Master of Spiritual Direction

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

1. Demonstrate a sound 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.
5. Reflect intelligently and critically on the practice of spiritual direction by undertaking a capstone piece of research.

The Master of Spiritual Direction is a coursework degree for those with a background in theology and an interest in developing a specialisation in spiritual direction. You will develop knowledge, understanding and advanced 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 in earlier eras, 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. A specialisation in spiritual direction requires the ability to undertake meta-level reflection on the discipline.

Drawing from the Ignatian spiritual tradition, the Master of Spiritual Direction provides you with the theological, spiritual, psychological and ethical frameworks, as well as practical skills necessary to undertake spiritual direction as a ministry. It aims to develop your research skills, and as a graduate, you may use this program as a foundation to apply for higher degrees by research.

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 (Inc: THSP502)
• 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

Year 3

• THSP636 Capstone Research Project (Spiritual Direction)
• THEL619 Introduction to Theological and Philosophical Research
• Elective (600 level unit)

Award requirements

To qualify for the degree, a student must complete 120 cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings, including:

• 80 cp from Specified Units (Part A);
• 30 from Research Units (Part B);
• 10 cp from 600-level units from the Unit Schedule for the Master of Theological Studies (Part C).

Exit points

A student who has completed the 80 CP of specified units from the Schedule of Unit Offerings in the Master of Spiritual Direction may exit with a Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction.

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.

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QS Ranking 2024:

34

Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:

29

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

• Completed a Bachelor degree including a major in theology OR a relevant postgraduate qualification in theology, such as the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies; AND
• Demonstrated suitability to undertake the course, as evidenced by interview.

If you have already studied at university level and/or gained relevant skills, knowledge and/or competencies through pathways other than formal study (e.g. substantial work experience within the past 10 years), you may be eligible to receive some credit towards your course. Credited units replace units you would otherwise study, so you can finish your course earlier.