Master of Spiritual Direction
Course information for - 2023 entry
Offered at 1 locations
- Study mode
- Online
- Duration
- 3 years part-time
- Fees (first year)*
$7900 Fee-paying
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Not availableMidyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2023Applications open April 2023
Overview
The Master of Spiritual Direction is a coursework degree for those with a background in theology and an interest in developing a specialisation in spiritual direction. You will develop knowledge, understanding and advanced 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 in earlier eras, 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. A specialisation in spiritual direction requires the ability to undertake meta-level reflection on the discipline.
Drawing from the Ignatian spiritual tradition, the Master of Spiritual Direction provides you with the theological, spiritual, psychological and ethical frameworks, as well as practical skills necessary to undertake spiritual direction as a ministry. It aims to develop your research skills, and as a graduate, you may use this program as a foundation to apply for higher degrees by research.
Professional recognition
Graduates will be eligible to apply for membership of Companions in the Ministry of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises Companions is a professional association in Australasia of Givers of the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and spiritual directors in the Ignatian tradition. Current students in the Master of Spiritual Direction may apply for student membership of Companions.
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Master of Spiritual Direction, a student must complete 120 credit points (cp).
Sample program map
| Year - Study period | Unit 1 | Unit 2 | Unit 3 | Unit 4 | Unit 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year 1 Semester 1 | THSP520 Introduction to Spiritual Direction in the Ignatian Tradition | THSP521 Psychological Foundations for Supervision and Spiritual Direction | |||
Year 1 Semester 2 | THSP509 Ignatian Discernment and Decision-Making | THSP522 Ethics and Professional Practice in Supervision and Spiritual Direction | |||
Year 2 Semester 1 | THSP632 Spiritual Exercises Theory A * | THSP633 Spiritual Exercises Praxis A # | |||
Year 2 Semester 2 | THSP634 Spiritual Exercises Theory B | THSP635 Spiritual Exercises Praxis B # | |||
Year 3 Semester 1 | THSP636 Capstone Research Project (Spiritual Direction) + | THEL619 Introduction to Theological and Philosophical Research | |||
Year 3 Semester 2 | THSP636 - Capstone Research Project (Spiritual Direction) cont.+ | Elective^ (600 level unit) |
This is a sample program only and units will vary depending on your campus and mode of study. Please refer to the handbook for the prerequisite units and the current listing.
* A prerequisite for enrolment in the Spiritual Exercises sequence of units is the private completion of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises according to annotations 19 or 20.
# A minimum pass mark of 75% (DI) is required in each of Spiritual Exercises Praxis A and B in order to complete the course. Participants not meeting this requirement may be offered an alternative pathway through the Graduate Diploma or Master of Theological Studies.
^ Students may choose a taught unit in any theological subdiscipline OR a research project unit that enables them to add further depth to the area of research selected for THSP636. The latter option is recommended for students potentially wishing to apply for a higher degree by research.
Graduates are referred to the Arrupe Program as a way of enhancing their professional practice by being able to offer the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises.
+ THSP636 Capstone Research Project (Spiritual Direction) is a 12 month commitment.
AQF framework
Exit Points
A student who has completed the 80 cp of specified units from the Schedule of Unit Offerings in the Master of Spiritual Direction may exit with a Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction.
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 including a major in theology OR a relevant postgraduate qualification in theology, such as the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies and;
- demonstrated suitability to undertake the course, as evidenced by interview.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2023 Admission.
Applicants with higher education study
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have:
- completed a Bachelor degree including a major in theology OR a relevant postgraduate qualification in theology, such as the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies and;
- demonstrated suitability to undertake the course, as evidenced by interview.
English language requirements
Applicants should carefully review the details outlined in Schedule 3 of the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy to check how they must demonstrate their English Language Proficiency.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience
Applicants seeking to enter the Master of Spiritual Direction who do not have a background in theological study are invited to apply for the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies in order to meet at a later point, the educational requirements for admission to the program.
Fees
Course costs
$7900 Fee-paying
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- the number of units studied per semester;
- the choice of major or specialisation; and
- elective units.
The University reviews fees annually.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
Domestic applicants
Direct application
Apply nowDeferment
Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment.