this Award:

BIB001 - Introduction to the Bible

Description: Understanding the Bible is foundational for the Christian life. Whilst many of us have read the Bible, there are many sections that are seemingly foreign and strange, or that we just plain avoid. This unit aims to introduce you to the Old and New Testaments, and its big-picture message. We will explore the historical and thematic developments of the Bible, assisting you to understand how the different biblical books and message all fit together. Further, we will discuss how the message of Scripture, which was set in a very different context to us, can be applied to today’s context. Unit detail page >>

BIB007 - Introduction to Israel’s Scriptures

Description: The foundational documents of the Christian Faith are found in the Old Testament. It is the first instance of God’s self-revelation to humanity, it points forward to Jesus, and it provides glimpses of the Holy Spirit at work. The themes, theology, wisdom, history, and narrative form the basis for anything the New Testament has to teach us. This Subject will equip you to uncover the significance and relevance of the Old Testament to being a disciple of Jesus. Unit detail page >>

BIB008 - Introduction to the New Testament

Description: The New Testament is an exciting document that outlines the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and the early writings of the church. This subject will introduce the purpose, content, and message of the New Testament books with particular focus on the historical and cultural implications of their setting, and how this broad diversity of literature presents an incredibly unified and coherent message. Unit detail page >>

BIB102 - Introduction to Israel's Scriptures (Old Testament)

Description: The aim of this subject is to familiarise students with Israel's Scriptures as a coherent narrative that is of crucial importance to Christians (pun intended!). While this subject includes a discussion of every book in Israel's Scriptures, it goes beyond this to look at how the character of God is communicated and traces significant themes throughout. We will also look at how to read Hebrew narrative and poetry, and at the influence of cultural background on interpretation. Unit detail page >>

EXP001 - Professional Practice

Description: Itching to connect the realm of the classroom with some real-life experience? Professional Practice is designed with just this aim in mind. Students will have the have the chance to engage academically with issues pertaining to their Major Specialisation plus experience a hands-on placement. Working with an experienced supervisory mentor, students will complete a 100 hour placement over the course of semester(or split into 50 hour placements over 2 semesters), with a variety of formats to choose from. For instance, do you have a heart for youth leadership? You could complete 8 hours a week at your local church, working with the youth department. Or perhaps you have visions of becoming the next CEO of World Vision? A block placement at a Christian organisation, working with a field specialist, could be the kick start you need. Alternatively, have you been wanting to make a difference while experiencing cross cultural ministry overseas? Your 100 hours could be served with an overseas mentor in a concentrated three or so weeks of professional practice. The sky is the limit! Unit detail page >>

MIN001 - Introduction to Pastoral Ministry

Description: In this introductory unit, students will explore a broad variety of topics that form the very basis of pastoral ministry. Primarily, students will consider contemporary pastoral models that connect academic reflection with the real world. Topics discussed will range from defining ministry, calling and ordination to conflict resolution, and being effective in caring for others. Students will also be provided with ample opportunity to engage creatively with these topics to make connections with their own contexts. Unit detail page >>

MIN007 - Introduction to Spiritual Formation

Outcomes:

1. Identify various expressions of Christian spirituality, both traditional and contemporary;
2. Describe various spiritual disciplines and how these they spiritual disciplines have been, and can be, applicable to the student’s own spiritual formation and practice;
3. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the concept of self-awareness in the area of emotional health and spiritual wellbeing;
4. Describe features of healthy and unhealthy spirituality that can be identified in self and others; and
5. Acquire spiritual and emotional intelligence as it relates to spiritual maturity.

Unit detail page >>

MIN009 - Australian Pentecostalism in the 21st Century

Outcomes:

1. Explain the key theological beliefs and practises that led to the rise of Pentecostalism in Australia in the early 20th Century;
2. Recognise the foundational theological beliefs and practices of contemporary Pentecostalism that are similar and differentiate it from other Christian Church groups;
3. Discuss contemporary theological issues in Pentecostalism, such as women in leadership, new creation theology and the practise of spiritual gifts; and
4. Identify shifts in Pentecostal theology from its beginnings to today.

Unit detail page >>

SSC001 - Psychology of Emotion

Description: Throughout this unit students will have opportunity to engage with their emotions as a basis of understanding the emotions of others. Topics explored include: common mental health issues, loss and grief support and self-care. Unit detail page >>

SSC002 - Working with Trauma

Description: In this elective unit students will develop an understanding of trauma and the knowledge and skills necessary for working with those affected by trauma and domestic and family violence. Students will also integrate an understanding of trauma into a self-care plan.  Unit detail page >>

SSE003 - Working with Addictions

Description: This elective unit aims to equip chaplains and carers with knowledge and skills to be able to provide care and support to people with addictions, as well as their close friends, families and communities.  Unit detail page >>

SSE005 - Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care

Description: In this core unit students develop a theoplogical understanding of major chaplaincy related issues. Students explore the contexts and common pastoral care issues faced by Chaplains, and the role of the Chaplain / Pastoral Carer. Topics discussed range from the cycle of programming, implementing, evaluating, and reflecting in Chaplaincy to reporting, accountability and self care. Unit detail page >>

SSE009 - Methods of Youth Work

Description: Throughout this elective unit students will look at the various contexts and values that impact on youth work. Students will look at best practice in providing support to young people.  Unit detail page >>

THE001 - Christian Worldview

Description: Do you have questions about God that you have been unable to answer? Do you sometimes wonder whether Christian beliefs about things like the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus make any sense? This unit provides you with the opportunity to explore those beliefs that are foundational to Christianity. It argues that what we believe about God (our theology) has a practical impact upon our life and ethics and, therefore, provides an overview of Christian faith, and reflects on the ways in which this faith informs our everyday life and calling. The topics addressed range from the doctrine of God, creation and sin, to discussion on the person and work of Christ, and the nature of the coming kingdom of God. Unit detail page >>