Graduate Certificate in the Practice of Ministry

School of Philosophy & Theology

Do you want to do more with your bachelor’s degree in theology? Are you looking to apply your theological learning in diverse pastoral situations? The Graduate Certificate in the Practice of Ministry aims to teach the basic knowledge and skills required for pastoral work. It can provide a qualification for those wishing to train as hospital, prison, or school chaplains.

• Why study this degree?

  The Graduate Certificate in the Practice of Ministry offers students a unique opportunity to study at an Ecclesiastical Faculty recognised by the Holy See. The program is designed to provide students with graduate-level grounding in the Practice of Christian Ministry. It is usually completed over the course of two years in which students will apply their prior theological learning to the field of pastoral ministry.

  The Graduate Certificate in the Practice of Ministry represents an ideal qualification for those seeking to engage in pastoral ministry within the Church, particularly in the contexts of chaplaincy work, pastoral care programmes, spiritual direction, and safeguarding. Students in this program will gain the knowledge and skills to act with competence and ethical responsibility in the arena of pastoral practice.

• Program summary

  To be eligible for the award of Graduate Certificate in the Practice of Ministry students must complete a minimum of 100 Units of Credit.

  • CISP5110 Introduction to Pastoral Care and Psychology
  • CISP5260 Supervised Ministry Practicum and Integrity in Ministry

  Students must also complete two electives in the Graduate Certificate in the Practice of Ministry.

  Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

  More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions page.

  Please note: the availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.

• Entry requirements

  To be eligible for admission to The University of Notre Dame Australia, all applicants must meet the University’s minimum requirements for admission. The requirements for admission are detailed in the University’s Policy: Admissions.

  To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in the Practice of Ministry applicants must also meet the following specific requirements.

  • An AQF7 qualification in theology or equivalent qualification.
  • For students without the prior study in the English language, IELTS of 7.0 in all bands.

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in the Practice of Ministry graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply a specialized knowledge of the foundations and practice of ministry to varied pastoral situations
  2. Critically analyse, synthesise, and evaluate perspectives and methods pertaining to ministry in complex pastoral situations
  3. Independently, and within teams, exercise critical thought and high-level judgement in pastoral situations in a manner that demonstrates technical ministerial competence
  4. Communicate concepts and knowledge pertaining to ministry, in a succinct, contextualised and doctrinally coherent way, to specialist and non-specialist audiences; and
  5. Adapt their knowledge and skills to act with competence and ethical responsibility in the practice of ministry.

• Practical component

  Students are required to complete Graduate Certificate in Practical Ministry that includes a minimum of 24 hours of practicum.

• Partnership with the Catholic Institute of Sydney

  This program is offered through an exclusive partnership with the Catholic Institute of Sydney (CIS) and provides the option to participate in this program externally, at one of the eligible CIS campuses or through Notre Dame, at the Fremantle or Sydney campus. By attending the CIS campus in Sydney, you will receive instruction from their internationally trained faculty and lecturers, and earn an accredited degree through the University of Notre Dame Australia.

  Learn more about our partnership.

• Career opportunities

  A Graduate Certificate in the Practice of Ministry can lead to careers in pastoral work, in healthcare organisations, chaplaincy (hospitals, prisons, schools, defence), pastoral counselling, or Church agencies.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from academics who are industry leaders and, through our practicum placements and internship programs, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  Domestic Fee-Paying
  A domestic fee-paying place is a place at university where the student is responsible for the full cost the program.

  Eligible domestic fee-paying students may apply for the FEE-HELP loan scheme which assists eligible fee-paying students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your FEE-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session.

  Phone: 1800 878 916
  Email: sydney@nd.edu.au
  Address: 128-140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008

  Catholic Institute of Sydney
  If you need advice about studying the dual campus program, you can contact the Catholic Institute of Sydney.

  Phone: +61 2 9752 9522
  Email: cisinfo@cis.catholic.edu.au
  Address: 99 Albert Road, Strathfield NSW 2135