Advanced Diploma of Ministry

The Advanced Diploma of Ministry at Perth Bible College, through the Asia-Pacific School of Pastoral Care and Counselling, is a three-year course for people who want to work in pastoral care, church leadership or counselling within a faith setting. You will study the Bible, theology and practical ministry skills, with a strong emphasis on pastoral care and counselling. Units typically cover biblical studies, Christian doctrine, pastoral counselling, group work, and supervised ministry practice.

How the course is structured

Australian qualifications are built on units of study, each with a set credit point value. The Advanced Diploma of Ministry is delivered over three years, usually with two semesters or trimesters per year. You accumulate credit points as you pass each unit. The course includes a supervised ministry placement or practicum, where you work in a church, community organisation or counselling setting under an experienced supervisor. There may also be a capstone unit that pulls together your learning, such as a ministry project or a counselling case study.

What you will learn

You will learn how to read and interpret the Bible, explain Christian beliefs, and apply them in real situations. Counselling units teach you listening skills, how to run a helping conversation, and ethical boundaries. You will also learn how to lead groups, preach or teach, and work with people from different backgrounds. The course is practical. You will spend time in placements, reflecting on what you do and getting feedback. By the end, you should be able to lead a ministry team, offer pastoral care, and know when to refer someone to a professional counsellor.

Who it suits

This course suits people who are already involved in a church or community group and want formal training. It also suits those considering a career change into ministry or pastoral care. If you are unsure about full-time study, ask the college about part-time options. International students should check the English requirements: IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is common for undergraduate and coursework postgraduate courses, but some fields require higher. The Student visa also has its own English threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. Always confirm details on the official CRICOS page and with the college.

• Pastoral worker or chaplain in hospitals, aged care, schools or the defence force
• Church ministry leader or assistant pastor
• Lay counsellor in a faith-based community organisation
• Youth or family support worker in a religious charity
• Missions coordinator or community development officer
• Further study: Bachelor of Ministry or Bachelor of Counselling