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School Chaplains at Malyon

What qualifications are needed to become an SU QLD School Chaplain?

Chaplains are required to have a minimum qualification of Cert IV in Youth Work OR Cert IV in Pastoral Care OR equivalent or higher qualification.  This qualification must include two identified units:

  • CHCCS422A - Respond holistically to client issues and refer appropriately
  • CHCMH301B - Work effectively in mental health

How can school chaplaincy qualifications be gained through Malyon?

In conjunction with SU QLD, Malyon offers two one-year (or the part-time equivalent - 8 units) awards that academically qualify a student to become a chaplain:

  • Diploma of Ministry - for students who do not have a prior degree
  • Graduate Diploma of Divinity - for students who already have a degree

On top of these awards, the two compulsory Certificate units listed above must also be completed. Malyon will organise this.

What modes of study are available?

These awards can be studied completely by distance or by a combination of distance and attendance modes.

What are the advantages of completing chaplaincy training at a university level through Malyon?

  1. The study is more academically demanding.
  2. You will gain a university award.
  3. FEE-HELP (Government loan to cover all fees) is available.
  4. The diploma is the first year of a 3-year degree (Bachelor of Ministry). The graduate diploma is the first year of a 3-year masters degree (Master of Divinity). You have the option of pursuing these awards after you have completed your diploma. Your study will count as the first year.
  5. The higher level of study will count towards the qualifications for pastoral ministry if you eventually consider this option after chaplaincy.

 

 

If you already have a degree …

Graduate Certificate or Diploma of Divinity (Chaplaincy major)

Course structure

The GradCert requires 4 semester units which is equivalent to 1 semester full time study and must be completed within 2 years. The GradDip requires 8 semester units, equivalent to 1 year full time study and must be completed within 4 years.

For the GradCert

Compulsory units

1. OT501 or OT502 (Introduction to the Old Testament)

Each of these units provides an introduction to half of the Old Testament. OT501 charts the OT up to the kings, and OT502 from the kings on.

OT501 is offered by attendance or distance in first semester each year.

OT502 is offered by attendance or distance in second semester each year.

2. NT501 or NT502 (Introduction to the New Testament)

Each of these units provides an introduction to part of the New Testament. NT501 deals with the Gospels and NT502 deals with Acts and the Epistles.

NT501 is offered by attendance or distance in first semester each year.

NT502 is offered by attendance or distance in second semester each year.

3. DM614 (Chaplaincy in Educational Settings)

This unit has been developed by SU Qld. It explores the different models of chaplaincy, the role of the chaplain, chaplaincy professional ethics, religious education in a multi-faith setting, and pastoral care and counselling. It also deals with the major issues chaplains will confront with children and teens.

DM614 is offered by distance each semester.

4. PC644 (Practical Ministry Field Education - placement in school)

This one semester unit gives students experience (at least 120 hours) in a school chaplaincy environment under the mentoring of a qualified supervisor. A series of ministry functions needs to be completed and the reflection will be both informal and formal.

PC644 is offered each semester.

For the GradDip

Compulsory units

1. OT501 or OT502 (Introduction to the Old Testament)

Each of these units provides an introduction to half of the Old Testament. OT501 charts the OT up to the kings, and OT502 from the kings on.

OT501 is offered by attendance or distance in first semester each year.

OT502 is offered by attendance or distance in second semester each year.

2. NT501 or NT502 (Introduction to the New Testament)

Each of these units provides an introduction to part of the New Testament. NT501 deals with the Gospels and NT502 deals with Acts and the Epistles.

NT501 is offered by attendance or distance in first semester each year.

NT502 is offered by attendance or distance in second semester each year.

3. PE510 (Christian Worldview)

People have different worldviews. This unit will help you develop an understanding of worldviews and how they affect our thought and action. In particular, different Christian worldviews are examined and applied to aspects of life like culture, education, politics, media and economics.

PE510 is offered by attendance or distance. (At present it is not being offered in 2011, but demand could change this.)

4. DM614 (Chaplaincy in Educational Settings)

This unit has been developed by SU Qld. It explores the different models of chaplaincy, the role of the chaplain, chaplaincy professional ethics, religious education in a multi-faith setting, and pastoral care and counselling. It also deals with the major issues chaplains will confront with children and teens.

DM614 is offered by distance each semester.

5. PC644 (Practical Ministry Field Education - placement in school)

This one semester unit gives students experience (at least 120 hours) in a school chaplaincy environment under the mentoring of a qualified supervisor. A series of ministry functions needs to be completed and the reflection will be both informal and formal.

PC644 is offered each semester.

Elective units - one from each stream

6. Ministry and Society Unit - a unit that helps you understand culture and society

Possible units include:

EM608 - Cross-cultural Communication
EM618 - Multicultural Ministry (Relating to people from diverse cultures)
EM621 - Living Faiths (Introduction to different religions)
PE501 - Introduction to Christian Ethics [Malyon offers]
PE617 - Church in Australian Society

7. Pastoral Development Unit - a unit that will grow pastoral care skills or self-understanding

Possible units include:

PC601 - Ministry Formation [Malyon offers in first semester each year]
PC603 - Pastoral Skills and Methods [Malyon offers in second semester each year]
PC605 - Principles of Christian Counselling
PC621 - Theology for Everyday Life [Malyon offers in 2011]

8. Specialist Ministry Unit - a unit that will grow your understanding of the students you serve

Possible units include:

DM510 - Foundations for Youth Ministry [Malyon offers]
DM612 - Youth: Context, Development and Learning
DM613 - Ministry with Non-Church Youth
DM621 - Issues in Children’s Ministry

 

 

If you do not have a degree …

Bachelor of Ministry

Course structure

24 semester units equivalent to 3 years full time study - must be completed within 9 years.

NOTE: You would need to cover the eight compulsory and elective units above (at an undergraduate level) in your degree.

Associate Degree of Theology

Course structure

16 semester units equivalent to 2 years full time study - must be completed within 6 years.

 

NOTE: You would need to cover the eight compulsory and elective units above (at an undergraduate level) in your degree.


 

 

 

Information about these courses:

  • Accredited through the Australian College of Theology which has 20 teaching colleges throughout Australia. Units that are not available through Malyon can be completed through any ACT College, a number of which offer a wide range of distance options.

  • FEE-HELP is available for all these awards.

  • The Graduate Diploma is the first year of a 24 unit MDiv which is the qualification for pastoral ministry in some denominations.

  • The Bachelor of Ministry is the qualification for pastoral ministry in some denominations.

 

Other study options

  • SU Qld offers VET level chaplaincy qualifications (Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas), if you want further information about these courses of study please contact SU Qld.

 

Further helpful information:

 

 

Study Options