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Diploma · School of Pastoral Studies

Diploma in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care

Applied chaplaincy skills for pastoral care in secular and sacred environments.

workspace_premiumUndergraduate Diploma schedule1 year (online) languageOnline

Programme overview

This diploma equips students for chaplaincy and pastoral care roles in hospitals, prisons, schools and community organisations. It combines theology, ethics and practical care.

What you'll gain

check_circle A Christ-centred academic foundation in your field
check_circle Practical skills you can apply immediately in ministry or work
check_circle Mentorship from experienced, global faculty
check_circle A clearly documented programme with published semester credits

Credit structure

Component Semester credits

Core Modules

Foundational modules in the discipline

 45

Elective Modules

Elective modules and a final project

 15
Total

One semester credit equals at least 15 hours of instruction plus preparation, or an equivalent amount of properly planned and assessed online learning. Read our credit-hour policy.

Curriculum & modules

Diploma in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care 10 modules expand_more

  • Introduction to Biblical Studies

    Introduction to Biblical Studies

  • Christian Theology and Doctrine

    Christian Theology and Doctrine

  • Church History and Tradition

    Church History and Tradition

  • Hermeneutics and Scripture

    Hermeneutics and Scripture

  • Foundations of Christian Ministry

    Foundations of Christian Ministry

  • Spiritual Formation and Discipleship

    Spiritual Formation and Discipleship

  • Pastoral Theology and Care

    Pastoral Theology and Care

  • Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care

    Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care

  • Pastoral Counselling

    Pastoral Counselling

  • Christian Ethics and Morality

    Christian Ethics and Morality

Entry requirements

  • task_alt Open to motivated learners — no formal academic prerequisites.
  • task_alt A genuine interest in the subject and a commitment to study online.
  • task_alt Working proficiency in English.

Unsure if you qualify? Talk to admissions — we assess experience as well as qualifications.

Where this can take you

trending_up Pastoral ministry & church leadership
trending_up Chaplaincy — hospital, prison or education
trending_up Missions & cross-cultural work
trending_up Theological teaching & training
trending_up Christian writing, media & discipleship

Related programmes

Certificate

Certificate in Pastoral Care

Care skills for counseling, crisis support and spiritual presence.

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Certificate in Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care

Foundational training for chaplains in hospitals, prisons, schools and organisations.

View programme arrow_forward Diploma

Diploma in Pastoral Counselling for Ministry

Counselling approaches for ministry contexts, trauma care and spiritual support.

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Ready to answer the call?

Begin your GDCU journey today

Join a global learning community in affordable, flexible, Christ-centred study — wherever your calling takes you.

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