Graduate Certificate of Professional Pastoral Supervision

Course Description

The Graduate Certificate of Professional Pastoral Supervision provides professional development for Christian leaders to be equipped for the ministry of pastoral supervision of others. 

The 48 credit point course, comprising four units of 12 credit points each at AQF level 8 or 9, combines theological reflection on the theory and practice of professional pastoral supervision with personal experience of giving and receiving pastoral supervision. 

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate of Professional Pastoral Supervision will be equipped with the advanced knowledge and understanding of, and the research underlying, professional supervision to the level required for recognition as Associate Members of the Australasian Association of Supervision (AAOS).

The subjects in this course are also available at Level 9 for Doctor of Ministry candidates who wish to pursue a specialisation in this field within their degree. Students enrolled in other ACT postgraduate courses may be eligible to complete the three core professional pastoral supervision units as electives within their courses.

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate of Professional Pastoral Supervision and students who complete the three core professional pastoral supervision units as electives within their postgraduate courses will be equipped with the advanced knowledge and understanding of, and the research underlying, professional supervision to the level required for recognition as Associate Members of the Australasian Association of Supervision (AAOS).

Duration	Part-time (up to 2 years)
Mode	Blended learning combining self-paced learning, video conferencing, and in-person classes.
Timing	Part-time Semester or Intensive or Extensive Classes
Course Level	Australian Qualifications Framework Level 8
Unit Level	Delivered at Levels 8-9
Early exit point	N/A
Admission Requirements	Academic Qualification: Completion of 3 year bachelor degree or equivalent; and minimum 2 years’ formal academic studies in Ministry, Theology, Divinity, Chaplaincy. Professional Experience: Minimum 5 years’ experience as a pastor, pastoral ministry worker or chaplain. Personal Readiness: Commendation from current employer and professional supervisor affirming suitability for training as a professional pastoral supervisor.
Fee-Help	Eligible for FEE-HELP and Centrelink allowances
Credit Points	48 (4 subjects)

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Discipline Knowledge and Understanding
   Demonstrate up-to-date advanced knowledge and understanding of the theories and methods of professional supervision, its biblical, theological and ministry foundations and relevant aspects of the Australian legal, ethical and professional context. 
2. Inquiry and Analysis
   Collect, analyse, evaluate and synthesize advanced scholarship in inquiry-based learning of Professional Pastoral Supervision. 
3. Problem Solving and Integration
   Construct evidence-based perspectives on advanced issues in Professional Pastoral Supervision by using recognised source materials, scholarly literature, and reflection on practice in order to evaluate alternative explanations and draw reasoned conclusions. 
4. Communication
   Present advanced ideas, knowledge and principles in Professional Pastoral Supervision and engage with specialist and non-specialist audiences using a variety of formats. 
5. Teamwork and Professional Practice
   As a professional practitioner, apply advanced knowledge of the supervisory alliance to develop professional pastoral relationships with supervisees and other church leaders using a variety of formats. 
6. Engagement With the World
   Develop professional and vocational capacity to support Christian leaders to engage in an ethical manner with the challenges of contemporary Christian leadership in the church, society and the wider world. 
7. Continuous Learning and Professional Development
   Demonstrate advanced skills of reflective practice and self-awareness within supervision practice to sustain personal and professional development. 

The Graduate Certificate of Professional Pastoral Supervision has three core subjects and one elective, each worth 12 credit points.

Core subjects: (36 credit points)

• PC023-812/912: Professional Supervision for Ministry Workers
• PC024-812/912: Advanced Professional Supervision for Ministry Workers
• PC051-812: Professional Pastoral Supervision Practicum

Elective subjects: (12 credit points) 

This course includes one elective. Electives can be completed concurrently with, or subsequent to, core units.  

Electives currently eligible for inclusion in this course are:

• DE014-812 Chaplaincy in Educational Settings
• EM008-812: Cross-cultural Communication
• PC021-812 Mentoring Christian Leaders
• PC033-812 Self-Leadership and Character Formation for Pastors
• PC035-812: Principles of Leadership and Management
• PC049-812: Chaplaincy Skills
• PC053-812 Professional and Personal Wellbeing in Supervision of Christian Ministry Workers
• PC063-812 Positive Approaches in Christian Counselling and Ministry
• PC073-812 Self-Care and Resilience in Ministry
• PC076-812 Personal and Spiritual Formation for Christian Ministry
• PC081-812 Pastoring in the 21st Century
• PC135-812: Pastoral Care for those with Mental Ill-health
• PC136-812: Theological Approaches to Wellbeing
• PC138-812 Leading People, Teams, and Yourself in Christian Contexts  

Enquiries and Applying

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This is a course of the Australian College of Theology.
ACT information about this course can be accessed here.