Chaplaincy & Community Services

Diploma of Chaplaincy

Can you see yourself making a profound impact on people's lives through compassionate care and spiritual support. Could you imagine being a beacon of hope in schools, hospitals, community centres, sports clubs and beyond. The Diploma of Chaplaincy at Alphacrucis University College, endorsed by Chaplaincy Australia, equips you with the practical and theological training needed to step up to this calling.

Course Duration
1 year full time, up to 4 years part time
Study Modes
Online Recorded, Live Intensive
Study Locations
Online
Start Dates
March (S1), Aug (S2), November (Summer)
Fees
$1,500 per subject
FEE-HELP
Subjects/Units
8

What is the Diploma of Chaplaincy?

The Diploma of Chaplaincy is an accredited qualification designed to prepare aspiring chaplains for meaningful ministry across various contexts. This dynamic program combines online and intensive study, providing a comprehensive learning experience. You will gain practical skills and theological insights to minister to those in need, understanding the complexities of the human experience and making a lasting difference in people’s lives. The course includes a 100-hour placement component, allowing you to apply your learning in real-world settings, ensuring you have confidence to step into a chaplaincy role with compassion and expertise.

Who is this for?

•Aspiring Chaplains: Are you called to provide spiritual and emotional support to people in various contexts?
•Current Ministry Leaders: Do you want to deepen your knowledge and enhance your practical skills to better serve those in need?
•Faith-Driven Individuals: Are you passionate about integrating your Christian faith with your vocational pursuits in pastoral care?
•Community and Service-Oriented Individuals: Do you aim to impact sectors such as healthcare, education, emergency services, sports and entertainment and more with your chaplaincy skills?

Outcomes

Graduates of the Diploma of Chaplaincy will be well-prepared to apply their skills in various professional and community settings. Career chaplaincy roles can be found in:
•Schools
•Workplaces
•Hospitals and Health Care settings
•Sports Clubs and Teams
•Community Centres
•Aged Care
•And many more..!

Studying the Cert IV in Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care at AC was the first course I had ever done which truly felt like 'me'. The course sharpened my skills and taught me so much about professionalism, governance, crisis support, and boundaries around caring for people.

Nadia Lino, Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care Graduate

Accreditation

All Alphacrucis Chaplaincy training is endorsed by Chaplaincy Australia.

Course Structure

Subjects & Units

Core
5 Subjects
50 Credit Points
Faith and Purpose ACA001
Discover the foundations of faith and how it relates to one's worldview and purpose. Students will explore the Christian story from Scripture and express ideas of their own faith, examine how faith shapes views on the meaning and purpose of life, the value of humanity and ideas of human flourishing. Expand your perspective in this core subject and understand the significance of faith in all areas of life.
Chaplaincy Ministry MIN013
In this unit, students will start their journey into providing pastoral and spiritual care and develop the skills and understanding of how the chaplain is formed and developed considering; ethical and legal considerations; learning effective communication skills; boundaries; and the value and importance of self care and professional supervision.
Theories and Practices in Chaplaincy MIN014
This unit continues to build on the previous integration of your skills, knowledge and understanding of chaplaincy practices and theories and how to assess clients needs, ensure ethical and legal consideration and working with diverse people within a chaplaincy and pastoral care role.
Chaplaincy Support in Practice MIN015
This unit builds on the previous learning and knowledge of chaplaincy and pastoral care and provides students with further understanding of responding to clients with issues such as grief and loss; mental health concerns and identify individuals at risk of suicide to ensure immediate and ongoing safety as required.
Professional Practice in Chaplaincy EXP009
This unit is the intersection of combining previous experience and knowledge developed throughout the course with practical on the job placement opportunities to work as a chaplain or pastoral carer in a supportive workplace environment providing valuable insights and understanding of how a chaplain responds within a professional practice.
Specialisation (Required for Chaplaincy Australia Accreditation)
3 Subjects
30 Credit Points
Community Chaplaincy Specialisation
Understanding Trauma SSC010
This valuable unit for professional chaplains and pastoral carers equips students with a trauma informed care framework when responding to people impacted by traumas such as domestic and family violence, disasters, health and life circumstances that have significantly impacted their current or past wellbeing and how to promote resilience, healing and recieve appropriate ongoing support as required.
Understanding Addictions SSC011
This comprehensive unit equips students with the necessary skills to address and support individuals facing various addictions. The subject also covers identifying community resources, implementing ethical practices, and understanding legal concerns. This training is essential for those preparing to offer holistic, informed support in chaplaincy or counselling roles.
Methods of Youth Work SSC012
Through this dynamic unit, students are prepared to effectively engage with young people across various social, historical, economic, legal, and political contexts. This subject teaches essential skills for chaplaincy within both church-based and community settings, emphasising relationship building, collaboration with other agencies, and comprehensive youth service provision.
Electives
3 Subjects
30 Credit Points
Choose 3 of the following subjects
Introduction to Business Analytics BUS004
Write Songs WOR002

