Graduate Diploma in Spirituality

The Graduate Diploma in Spirituality is a one-year coursework qualification for people who want to think seriously about spiritual experience, faith and practice, and who already hold a degree. It sits at graduate diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which places it between a bachelor's degree and a master's. You typically enter with a bachelor's degree in any discipline, so it suits people coming from theology, education, health, counselling or ministry, as well as those who studied something entirely different and want to formalise an interest in spirituality.

Most students take the course over one year full-time, or part-time over a longer period. Study is organised into units of study, each carrying a set number of credit points. The exact units on offer, their credit point values and the sequence in which you take them are set by the University of Divinity, so check the official course page for the current structure. At this level you would normally expect to study areas such as the history and theology of Christian spirituality, prayer and contemplative traditions, spiritual direction, and the relationship between spirituality and contemporary life. Assessment is usually by essays, seminar papers and reflective writing rather than exams.

Because the University of Divinity is a specialist institution, teaching is small-group and discussion-based, and you are studying alongside people who work in churches, schools, hospitals and community organisations. Depending on the units you choose, there may be opportunities for supervised practice or placement in spiritual direction or pastoral settings, but placement is not automatic, confirm with the university whether it forms part of your chosen pathway. The skills you build are practical ones: reading a tradition closely, writing clearly about belief and experience, listening well, and reflecting on your own assumptions.

This course suits people who want to deepen their understanding of spirituality without committing to a full master's or a research degree. It can stand alone as professional development, or it can lead on to further study. If you are an international applicant, note that you will need to meet the university's English language requirement, and that the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. Graduates may also be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, depending on the visa rules at the time. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register, and you should confirm fees, intake dates and unit details on the official page.

• Spiritual director or companion in church, retreat and community settings
• Pastoral care worker in hospitals, aged care and community organisations
• Chaplaincy or ministry roles in schools, universities and faith communities
• Religious education teacher or coordinator in faith-based schools
• Programme coordinator or facilitator for retreats, prayer groups and adult formation
• Roles in not-for-profit and community organisations focused on wellbeing and meaning
• Further study toward a master's or research degree in theology or spirituality