Clinical Pastoral Education

Deepen your care. Strengthen your calling

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is a rigorous, reflective program of education and formation for those offering spiritual and pastoral care in healthcare and community settings. It combines action (real-world care with people in need) and reflection (supervised, theologically informed practice), helping you grow in professional identity and competence.

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Deepen your care. Strengthen your calling

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is a rigorous, reflective program of education and formation for those offering spiritual and pastoral care in healthcare and community settings. It combines action (real-world care with people in need) and reflection (supervised, theologically informed practice), helping you grow in professional identity and competence.

Enquire Now

Why study CPE?

  • Respond to spiritual and emotional needs in diverse care environments.
  • Grow in self-awareness and confidence as a caregiver.
  • Develop insight into relational and ethical dynamics.
  • Learn to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
  • Discover the sacred in everyday moments of vulnerability and healing.

Graduates serve in hospitals, aged-care facilities, schools, prisons, rehabilitation centres, and community services. After two CPE units, you may be eligible to apply for professional membership with Spiritual Care Australia.

Student Experience

Tanya Walker

Finding Her Ministry Voice in Regional Victoria For Tanya Walker, an ordained minister in the Uniting Church, undertaking Clinical Pastoral Education ...
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Kynan Sutherland

From Carpentry to Compassionate Care When the world slowed down during COVID, Kynan Sutherland found himself at a crossroads. A carpenter by trade and...
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Dennis Emery

From Patient to Pastoral Carer: A Journey of Healing and Hope Dennis Emery’s introduction to pastoral care began in a hospital bed. After years of rec...
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Brendan Egan 

A Journey of Returning, Deepening, and Healing. For Brendan Egan, his first encounter with Clinical Pastoral Education came at age 25 during seminary ...
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CPE Units

CPE units are taught at a postgraduate level and may be taken within eligible University of Divinity awards, including undergraduate courses such as the Bachelor of Ministry, Bachelor of Theology or the Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry.

Each unit is equivalent to two standard units (48 credit points) and is not available as an audit study option.

Each CPE unit comprises 400 hours of work that is categorised as follows:
  • 90 hours of Education undertaken in small peer groups
  • 10 hours of individual supervision
  • 200 hours of clinical placement in Pastoral Practice, such as providing pastoral/spiritual care in a hospital, parish, prison, aged care or school
  • 100 hours of written assignments

Clinical Pastoral Education Level 1 (CP9100Z)

A foundational unit introducing supervised clinical practice, pastoral identity, and the core skills of spiritual and pastoral care.

Enrolment in CP9100Z requires a letter of offer from the CPE Centre Director or delegate.
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Clinical Pastoral Education Level 2 (CP9273Z)

An advanced unit, building on Level 1, with greater responsibility, complex case work, and deeper theological reflection.

Enrolment in CP9170Z requires a letter of offer from the CPE Centre Director or delegate, based on applicants’ readiness to function at an advanced level of pastoral/spiritual care. The unit Clinical Pastoral Education Level 1 (CP9100Z) is a prerequisite.

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Clinical Pastoral Education (Special Focus) (CP9170Z)

This unit extends your skills in specialised contexts such as aged care, mental health, palliative care, community care, justice, schools, or the military

Enrolment in CP9170Z requires a letter of offer from the CPE Centre Director or delegate and the unite Clinical Pastoral Education Level 1 (CP9100Z) is a prerequisite.

Note: This unit can be taken following either CP9100Z (CPE Level 1) or CP9273Z (CPE Level 2).

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Most learning occurs in clinical settings. Placements are available across hospitals, aged care, palliative care, mental health services, schools, the justice system, and community contexts throughout Australia.

  • An in-person placement in pastoral/spiritual practice of 200 hours is required to complete CPE.
  • Students must be residing in Australia to participate.
  • A placement may be approved within your current workplace as long as your role specifically involves providing pastoral/spiritual care. This would need to be negotiated with the CPE Centre Director and your workplace.

CPE is delivered with accredited supervisors through ASACPEV and ANZACPE.

CPE is a 400-hour (double subject/48 points) course that is both demanding and rewarding. 

  • A full-time unit is equivalent to a 38-hour week over 10 to 12 weeks. Usually 2 days a week for Education in group and 3 days a week of Pastoral Care practice.
  • Part-time study requires approximately 19 hours per week over 18 to 22 weeks. Usually 1 day a week for Education in group and about 2 days per week of Pastoral Care practice.
  • Longer part-time programs adjust Education days and placement days accordingly.
  • Learning activities include clinical practice with supervision, case studies, verbatims, reflective journals, group seminars, and theological reflection.

You can find all key academic dates, consistent across the University of Divinity colleges here.

View key dates

CPE units are taught at a postgraduate level, so the postgraduate unit fee applies.

Fees are set annually by the University of Divinity. FEE-HELP may be available to eligible students. Please refer to current UD fee information.

Fees Bursary Support

  • All CPE units are delivered with accredited supervisors through ASACPEV and ANZACPE.
  • Each unit counts as 48 credit points toward eligible University of Divinity awards.
  • CPE can contribute to further study in Spiritual Care, Spirituality, Reflective Practice, and Professional Supervision, from Graduate Certificate through to the Doctor of Professional Practice.

Submit an Enquiry

Submit an Enquiry
Thinking about training in CPE? Submitting an enquiry is the best way to begin. Our team will support you by answering your questions, helping you explore your options, and guiding you as you prepare to apply.

Enquire now

Application Process

Ready to begin your CPE journey? Follow these steps: 

How to apply

1

Speak with a course advisor

Speak with a course advisor at your Home College to confirm if CPE fits your study plan. If you don’t have a home college, please contact the program director Allison Whitby

2

Explore CPE Centres

Visit the ASACPEV website to discover accredited CPE Centres near you. Contact CPE Program Director Allison Whitby, for guidance on suitable centres.

3

Apply directly to a CPE Centre

Applicants are interviewed and, if successful, receive a letter of offer.

4

Enrol in the relevant CPE unit

Enrol in the relevant CPE unit at the University of Divinity using your letter of offer. Contact the Registrar at your Home College for assistance. If you don’t have a home college, please contact the program director Allison Whitby

Contact us

We’re here to help:

Enquiry support

Guidance as you explore CPE
Dean of Students, Katie Parker

Enrolment and admission support

Assistance with applying (enrolment details, and course requirements).
Registrar, Michelle Stanhope

Program enquiries

General program enquiries
CPE Program Director, Allison Whitby

Meet the CPE Program Director

Allison Whitby
CPE Program Director
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Your learning. Your path. Your home college.

Delivered through the Partnership for Professional Practice and hosted by Whitley College, these programs can be studied through any of the University of Divinity colleges, enabling you to stay connected with your home college while you study.