Course Description
Drawing on AC’s expertise in social science, this course introduces a broad range of social science topics, with a focus on the psychology of emotion and wellbeing. This includes aspects of physical, emotional, spiritual and behavioural wellbeing. This course is ideal for pastors and ministry workers looking to increase their skills and training in counselling and pastoral care. Graduates will develop skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication at a postgraduate level.
Course Structure
The course structure is based on one semester (each of 13 weeks duration), with four subjects taught across the semester. It comprises:
- 1 core subject (10 credit points)
- 3 elective subjects (30 credit points)
To qualify for an award of the Graduate Certificate in Wellbeing Studies, a candidate shall accrue an aggregate of at least 40 credit points, including satisfactory completion of the core subjects.
For more information see the Student Handbook.
Subjects
Core/ 1 Subject (10 credit points)
Electives/ 3 Subjects (30 credit points)
Admission Criteria
Academic
Applicants with Recent Secondary Education (within the past 2 years)
This course of study requires the completion of a higher education qualification by an authorised institution. Applicants with recent high school education only are not eligible for direct entry into this course.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) Study
This course of study requires the completion of a higher education qualification by an authorised institution. Applicants with a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification only are not eligible for direct entry into this course.
Applicants with Higher Education Study
Applicants whose highest level of study enrolment since leaving secondary education is a higher education qualification must demonstrate the completion of a Bachelor degree or higher (or equivalent) in any discipline by an authorised institution for admission into this course.
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Applicants seeking entry into this course may be eligible for Professional Entry where they can demonstrate a minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience in a managerial or professional leadership role. This may include:
- Managers and leaders in non-government organisations which act to further social or cultural outworking of Christian ministry; or
- People who are fulfilling positions of responsibility including team or industry leadership.
Applicants must submit a copy of their CV with a cover letter outlining how they meet the above criteria, or equivalent.
Essential Entry Requirements
All applicants must submit a Statement of Intention as part of their application for admission into this course. This should include the email and phone contact details for at least two professional referees.
The Program Director or delegated representative may conduct a pre-admission interview for applicants as part of their application for admission into this course.
All students are required to complete the new Working with Children Check online before they will be allowed to participate in professional practice subjects. Students will be classified as a ‘volunteer’.
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 6.5 (with no score below 6.0 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.
Study Modes
Locations: Online, SydneyFull-time Duration: 6 months
Part-time Duration: Up to 2 years
2023 Intakes: Oct Intake, Nov Intake
2024 Intakes: Sem 1, Sem 2, Nov Intake
See the timetable to confirm individual subject location and mode availability.
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, MCU and Professional development dates please see our Timetables.
Course Learning Outcomes
Knowledge:
Demonstrated:
- integrated understanding of key issues, theoretical concepts and practices within wellbeing studies context;
- knowledge of various approaches used in wellbeing studies within the Christian worldview framework;
Skills:
Demonstrated ability to:
- critically apply knowledge developed for use in wellbeing studies;
- use critical, evidence-based and innovative thinking skills to analyse and synthesise ideas and theories from other disciplines related to wellbeing studies;
- effectively communicate ideas and proposed solutions to peers and general audiences;
- identify and critically evaluate new developments and scholarship in wellbeing studies;
Application of Knowledge and Skills:
Demonstrated ability to:
- articulate appropriate solutions to emerging challenges in the discipline;
- evaluate broad conceptual frameworks in wellbeing studies;
- critically and independently apply the knowledge and skills required as an informed practioner in the field.
Career Opportunities
Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Wellbeing Studies will be upskilled in providing support in aspects of physical, emotional, spiritual, and behavioural wellbeing. Students undertaking this course will already be working in people-helping roles such as:
- Pastoral Carers
- Ministers
- Chaplains
- Youth Workers
- Health Services
Student Services
For more information on the suite of student support services available, please see our Student Services section.