Graduate Diploma in Governance & Canon Law

Through this course, graduates will gain an understanding of the complexities of canonical governance through exploring contemporary case studies specifically within an Australian context.

The Graduate Diploma provides a skill set that is highly relevant for those who govern Catholic Church agencies, assisting graduates by providing critical skills in the implementation of the 1983 Code of Canon Law in governance practice. Electives in the course are firmly linked to contemporary practice.

Graduates will be well-placed to consider ongoing specialist canon law study through our partner institution, the pontifically recognised Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Canada.  St Paul’s is regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious universities in the field of canon law.

Course Length 1 year full-time, or part-time equivalent, amounting to 80 credit points.
Course Structure Course Structure – Governance & Canon Law
Admission Requirements
  • An undergraduate degree in any discipline.
  • Some experience of governance within a Church organisation, either through employment or volunteering OR the capacity to engage with such an organisation to undertake case studies throughout the course.
  • Students with no tertiary background in theology will be required to complete THEO800 as a pre or co-requisite to their GOVC units.
  • English language proficiency.
Entry Pathways
  • Students may enter into the Graduate Certificate of Governance and Canon Law and then decide to complete the Graduate Diploma in Governance and Canon Law by undertaking the equivalent of 40 credit points in elective units.
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
  • Up to 40 units of credit are available in this course in accordance with the Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.
Fees FEE-HELP available. Click here for more information about fees and support.
Frequently Asked Questions Please click here for FAQs for current students, prospective students and alumni.