Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

The programme combines theological study, the history and theology of Christian spirituality, practical formation in accompaniment, and supervised placement. Core topics typically include:

• Foundations of Christian Spirituality: survey of spiritual traditions, key figures, and historical development of spiritual practices.
• Scripture and Spirituality: approaches to reading Scripture for spiritual formation and direction.
• Theology and Spiritual Theology: theological reflection on prayer, mysticism, sacramentality and the human person.
• Skills in Spiritual Direction: methods of accompaniment, listening skills, discerning movements of spirit, and ethical boundaries.
• Pastoral Practice and Supervision: supervised practice in one‑to‑one spiritual direction, group accompaniment and reflective supervision.
• Research Methods or Capstone Project: training in qualitative methods and a research or practice‑based project that integrates learning from placements and coursework.
• Personal Formation: sustained engagement in retreat, spiritual practice and ongoing personal supervision as an integral element of professional formation.

Delivery commonly mixes seminar‑based units, practical workshops, online study and assessed placements. Assessment methods include reflective journals, practice portfolios, supervised direction hours, essays and a final project or dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree in theology, ministry, counselling, or a related discipline, or to demonstrate equivalent professional experience in pastoral work or spiritual care. Admission frequently requires:

• a completed degree or recognised previous study;
• a personal statement outlining vocational aims and experience in ministry or accompaniment;
• references, including a pastoral or professional referee; and
• a selection interview or pastoral endorsement to assess suitability for the formation aspects of the course.

Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the University’s English language requirements. Specific prerequisites and any recognised prior learning arrangements are confirmed by the faculty at application.

Career prospects

Graduates commonly work as spiritual directors or accompanists in parishes, retreat centres, religious congregations and community settings. Other roles include:

• retreat leader or program coordinator;
• pastoral care worker or chaplaincy roles in health, education or prison contexts (often combined with additional professional requirements);
• formation leader in religious or lay formation programmes;
• supervisor or trainer for emerging spiritual directors;
• further research or teaching in theology and spirituality at postgraduate level.

The programme equips graduates with practice‑based skills, ethical frameworks and reflective capacities valued in a wide range of faith‑based and community settings.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University offers a programme grounded in Catholic intellectual and spiritual traditions while welcoming students from diverse Christian backgrounds. Students benefit from staff who combine academic expertise in spirituality and theology with extensive pastoral and supervisory experience.

The University supports formation through partnerships with diocesan agencies, retreat centres and chaplaincy services, providing authentic placement opportunities and mentorship. Flexible study options, including on‑campus and distance learning components, make the course accessible to students balancing ministry or work commitments.

ACU’s focus on integrating theory, practice and personal formation makes this a strong choice for those seeking rigorous academic study alongside supervised, vocational preparation for spiritual accompaniment and related ministries.