Explore Clinical Pastoral Education in Victoria
Learn through experience. Grow through reflection. Serve with compassion.
What is Clinical Pastoral Education?
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is a programme of education and formation for the professional work of spiritual/pastoral care. It draws together:
Theology and spirituality – What we believe
Education – How we learn
Behavioural sciences – Who we are as human beings
Learning in CPE is grounded in the action–reflection model. Students engage in real-world spiritual/pastoral care in a supervised setting, then reflect on these encounters in group and individual supervision, exploring both practical and theological implications.
CPE invites participants to learn from the living human document — the real experiences of people in crisis — and to develop a deeper awareness of self, others, and the sacred
Types of CPE units
Foundational (Level 1)
For those beginning their journey in spiritual/pastoral care, Foundational CPE is an intensive, experiential learning programme. It focuses on developing self-awareness, spiritual/pastoral care skills, and spiritual/theological reflection through supervised practice.
Participants will:
Provide care across a diversity of cultural, social, and spiritual contexts.
Listen deeply and reflectively
Engage with peers and interdisciplinary staff.
Practice ethical discernment and resilience.
Reflect on their own story and how it shapes their care.
Foundational CPE lays the groundwork for professional identity, encouraging students to experiment with style, explore theology in context, and build confidence as spiritual/pastoral carers.
Special Focus Unit
This unit builds upon previous CPE study, offering the chance to specialise in a particular context, such as aged care, mental health, community settings, palliative care, schools, the military, or the justice system.
Participants will:
Develop learning goals specific to the specialist area.
Practice care tailored to the needs and cultures of the setting.
Work effectively in specialised interdisciplinary environments.
Reflect theologically on their work in writing and supervision.
Integrate theory and practice through a substantial case study and essay.
Special Focus Units deepen spiritual/pastoral formation and contextual understanding, helping participants discern their unique path in spiritual, pastoral, or chaplaincy work.
Readiness for this level is discerned by the applicant, supervisor and Centre Director.
Advanced (Level 2)
Advanced CPE is designed for participants who have completed at least one Foundational unit and are ready to further develop their professional, spiritual/theological, and reflective competencies.
In this unit, participants are expected to:
Demonstrate a strong spiritual/pastoral identity and ethical clarity.
Offer consistent, competent care, even in high-stress or crisis contexts.
Collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams.
Engage deeply with theological frameworks and peer feedback.
Articulate and refine a personal style of spiritual/pastoral care.
Advanced CPE is ideal for those seeking deeper formation or preparing for roles of greater responsibility.
Readiness for this level is discerned by the applicant, supervisor and Centre Director.
Supervisory education
For experienced practitioners who feel called to teach and mentor others in spiritual/pastoral care.
Learn more on our Supervisors page.
How to apply for CPE
Explore the range of accredited CPE Centres across Victoria. Each offers different settings, schedules, and learning opportunities. We recommend you apply to more than one centre.
1. Choose a CPE Centre
2. Get in touch
Contact the CPE Centre directly to express your interest. They’ll guide you through eligibility, timing, and the next steps.
3. Apply
Centres will provide their application form, outline supporting documents, and assist you with your learning agreement.
Need help with CPE fees? Scholarships are available.
ASACPEV offers financial support through the John Paver Memorial Fund, named in honour of Reverend Emeritus Professor John Paver, a passionate advocate for CPE as a path of spiritual/pastoral and professional formation.
Each year, up to two scholarships are awarded to help cover the cost of a CPE unit at an accredited Victorian centre. Scholarships are based on financial need and merit, and are not available to students receiving University of Divinity funding.
Application process
You must first be accepted into a CPE unit at an accredited ASACPEV centre.
After acceptance, contact your Centre Director to request scholarship consideration and an application form if supported..
Submit the application form within 2 weeks of your offer.
On completion of your unit, you’ll be invited to submit a short reflective report.
What CPE participants say
-
"I've come out of this experience more confident."
Jess
-
"It is a place to be inspiring and inspired at the same time."
Masoud
-
"Be willing to grow, to examine your assumptions, and to be encouraged."
Lauren