Formed to care with wisdom and compassion

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is open to a diverse range of people who feel called to offer spiritual care in meaningful ways. This includes clergy, chaplains, religious leaders, and laypeople who are exploring or already engaged in ministry or pastoral support.

While many applicants come with a background in theology or ministry, we also welcome those with relevant life experience and a deep interest in spiritual care. Entry into the program requires completion of an application form, an interview, and submission of any supporting documentation needed to assess readiness for this reflective, hands-on learning process.

Whether you’re preparing for formal ministry or simply seeking to grow in your ability to care for others, CPE may be the next faithful step in your journey.

To apply for the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program at St Barnabas College, follow these steps:

1. Complete and submit the application form – This is your first step toward enrolment.

2. Attend an interview – You’ll meet with the SBC CPE Centre Director and Supervisor to discuss your readiness and goals for the program.

3. Provide supporting documentation – Additional materials may be requested by the Centre to support your application.

4. Pay the course fee – Once accepted, payment of the CPE course fee will confirm your place in the program.

If you have questions along the way, our team is here to guide you through the process.

A Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) unit is a comprehensive, supervised learning experience totalling at least 400 hours. The program integrates clinical practice, personal and group reflection, supervision, and academic reading, designed to deepen your formation in pastoral and spiritual care.

At St Barnabas College, a typical weekly structure includes:

• Peer group seminars and individual supervision (8 hours per week):
  Held on Mondays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, these sessions involve small peer groups (3–6 members) led by one or two accredited supervisors, combining case discussions, reflection, and learning activities.

• Pastoral/spiritual care practice (7–10 hours per week):
  Real-world experience in settings such as hospitals, aged care, or community chaplaincy, where students offer care and reflect on their encounters.

• Reading, reflection, and preparation (4–5 hours per week):
  Time set aside for theological reading, journaling, and preparing written materials for supervision and group work.

The structure is designed to be immersive and transformational, developing not only your knowledge and skills, but also your self-awareness and capacity to care for others with wisdom and compassion.

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is designed to form and equip individuals for the meaningful practice of spiritual and pastoral care. Its goals include:

• Enhancing pastoral identity and competence – Developing a strong sense of self and purpose in your role as a spiritual caregiver.

• Building self-awareness and interpersonal skills – Understanding how your own experiences, beliefs, and behaviours impact the care you offer.

• Improving the ability to offer care in diverse settings – Gaining the confidence and flexibility to provide spiritual support across hospitals, aged care, and community environments.

• Encouraging theological reflection in real-life situations – Learning to connect faith, practice, and experience through thoughtful reflection and supervision.

CPE is both personal and professional formation, helping you grow as a compassionate, thoughtful, and effective pastoral presence.

Yes. St Barnabas College is a fully accredited CPE Centre, authorised by the South Australia and Northern Territory Association for Clinical Pastoral Education Inc. (SANTACPE). SANTACPE is a recognised member association of the Australia and New Zealand Association for Clinical Pastoral Education Inc. (ANZACPE), which governs and upholds standards for CPE programs across the region.

This accreditation ensures that students at St Barnabas College receive a nationally recognised and professionally supervised training experience in spiritual and pastoral care, aligned with the highest standards of CPE education.

Students can undertake Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at St Barnabas College through two pathways:

• As part of a degree – If you’re enrolled in an award through the University of Divinity, CPE can be studied as an accredited unit within your program. Standard tuition fees for award students apply through the University.

• As a private student – If you’re not enrolled in a University of Divinity degree, you can still study CPE by enrolling directly with St Barnabas College. The course fee for private students is $2,500 (2025 rate), which covers all components of the program, including supervision and learning resources.

Whichever path you choose, you’ll receive a fully accredited, supervised, and deeply formative learning experience in spiritual and pastoral care.