Diploma, Christian Counselling
Compassionate Care, Biblical Wisdom, Ethical Practice.
About This Program
Program Description
The Diploma in Christian Counselling offers an integrated programme of study combining counselling theory, biblical studies, Christian doctrine, ethics, human development, pastoral theology and supervised field education.
Students are introduced to the principles and practices of Christian counselling and learn how to establish supportive relationships, listen effectively, respond with empathy and apply appropriate counselling techniques. They examine major counselling theories and consider how these approaches may be evaluated and applied within a Christian framework.
The programme provides a strong foundation in biblical studies, Christian worldview and doctrine, enabling students to understand the theological principles that inform Christian care. Courses in pastoral care, ethics and human development help students recognise the spiritual, emotional, relational and developmental needs of individuals at different stages of life.
Academic writing, critical thinking and logic strengthen students’ ability to evaluate ideas, communicate clearly and engage responsibly with counselling and ministry issues. Supervised field education provides opportunities to apply knowledge and skills in approved church, ministry or community settings under appropriate guidance.
Graduates are prepared to offer foundational pastoral support and lay counselling within the limits of their training. The diploma does not by itself confer professional licensure or clinical practitioner status. Graduates seeking regulated or independent professional practice may need additional education, supervised clinical experience and registration in accordance with the requirements of their jurisdiction.
Specializations
- Christian Counselling Foundations
- Pastoral Care and Supportive Ministry
- Biblical and Theological Foundations
- Human Development and Christian Formation
- Counselling Ethics and Responsible Practice
- Supervised Church and Community Care
Core Courses
- COU 101 — Introduces the foundations of Christian counselling, including active listening, empathy, helping relationships, biblical integration and appropriate boundaries.
- GEN 101 — Examines the foundations of a Christian worldview and its application to personal conduct, learning, ministry, relationships and society.
- BIB 101 — Introduces the structure, major themes, historical context and foundational principles for studying and interpreting the Bible.
- PAS 201 — Examines the biblical and theological foundations of pastoral care and their application to spiritual, emotional and relational support.
- COU 201 — Surveys major counselling theories and develops introductory techniques for assessment, communication, intervention, support and referral.
- GEN 102 — Develops foundational academic reading, writing, research, referencing, note-taking and study skills for higher education.
- ETH 201 — Explores Christian moral reasoning and its application to personal conduct, ministry responsibility, confidentiality, boundaries and ethical decision-making.
- MIN 290 — Provides supervised introductory ministry experience in an approved church, counselling, educational or community care setting.
- GEN 201 — Develops critical thinking, logical reasoning, argument evaluation and responsible decision-making for ministry and counselling contexts.
- HDS 201 — Examines physical, cognitive, emotional, social and spiritual development across the human lifespan from a Christian perspective.
- THE 101 — Introduces foundational Christian doctrines and their significance for faith, personal formation, counselling and ministry practice.
- MIN 390 — Provides advanced supervised field experience requiring students to integrate counselling knowledge, ethical practice and pastoral care skills in an approved setting.
Admissions
Entry Requirements
A secondary school qualification or recognised equivalent
Evidence of Christian commitment and good character
A recommendation from a church or ministry leader
A personal statement outlining the applicant’s interest in Christian counselling, pastoral care or supportive ministry
What You'll Achieve
Learning Outcomes
Apply foundational listening, communication and counselling skills in supportive care settings
Explain major counselling theories and introductory counselling techniques
Integrate biblical wisdom and Christian theology with foundational counselling practice
Demonstrate empathy, compassion, respect and appropriate interpersonal sensitivity
Recognise common spiritual, emotional, relational and developmental concerns
Apply Christian ethical principles to counselling and pastoral care situations
Maintain appropriate confidentiality, professional boundaries and responsible record-handling practices
Identify situations that require referral to qualified clinical, medical, safeguarding or specialist professionals
Provide competent foundational pastoral support within churches, ministries and community organisations
Evaluate counselling and ministry issues using critical thinking and logical reasoning
Apply knowledge of human development to age-appropriate pastoral and counselling support
Demonstrate practical competence through supervised field education
Communicate counselling and ministry concepts clearly in written and spoken form
Progress to bachelor’s degree study in Christian counselling, pastoral counselling or a related field
After Graduation
Career Opportunities
A Closer Look
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