Master of Spiritual Direction

Course Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
AQF and Course Codes
  • Masters Degree (AQF 9)
  • CRICOS: (N/A)
Tuition Fees
AU$40,608
at 2026 fees
Next Intake
February, July
Apply

Apply now to begin to begin your study journey

Course Overview

The Master of Spiritual Direction enables students to acquire advanced knowledge of the theological and scriptural foundations of approaches to spiritual direction in the Christian tradition, and to apply this knowledge in professional practice.

Course Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Spiritual Direction:

  1. have advanced knowledge of the theological and spiritual foundations of approaches to spiritual direction in the Christian tradition, and of the relation of the discipline to broader theological studies
  2. have mastery of skills to reflect critically on giving guidance to an individual’s spiritual experience in the light of key themes, traditions and approaches in spirituality
  3. have communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions and professional decisions about themes, traditions and approaches in spiritual direction
  4. apply knowledge of themes, traditions and approaches in spiritual direction with creativity and initiative to professional practice and for further learning
  5. apply relevant theological and hermeneutical skills through the execution of a substantial research-based project, capstone experience or piece of scholarship.

Course Structure

The Master of Spiritual Direction consists of 288 points.

Course Structure Points
Postgraduate foundational units in the discipline of Spiritual Direction 96
Postgraduate foundational units in the discipline of Biblical Studies 24
Postgraduate foundational units in the discipline of Systematic Theology or Church History 24
Postgraduate elective units in the disciplines of Spiritual Direction, Spirituality, or Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies 96
Either:

  • A capstone unit in the discipline of Spiritual Direction (at least 24 points)

Or:
Further postgraduate units in Spiritual Direction or Spirituality

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

The Master of Spiritual Direction requires the completion of 288 points (12 standard postgraduate units).

Fees for 2026 are $3,384 per standard unit or $20,304 for a full-time year (6 units). The total cost of the course at 2026 fees is $40,608.

Fees are subject to change from year to year. For more information about fees, please visit the Fees page.

Credit of up to 144 points may be granted towards this award.

Credit is granted in accordance with the Credit Policy.

Choose a Home College

Uniting College for Leadership and Theology

Whitley College

Study Modes

Courses can be delivered through a variety of modes, such as:

  • Face-to-face: This is the traditional mode of study where you attend your classes in person at a physical location.
  • Online: In this mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered online.
  • Mixed-modes: This combines both face-to-face and online units throughout your award.
  • Intensive: this involves completing a condensed amount of content over a shorter period of time. Intensives can be face-to-face or online.
  • Supervised Research: This involves independent research, which is supervised by one or more people with expertise in the field.

Course Duration

The standard full-time duration of the Master of Spiritual Direction is two years. The Master of Spiritual Direction must be completed in not less than two years and not more than six years from the date on which the course is commenced.
Standard Minimum Maximum
2 years
2 years
6 years

AQF Level:

Regulation:

Regulation 11 Awards, Courses and Units

Course Code:

CRICOS Code:

N/A

The table gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students admitted into this course. It provides data on all students who commenced study in the most relevant recent intake period.

This course did not have any new students commence in the most recent semester.

You can compare other institutions with the University of Divinity to help inform your undergraduate study choices. ComparED is an initiative of the Australian Government. It’s powered by QILT (Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching) surveys that draw data from real life student experiences from commencement of study through to employment.

Upon successful completion of all course requirements, students will receive an invitation to graduate. This entitles the graduate to wear the approved Academic Dress at the graduation ceremony, and to use the approved postnominals after their name.

Academic Dress

Gown: Black Masters gown

Headwear: Black trencher

Hood: Gold

Postnominals

MSD

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