Gain a framework that makes sense of what the Bible and psychological science say

Develop a lens to view the beautiful and rich complexity of who we are as human beings made in the image of God

Grow in wisdom, seeing how your ministry can encourage hope along with trust for those enduring mental health challenges

We're the only theological college in Australia focussing on equipping women

We specialise in pastoral care and mental health

Our units are geared to practical theology and ministry that is just as useful for volunteers as those in vocational ministry

Our students consistently tell us we're a really lovely community to be part of!

And, you can be confident that everything we offer is firmly grounded in God's word

Theoretical understandings of mental ill-health: the dual continua of mental health and mental illness

Phenomenological understandings of mental ill-health: the complexity of individual experiences

A survey of the different ways the church and society have responded to mental health

Different understandings of the image of God and the impact of sin

A Biblical and theological understanding of humanity that takes account of the complexity of the human experience and existence

Anthropological terms in the Old Testament and New Testament

The Biblical view of what it means to be human: holistic beings that can be viewed from a variety of perspectives - material, mental, and spiritual

How human nature cannot be reduced simply to the material

The biblical reality of a spiritual realm, including the demonic

Personal responsibility and mental health

Cultural features of modern life which can negatively impact mental health: technology, social media, and the breakdown of family and community life.

Attitudes and perceptions in the church regarding mental health.

Theological and cultural factors that contribute to a lack of understanding in the church around mental health

Mental ill-health as an experience of human suffering

The place of lament: acknowledging the reality of evil while maintaining a trusting relationship with a sovereign and good God

How biblical anthropology affirms a place for both biological and spiritual treatment of mental ill-health

Contested understandings in medicine and psychiatry

The place of spiritual care, community and social support

Hope: its role in society, psychological and theological thought

How eschatology affects Christian living and practice for those experiencing mental ill-health.

The theology of the church: how it can play a vital role for those facing mental health issues particularly as a place of family, belonging and welcome

The gospel transformation of friendship

The three dimensions of a theology mental ill-health: who we are as human beings, the nature of our good but fallen world and, God and his redemptive purposes.

We're a friendly bunch: students have mixed ministry and life experiences

There are 12 weekly classes, each 3 hours long with a couple of breaks

This unit is delivered online only

Classes are a mixture of upfront teaching, Q & A and small group work

Assessments vary, but there's often an essay and 2 more practical assignments

*FEE-HELP available for eligible students enrolled in a whole Diploma or Graduate course

36 class hours - 12 weekly classes - 12 credit points - online only

Currently this unit is not offered at the MAC Certificate level

March - June 2025

36 class hours - 12 weekly classes

No assignments

March - June 2025

This course can be studied at 2 levels:

Diploma and Advanced Diploma level For those without an undergraduate degree wanting a course with a large breadth of units. These are courses of the Australia College of Theology: 0.5-1 yr full time, max 8 yrs part-time, 36 class hours per unit, 11-16 units per course.

Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma level Higher level assignments than diploma level. Requires a previous bachelors degree. These are courses of the Australian College of Theology: 0.5-1 yr full time, max 2-4 yrs part-time, 36 class hours per unit, 4-8 unit per course.