This subject equips students with an understanding of compositional techniques so they can compose their own original music. Students will gain an understanding of harmonic and melodic structures and will arrange song elements to maximise the intent and impact of songs.

Introduction to Worship Ministry WOR001

This is an essential subject for those looking to deepen their understanding of the spiritual, biblical, and theological aspects of worship. Explore the role of music and arts within worship and examines the various roles and responsibilities in contemporary worship ministry. This unit is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in or aspiring to enter this vital area of church life.

Introduction to Theology THE005
Do you sometimes wonder whether Christian beliefs about things like the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus make any sense? This unit offers an in-depth look at these core concepts. It covers a range of topics from the nature of God and creation to the roles of Christ and the coming kingdom of God, providing insights into how faith shapes our actions and purpose.
Youth Ministry MIN006
Embark on a comprehensive exploration of the foundation of youth ministry, where biblical, historical, and theological insights intersect with contemporary culture.
Music Ensembles MUS035

To perform effectively within an ensemble, it is crucial to sharpen your skills in group performance, harmonise effectively with others and deepen your understanding of ensemble dynamics. This subject focuses on the critical elements of successful performances, from selecting styles and techniques that suit your group's objectives to mastering the art of audience engagement—perfect for musicians aiming to elevate their collaborative abilities and stage presence.

Music Performance MUS030

Enhancing your onstage presence and refining performance skills are essential to any musician. The unit delves into the practical aspects of performing, including preparation, audience engagement, and technique extension. It also covers business considerations, such as negotiating contracts and managing relationships.

Independent Study in Specific Creative Arts MUS020

Through this unit, students are offered a dynamic environment where they can hone their artistic skills through performance and peer collaboration. This highly practical subject encourages you to explore various genres, focusing on solo and ensemble work while tackling performance techniques like managing stress and enhancing audience engagement—ideal for artists seeking to refine their craft and express their creative vision effectively in live settings.

Music Theory, Aural Skills, and Technology MUS010

There are important tools required to understand music's unique language of pitch, rhythm, and dynamics. This subject enhances your theoretical knowledge, aural perception, and musical literacy, integrating technology as a pivotal tool in learning and creating music. Whether you're aiming to compose, perform, or simply deepen your understanding of music, this unit provides a comprehensive platform for your musical development.

Foundations of Marketing MKT001

Understanding the foundations of marketing is crucial for anyone looking to effectively promote ideas, products, or services. This course offers insight into how organisations identify and understand their markets and tailor creative marketing campaigns successfully. Students will explore the marketing mix's components, develop strategies from legal, ethical, and Christian perspectives, and learn to apply these concepts in various contexts.

