Biblical counsellor
PTC is at the forefront in Australia in biblical counselling, and has graduates currently working as counsellors. Competency to counsel is also integral to various other ministries, including ordained pastoral ministry and chaplaincy. Our main counselling lecturer is also the Executive Director of Biblical Counselling Australia.
Recommended ACT courses
Ordained minister
We have been training men for ordained ministry since our foundation in 1866. We offer a four-year programme that integrates academic study, preaching classes, church placements, and pastoral training. Graduates of the ordination track have served in various denominations, and we can partner with your local church to help you to meet your denomination’s requirements. Victorian candidates for the ministry of the Presbyterian Church are required to study at PTC, and almost always receive a full-time placement into congregational ministry at the conclusion of their studies. The ordination track can also be adjusted to enable ministers of other denominations to transfer into the PCA.
RECOMMENDED ACT courses
Both streams fit within our integrated ordination training programme. Click ‘learn more’ to see the programme for Presbyterian ordination candidates. Speak to the Academic Dean to see how this can be tailored to your situation.
Daniel Dixon
Master of Divinity/Graduate Diploma of Divinity
Daniel was an accountant for a sports insurance company, however after undertaking a ministry apprenticeship decided to pursue ordination as a minister in the Presbyterian Church. Following four years of training at the PTC, he is now the minister at Williamstown Presbyterian Church.
Missionaries
We have developed a special Intercultural Studies Programme which is aimed at those preparing to become missionaries, or further their skills in this area. The programme is offered as part of various courses, and combines biblical, theological and practical subject areas with a major study focus in mission.
recommended act courses
Joy Arundell
Bachelor of Ministry
Joy has served in various missionary roles, starting in youth ministry here in Melbourne before completing a Ministry Internship in Fiji. She then served in India at the Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Returning to Melbourne, she worked with the Deakin Christian Union through AFES, and now serves alongside her husband at Chalmers Presbyterian Church.
Chaplaincy
Chaplaincy is a growing field of ministry, with positions available to men and women in a variety of areas. While the PTC doesn't offer specific degrees in chaplaincy, we provide training pathways within existing degree structures to equip you with the qualifications you need.
Specialised units
Clinical Pastoral Education
Chaplaincy in Educational Settings
Jacqui Spanos
Bachelor of Ministry
Jacqui came to PTC as a part-time student in 2004, while also juggling the responsibilities of having young children. She has faithfully continued in her studies, always striving to learn more so she can better serve others in her work as a chaplain.
Theological study
A deeper knowledge of God and His Word is of benefit to people from all walks of life, both for personal development and to better serve others in ministry. We offer courses from the introductory to advanced level, providing opportunities for everybody who wants to study theology.
recommended courses
Andrew Wong
Bachelor of Theology/Bachelor of Ministry
Andrew was studying to become an accountant when he felt God's call on his life to dedicate his time to theological study and the living out of his faith. After a period of prayer and reading the Bible and Christian literature, Andrew is now studying a BTh/BMin here at the PTC! Alongside his studies, Andrew serves as the leader of the Salt and Light Mission to the homeless in Melbourne's CBD.
Women's ministry
We are passionate about equipping women with theological education and ministry training, to prepare them for service in their churches and wider community. Our degrees in ministry teach pastoral ministry skills, built upon a strong academic foundation of theological study.
Available courses
Women's Training expression of interest
Not ready for a full degree, or just looking for something to supplement your church's teaching? PTC holds an annual Women's Training Conference. Watch for this under ‘event's’ on the website, or sign up below for email news.
Teaching theology
The Doctor of Theology (ThD) is used as the ACT’s premier research degree for graduates who are already engaged in the ministerial profession, and are aspiring teachers in universities and theological colleges in Australia and overseas.[1] In addition to the ThD, PTC also offers the Doctor of Philosophy programme.
Ben Nelson
Master of Divinity, PhD candidate
Ben was a high school Latin teacher prior to his pursuit of theological study at the PTC. He is a member of faculty teaching Greek and New Testament classes, and is also working towards his PhD. Ben attends Point Cook Presbyterian Church with his family, and is an assessor elder for the South Yarra congregation.