Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction

The Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction provides formation for the ministry of spiritual direction.

Students explore the dynamics of Christian spirituality through reflection on their personal experience and integration of this with insights from the literature.

Graduates are equipped for the ministry of spiritual direction in the particular tradition.

The Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction consists of 144 points comprised of one of the following programs:

Program 1: Wellspring

Candidates must complete the units:

a) DS9201W Art of Contemplative Practice

b) DD8202W Art of Spiritual Direction I

c) DD8203W Art of Spiritual Direction II

d) A further 24 points.

Program 2: Ignatian

Candidates must complete the units:

a) Either DS8051J/DS8059J My Experience of the Spiritual Exercises or DS9061J/DS9069J Relational Psychodynamics

b) DD8221J/DD8229J Spiritual Exercises: Theory 1

c) DD8231J/DD8239J Spiritual Exercises: Theory 2

d) DD8241J Spiritual Exercises: Practice A

e) DD8251J Spiritual Exercises: Practice B

f) A further 24 points of elective study

Program 3: Siloam

Candidates must complete the units:

a) Either DD8701Y: Religious Experience and the Christian Spiritual Tradition I (Full-time) or DD8711Y: Religious Experience and the Christian Spiritual Tradition I (Part-time)

b) Either DD8703Y: Personal Awareness and Human Development I (Full-time) or DD8713Y: Personal Awareness and Human Development I (Part-time)

c) Either DD8705Y: Spiritual Direction Practicum I (Full-time) or DD8715Y: Spiritual Direction Practicum I (Part-time)

The three units above must be completed concurrently.

d) Either DD8702Y: Religious Experience and the Christian Spiritual Tradition II (Full-time) or DD8712Y: Religious Experience and the Christian Spiritual Tradition II (Part-time)

e) Either DD8704Y: Personal Awareness and Human Development II (Full-time) or DD8714Y: Personal Awareness and Human Development II (Part-time)

f) Either DD8706Y: Spiritual Direction Practicum II (Full-time) or DD8716Y: Spiritual Direction Practicum II (Part-time)

The three units above must be completed concurrently

Successful completion of an undergraduate degree, or an approved equivalent.

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction:

1. have knowledge of the history, theory, content and dynamics of the Christian spirituality;
2. have knowledge of the art of spiritual direction, including the necessary dispositions of the spiritual director and key skills required;
3. apply skills of spiritual direction under supervision;
4. apply skills of spiritual direction within a range of contexts including retreats.