Chaplaincy Support in Practice MIN015
This unit builds on the previous learning and knowledge of chaplaincy and pastoral care and provides students with further understanding of responding to clients with issues such as grief and loss; mental health concerns and identify individuals at risk of suicide to ensure immediate and ongoing safety as required.
Theories and Practices in Chaplaincy MIN014
This unit continues to build on the previous integration of your skills, knowledge and understanding of chaplaincy practices and theories and how to assess clients needs, ensure ethical and legal consideration and working with diverse people within a chaplaincy and pastoral care role.
Chaplaincy Ministry MIN013
In this unit, students will start their journey into providing pastoral and spiritual care and develop the skills and understanding of how the chaplain is formed and developed considering; ethical and legal considerations; learning effective communication skills; boundaries; and the value and importance of self care and professional supervision.
Character Formation and Ministry MIN012
Students dive into the rich tapestry of Christian spirituality beyond traditional worship practices. This unit will explore how to deepen community spirituality while respecting boundaries and invites students to discover their broader spiritual heritage.
Children’s Ministry MIN005
Explore the key components of children's ministry and how to effectively engage a younger audience with a gospel message.
Preaching MIN003
Ever wished to harness your favorite preacher's persuasive power to elevate biblically sound sermons and uplift your congregation? Explore the transformational potential of preaching in this unit, equipped with rhetorical tools to craft impactful messages that resonate deeply with postmodern audiences.
Introduction to Pastoral Ministry MIN001
Ever wished to harness your favorite preacher's persuasive power to elevate biblically sound sermons and uplift your congregation? Explore the transformational potential of preaching in this unit, equipped with rhetorical tools to craft impactful messages that resonate deeply with postmodern audiences.
Project Management MAN003

Driving projects towards success is key in any professional setting. This unit equips students with the skills to plan, execute, and oversee projects effectively. You will learn about various project stages, from setting goals and managing budgets to evaluating team performance, helping you to deliver successful outcomes and enhance your career prospects.

Introduction to Management MAN001

Through this introductory unit, students are given a dynamic entry into the world of business leadership, where every day presents new challenges and opportunities. Explore a blend of contemporary management theories with real-world applications, including the integration of sustainable development practices. Students will also consider the role of ethics and social responsibility from a Christian perspective, and how these principles are applied in organisational settings.

Leadership Principles LEA005
Exploring leadership through contemporary theory and a Christian worldview can profoundly enhance your effectiveness across various settings, including ministry and business. This unit offers a deep understanding of different leadership theories and their applications, enhancing your ability to lead with ethics and adaptability. Students will develop skills in communication, team building, and critical analysis, preparing them for diverse leadership challenges.
Personal Leadership LEA004
Understanding personal leadership through biblical and theological principles equips students with skills in self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and self-discipline. This subject prepares you to articulate a vision aligned with Christian values, improve communication, and enhance personal and professional effectiveness, fostering resilience and adaptability.
Introduction to Accounting & Bookkeeping ACC001
This subject demystifys accounting and finance concepts for those with non-accounting backgrounds. Gain a clear, step-by-step understanding of essential accounting practices, generate and analyse basic accounting data and reports, understand financial ratios and appreciate their impact on business decisions. This foundation is invaluable for understanding and managing finances effectively, relevant for all sectors.
Introduction to Cross Cultural Ministry CCM001
Be equipped as a future pastor or church leader to inspire vision and make an impact in Australian churches with a world mission focus.
Introduction to Business Legal Environments and Ethics BUS003

Understanding the legal and ethical dimensions of business is essential for those aiming to lead with integrity in today's world. While covering important topics from the Principles of Australian Law to ethical and theological perspectives, this unit equips students to navigate multiple aspects of the legal environment thoughtfully and morally.

Australian Legal Environment and Ethics BUS002

Understanding the intersection of law, ethics and business is vital for anyone leading within today's complex environment. This unit offers a foundational understanding of business law, emphasising the alignment of legal practices with ethical and moral frameworks. Students will gain insight into the principles of Australian law, consumer rights, and governance, equipping them with a foundation of legal and ethical principles.

Quantitative Skills BUS001

Navigating numbers is a crucial skill in business and translates directly into effective management and decision-making. This subject lays the groundwork for success with financial mathematics, tailoring its content to benefit individuals across all skill levels. Ideal as a precursor to more advanced studies in statistics, accounting, and finance, it offers a deep dive into the quantitative skills needed to solve real-world business problems.

