Course Structure

A full-time course structure is studied across two semesters (each of 13 weeks duration), with four subjects completed in each semester. A part-time course structure is studied across two to four years, with one or two subjects completed in each semester.

The Diploma of Chaplaincy comprises of:

• 5 subjects (50 credit points) of core subjects
• 3 subjects (30 credit points) of specialisation or elective subjects

To qualify for award of the degree of Diploma of Chaplaincy a candidate shall accrue an aggregate of at least 80 credit points, including satisfactory completion of the core subjects.

The 100-hour Chaplaincy Placement must commence in your final semester of study.

For more information see the Student Handbook.

Subjects

Core Subjects (50 credit points)

• ACA001 Faith and Purpose
• MIN013 Chaplaincy Ministry
• MIN014 Theories and Practices in Chaplaincy
• MIN015 Chaplaincy Support in Practice
• EXP009 Professional Practice in Chaplaincy

Specialisation or Elective Subjects / 3 Subjects (30 credit points)

Electives

3 subjects taken from accredited AQF Level 5, 6 or 7 subjects offered by AC.

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

Specialisation

Community Chaplaincy

3 subjects taken from accredited AQF Level 5, 6 or 7 subjects offered by AC in Chaplaincy:

• SSC010 Understanding Trauma
• SSC011 Understanding Addictions
• SSC012 Methods of Youth Work

Admission Criteria

Academic

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

Applicants admitted on the basis of their recent secondary education must demonstrate the completion of NSW Higher School Certificate or International Baccalaureate (or the completion of the interstate or overseas equivalent qualification and result) for admission into this course.

Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) Study

Applicants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification must demonstrate the completion of an AQF Level 3 Certificate III or higher by an authorised institution or registered training organisation for admission into this course.

Applicants with Higher Education Study
Applicants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a complete or partially complete higher education qualification must demonstrate the completion or partial completion of an AQF Level 5 Diploma (or higher) by an authorised institution for admission into the Diploma of Chaplaincy.

Applicants with Work and Life Experience

If you are under the age of 21 at the time of commencement, you can apply to a prescribed program of non-award study on the basis of provisional entry, and complete the provisional entry qualifying period to become a full candidate of this course.

If you are over the age of 21 at the time of commencement, you can apply for admission into this course on the basis of provisional entry, and complete the provisional entry qualifying period to become a full candidate.

Language

Overseas students are required to demonstrate their English proficiency skills. Such students admitted into our programs must attain an overall IELTS (or equivalent) score of 6.0 (with no score below 5.5 in any of the four skills areas). IELTS (or equivalent) is not required for applicants who have undertaken five years of required higher education study (or equivalent) in English from an approved country or who have completed a Certificate IV or higher qualification awarded in English under the Australian Qualification Framework by an authorised institution or registered training organisation.

Essential Requirements for Admission

• 200 word Statement of Purpose for undertaking study.
• Letter of Endorsement from current church leader or workplace.
• Working with Children Check (WWCC).

For details of how to meet these essential requirements, check the How to Apply page.

Fees & Timetable

A complete Fee Schedule for all Alphacrucis programs and 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.

FEE-HELP is available for eligible students to assist you in financing your studies. For more information and other options, please visit the Financing Your Study page.

Course Learning Outcomes

Demonstrated:

• general understanding of key issues, recent scholarship and practices within the discipline area of chaplaincy, 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 area of chaplaincy.

Demonstrated ability to:

• identify, analyse and synthesise theoretical knowledge in the discipline area of chaplaincy;
• examine complex problems or presenting issues using appropriate methodologies and theories from the discipline area of chaplaincy;
• employ specialist technical and creative skills to express ideas and perspectives related to the discipline area of chaplaincy;
• communicate effectively to transfer knowledge and specialised chaplaincy skills to peers, clients, and general audiences in diverse contexts;
• apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills acquired within the specialist area of chaplaincy in a range of professional contexts;
• work independently, responsibly and with the level expected in a broad range of professional 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.