Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction

Students who successfully complete this program will be equipped with the knowledge to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Christian theology, traditions and approaches in spiritual direction;
2. Apply theological knowledge as well as appropriate values and skills in spiritual direction to professional practice;
3. Demonstrate a high degree of self-awareness, as well as knowledge of and adherence to safe and ethical practices in working with clients;
4. Demonstrate effective skills in listening to others and the ability to challenge, question and affirm, as appropriate.

The Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction is coursework degree for those who are interested in becoming a spiritual director, but do not have formal background in theology. You will develop knowledge, understanding and the foundational skills suited to the ethical, self-aware and safe practice of spiritual direction in the Ignatian tradition, normally in Christian contexts.

In the present day, when the choice to belong to institutional religious traditions is perhaps more complex than previously, the role of Spiritual Directors assumes a new importance as people seek to find meaning and purpose. Spiritual directors must be experienced persons of prayer, humility and integrity, able to listen to, be with, and guide others as they seek to deepen their relationship with God.

Drawing from the Ignatian spiritual tradition, the Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction aims to provide you with the theological, spiritual, psychological and ethical frameworks, as well as practical skills necessary to undertake spiritual direction as a ministry.

Recommended study pattern

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Year 1:

• THSP520 - Introduction to Spiritual Direction in the Ignatian Tradition
• THSP521 - Psychological Foundations for Supervision and Spiritual Direction
• THSP509 - Ignatian Discernment and Decision-Making
• THSP522 - Ethics and Professional Practice in Supervision and Spiritual Direction

Year 2:

• THSP632 - Spiritual Exercises Theory A
• THSP633 - Spiritual Exercises Praxis A
• THSP634 - Spiritual Exercises Theory B
• THSP635 - Spiritual Exercises Praxis B

Award requirements

To qualify for the degree of Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction, a student must complete 80 cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $16,992

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Established in 1991 after amalgamating four eastern Australian Catholic tertiary institutes, Australian Catholic University now has seven campuses, from Brisbane to Melbourne and welcomes students of all beliefs. Specialising in arts, business, education, health sciences, law, theology and philosophy, ACU encourages its students to think critically and ethically and bring change to their communities and offer this online through Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about ACU.

Explore ACU courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

35

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

26

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have:

1. Completed a Bachelor degree and;
2. Demonstrated suitability to undertake the course, as evidenced by interview.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.

If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.