New Testament Foundations BIB010
The New Testament is an exciting document that outlines the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and the early writings of the church. This subject will introduce the purpose, content, and message of the New Testament books with particular focus on the historical and cultural implications of their setting, and how this broad diversity of literature presents an incredibly unified and coherent message.
Old Testament Foundations BIB009
The Old Testament is the first instance of God’s self-revelation to humanity. It points forward to Jesus and it provides glimpses of the Holy Spirit at work. The themes, theology, wisdom, history, and narrative form the basis for our understanding of God. This subject will equip you to uncover the significance and relevance of the Old Testament to being a disciple of Jesus.

Work-Integrated Learning

Work-Integrated Learning may be undertaken through various Professional Practice and Professional Experience subjects at AC. These subjects seek to create a direct linkage between the learning, skills and values engaged in lectures, and the reflection which occurs when these are applied in real-life settings. These work-based training subjects comprise of instruction, academic assessment and a placement in a workplace for each subject.

More Information

For more information and details of previous course structures see Student Handbook.

*You can also use the Subject & Unit Search to explore the subjects (including electives) available to enrol in for this course and can filter by subject area and level.
For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students, please see our Timetables.

What people say

  • Learning Outcomes

    Knowledge

    • General understanding of key issues, recent scholarship and practices within the discipline area of chaplaincy, consistent with a Christian worldview.
    • Depth of understanding of practical fieldwork.
    • Technical and theoretical understanding of basic research principles and methods, and knowledge of research approaches used in the discipline area of chaplaincy.

    Ability

    • Identify, analyse and synthesise theoretical knowledge in the discipline area of chaplaincy.
    • Examine complex problems or presenting issues using appropriate methodologies and theories from the discipline area of chaplaincy.
    • Employ specialist technical and creative skills to express ideas and perspectives related to the discipline area of chaplaincy.
    • Communicate effectively to transfer knowledge and specialised chaplaincy skills to peers, clients, and general audiences in diverse contexts.
    • Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills acquired within the specialist area of chaplaincy in a range of professional contexts.
    • Work independently, responsibly and with the level expected in a broad range of professional and chaplaincy contexts.
    • Collaborate in team projects to make a positive contribution toward social issues.
    • Undertake self-reflection and evaluation of performance for the purpose of vocational development.

    Admission Criteria

    Entry Requirements

    International Students – Language Requirements

    IELTS (or equivalent) Score of 6.0 (with no score below 5.5 in any of the four skills areas)

    Working With Children Check (WWCC)

    All students are required to complete the new Working with Children Check (or state equivalent) online before they will be allowed to participate in professional practice subjects.

    Students will be classified as a ‘volunteer’ in Education.

    Letter of Endorsement

    A formal letter written by a community leader endorsing your suitability for chaplaincy work.

    Statement of Purpose

    A 200-word (maximum length) Statement of Purpose is a short summary of why you wish to study this program.

    Work and Life Experience – Applicants over 21 who do not meet academic requirements

    If you are over 21: apply for admission and complete the provisional entry qualifying period to become a full candidate of the course.

    This is an alternate pathway for applicants who do not meet other academic requirements.

    Work and Life Experience – Applicants under 21 who do not meet academic requirements

    If you are under 21: apply for non-award study and complete the provisional entry qualifying period to become a full candidate of the course.

    This is an alternate pathway for applicants who do not meet other academic requirements.

    Higher Education Study

    Completion of an AQF Level 5 Higher Education Diploma (or higher) by an authorised institution.

    Vocational Education and Training (VET)

    Completion of a Certificate III or higher by an authorised institution or registered training organisation.

    Recent Secondary Education (with the past 2 years)

    Completion of NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) (or the completion of an International Baccalaureate or the interstate or overseas equivalent qualification).

    How to Apply

    • Get Started

      Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.

    • Apply

      It’s easy! Apply online below or contact us and we can help on 1300 228 355.

    • Offer

      We’ll contact you shortly after to confirm your details and help you through the rest of the process.

    Key Dates
    Semester 1
    Term 1
    February / March
    Term 2
    April
    Semester 2
    Term 3
    July / August
    Term 4
    November