Graduate Certificate of Professional Pastoral Supervision

“Ministry is a demanding calling to live out. Whether the ministry is ordained or lay, it needs support, encouragement, and space for growth and learning from experience – both our own and other people’s.”

Nick Helm

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While experience may be the best teacher, reflecting with another on our experiences tends to helps us overcome our blindspots, resulting in a richer harvest of insight. At the heart of the ministry of Professional Pastoral Supervision, lies the conviction that the best people to offer the kind of brave space Christian ministry professionals need, are themselves Christian professionals.

The Graduate Certificate of Professional Pastoral Supervision is designed to provide professional development to Christian Professionals with at least five years experience in their field of expertise, who would like to develop the skills to support other Christian professionals in their practice. The blended course delivery enables students to participate as easily in the program, whether from rural, remote or urban contexts. Graduates of the Graduate Certificate of Professional Pastoral Supervision will be equipped with advanced knowledge, understanding of, and the research underlying, professional supervision to the level required for recognition as Associate Members of the Australasian Association of Supervision (AAOS).

Endorsement

Pastoral ministry in contemporary Australia is increasingly complex and challenging. Intentional processes which provide for reflective practice have never been more important for pastoral leaders' personal well-being and professional development. In providing a Graduate Certificate in Professional Pastoral Supervision, Ridley College meets a real need to train up theologically informed and pastorally skilled supervisors.

Tim Dyer

Church Consultant
Mentor and Leadership Trainer
The Johnmark Extension

Student Testimonies

I can't speak highly enough about Ridley’s training for Professional Pastoral Supervision. From the word go, the trainers have been responsive to our requests, guiding us through the course. The quality of material covered - whether face-to-face, online, or through the set readings - has been incredibly high.

Best of all, the trainers have embodied the training. So many of the things that are considered important in Professional Supervision - collaboration, patience, avoiding the simple answer, and curiosity - have been modelled time and again.

Through this course, I am becoming better equipped to serve those in ministry, and my heart for the area of Supervision has been enlarged.

James Cox
Ridley Master's Student and Chaplain

I am really enjoying studying the Graduate Certificate of Pastoral Professional Supervision at Ridley, and looking forward to being qualified to supervise school chaplains. The course units effectively integrate the theory and practice of giving and receiving supervision.

I loved connecting with the staff and other students during the 3 day intensive on campus in Semester one, especially as the rest of the reading and study is via Zoom and on my own at home.

The student portal provides a platform to communicate with the lecturers and other students, through a general discussion forum. The Ridley staff are both approachable and knowledgeable, providing resources, guidance and support throughout the course.

Rose Cook
Ridley GCPPS Student

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Accreditation Pathways

Pathway #1

Graduate Certificate of Professional 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).

Time: Up to 2 years part-time.
Study Mode: Blended learning combining self-paced learning, video conferencing, and in-person workshops.
Course Structure: 48 credit points; four units of 12 credit points each at AQF level 8 or 9.
Financial Support: Unit fees are set by the Australian College of Theology each year. FEE-HELP is available for eligible students.

Pathway #2

Recognised Supervisor Training Program

Students enrolled in other ACT postgraduate courses may be eligible to complete the three core professional pastoral supervision units as electives within their courses. Upon successful completion of these units students may apply for recognition as Associate Members of the Australasian Association of Supervision (AAOS).

Study Mode: Blended learning combining self-paced learning, video conferencing, and in-person workshops.
Course Structure: 36 credit points; four units of 12 credit points each at AQF level 8 or 9.
Financial Support: Unit fees are set by the Australian College of Theology each year. FEE-HELP is available for eligible students.

Teaching Faculty

The Rev Kate Beer

Professional Pastoral Supervision Program Lead

Kate is a Supervisor Member of the Australian Association of Supervisors with experience in training and equipping Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Christian leaders for diverse leadership roles. Kate’s research has explored the development of culturally and linguistically appropriate models of providing pastoral supervision in intercultural contexts.

The Rev Canon Dr Richard Trist

Adjunct Lecturer in Professional Pastoral Supervision

Richard is qualified in professional supervision through St Mark’s National Theological Centre, Canberra, and has been lecturing in professional supervision since 2018.

The Rev Dr Graham Stanton

Lecturer in Practical Theology

Graham lectures in practical theology and directs the Ridley Centre for Children’s and Youth Ministry. Graham is an experienced educator in face-to-face, residential, and online learning.

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As an affiliated college of the Australian College of Theology, Ridley College is approved to deliver the following courses of the ACT (CRICOS 02650E)

Endorsement

Student Testimonies

Accreditation Pathways

Pathway #1

Graduate Certificate of Professional Pastoral Supervision

Time: Up to 2 years part-time.

Study Mode: Blended learning combining self-paced learning, video conferencing, and in-person workshops.

Course Structure: 48 credit points; four units of 12 credit points each at AQF level 8 or 9.

Financial Support: Unit fees are set by the Australian College of Theology each year. FEE-HELP is available for eligible students.

Pathway #2

Recognised Supervisor Training Program

Study Mode: Blended learning combining self-paced learning, video conferencing, and in-person workshops.

Course Structure: 36 credit points; four units of 12 credit points each at AQF level 8 or 9.

Financial Support: Unit fees are set by the Australian College of Theology each year. FEE-HELP is available for eligible students.

Teaching Faculty

The Rev Kate Beer

The Rev Canon Dr Richard Trist

The Rev Dr Graham Stanton

Download Prospectus