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 available
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2023
Applications 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).

View course rules

Sample program map

Year - Study periodUnit 1Unit 2Unit 3Unit 4Unit 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

Masters (Coursework) - AQF Level 9

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:

  1. 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;
  2. 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:

  1. 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;
  2. 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

Average first year fee*

$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.

Explore your options

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.

Search our scholarships

How to apply

Domestic applicants

Direct application

Apply now

Deferment

Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment.

 

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