Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction Australian Catholic University (ACU)

The Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction is coursework degree for those who are interested in becoming a spiritual director, but do not have formal background in theology. You will develop knowledge, understanding and the foundational skills suited to the ethical, self-aware and safe practice of spiritual direction in the Ignatian tradition, normally in Christian contexts.

Minimum Duration:

2 years part-time

Campus:

Online

Spiritual Direction is the process and practice through which a skilled individual helps another to grow in intimacy with God. It is the practice of being with people as they attempt to deepen their relationship with the divine, or to learn and grow in their own personal spirituality. Understood as a ministry within the church suitable for trained lay people, religious and ordained ministers, spiritual direction has a long and revered history in the Christian tradition.

The Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction is coursework degree for those who are interested in becoming a spiritual director, but do not have formal background in theology. You will develop knowledge, understanding and the foundational skills suited to the ethical, self-aware and safe practice of spiritual direction in the Ignatian tradition, normally in Christian contexts.

In the present day, when the choice to belong to institutional religious traditions is perhaps more complex than previously, the role of Spiritual Directors assumes a new importance as people seek to find meaning and purpose. Spiritual directors must be experienced persons of prayer, humility and integrity, able to listen to, be with, and guide others as they seek to deepen their relationship with God.

Drawing from the Ignatian spiritual tradition, the Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction aims to provide you with the theological, spiritual, psychological and ethical frameworks, as well as practical skills necessary to undertake spiritual direction as a ministry.

Entry requirements

An applicant must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have:

completed a Bachelor degree and;

demonstrated suitability to undertake the course, as evidenced by interview with the Course Coordinator.