The Pastoral Leadership Stream is designed to equip and empower emerging leaders with the biblical foundations, practical ministry skills, and leadership development needed to serve the local church and wider community with excellence. Students will grow in their understanding of Scripture, pastoral care, discipleship, preaching, leadership, and ministry practice while being immersed in the life of a vibrant church environment. Through hands-on ministry experience, mentoring, and leadership training, students will develop the character, conviction, and confidence required to lead people effectively and pastorally.
This stream is ideal for those who are passionate about serving people, building healthy church communities, and stepping into leadership roles within ministry, missions, and the local church. Graduates will be equipped to influence their communities, lead teams, and help others grow in their faith and relationship with Jesus.
PICK YOUR COURSE
Hillsong College undergraduate diplomas and degrees equip students with the knowledge, practical skills, and experience to build the Church for life.
Hillsong College offers three accredited vocational courses: Certificate III (Years 11-12), Diploma of Ministry, and Advanced Diploma of Ministry – designed to build on each other for a complete ministry training journey.
Hillsong College Master of Arts program helps bachelor’s graduates deepen their theological and biblical expertise and specialize in their chosen field.
Our Diploma of Ministry takes your training further with strong biblical foundations, practical leadership development, and hands-on ministry experience. Built around nationally accredited Units of Competency, this vocational program equips you with the skills and confidence to make a real impact in your local church and ministry calling.
12 months full-time | Up to 3 years part-time
*Part time is available for domestic students studying in Sydney and all students studying Online.
Sydney Campus, Australia – Face-to-face delivery
Online Campus – Online delivery
Some of our subjects build a foundation of the Bible and doctrine, while others equip students with personal leadership, and ministry teamwork that can be applied in a wide range of life and ministry settings.
*Scroll for more subjects >>>
Required Subjects*
Pastoral Leadership
(Sydney & Online)
Practicum gives you weekly, hands-on ministry experience, allowing you to apply what you learn in the classroom while developing leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. You’ll be placed in a ministry team aligned with your chosen stream, with Pastoral Leadership students assigned to a ministry area based on their selected pathway.
For more information DOWNLOAD OUR COURSE GUIDE
Our Advanced Diploma of Ministry is designed to prepare students for full-time ministry through real-world ministry experience and deeper academic development. The course builds the leadership, influence, and practical skills needed to lead confidently and make an impact alongside other ministry leaders.
Completion of Diploma of Ministry
12 months full-time | Up to 3 years part-time
*Part time is available for domestic students studying in Sydney and all students studying Online.
Sydney Campus, Australia – Face-to-face delivery
Some of our subjects build a foundation of the Bible and doctrine, while others equip students with personal leadership, and ministry teamwork that can be applied in a wide range of life and ministry settings.
*Scroll for more subjects >>>
Required Subjects*
Pastoral Leadership
(Sydney)
Our Diploma of Leadership develops confident, Christlike leaders equipped to pastor, inspire, and lead with integrity. With a strong focus on pastoral leadership, the course combines spiritual formation, practical ministry training, and leadership development to help you grow in character, resilience, and influence. Grounded in biblical principles and real-world application, you’ll be prepared to lead people with clarity, compassion, and vision in today’s church and ministry landscape.
Full-Time: 1 year
Part-Time: Up to 8 years
*Part time is available for domestic students studying in Sydney and all students studying Online.
Online Campus – Online delivery
The Diploma of Leadership is a degree comprised of 8 subjects (80 credit points). See the available focusses and required subjects below:
6 Required Subjects + 2 Elective Subjects
*Scroll for more subjects >>>
Required Subjects*
Electives
*These are required subjects when studying with Hillsong College. Focusses are Hillsong College’s suggested Course Structure, however students can choose a mix of elective subjects from different Focusses.
For more information DOWNLOAD OUR COURSE GUIDE
Our Associate Degree in Ministry combines strong biblical and theological foundations with practical ministry training for today’s world. Designed to prepare you for effective ministry in church and community settings, the course equips you to navigate modern challenges with wisdom, confidence, and compassion. By connecting academic learning with real-world ministry application, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills needed to lead and serve with impact.
Full-Time: 2 years
Part-Time: Up to 8 years
*Part time is available for domestic students studying in Sydney and all students studying Online.
Sydney Campus, Australia – Face-to-face delivery
Online Campus – Online delivery
The Associate Degree in Ministry is a degree comprised of 16 subjects (160 credit points). Within our Associate Degree in Ministry course, you can choose a focus that concentrates your studies to equip you with a specific skill set. See the available focusses and required subjects below:
10 Required Subjects + 6 Focus Elective Subjects
*Scroll for more subjects >>>
Required Subjects*
Pastoral Leadership
(Sydney & Online)
Preparing pastors and leaders for a lifetime of fruitful ministry.
Theology
(Sydney & Online)
Preparing preachers and teachers to be impactful communicators.
*These are required subjects when studying with Hillsong College. Focusses are Hillsong College’s suggested Course Structure, however students can choose a mix of elective subjects from different Focusses.
For more information DOWNLOAD OUR COURSE GUIDE
Our Bachelor of Ministry (BMin) prepares you to become a ministry leader grounded in justice, integrity, and a Christ-centred worldview. It provides a strong foundation in theology and biblical studies while integrating practical ministry training and work-based learning. Through applied assessments and real-world experience, you’ll develop both professional ministry skills and leadership capacity. With a strong emphasis on pastoral responsibility and care for others, the course equips you to serve and lead effectively in today’s church and wider community.
Full-Time: 3 years
Part-Time: Up to 10 years
*Part time is available for domestic students studying in Sydney and all students studying Online.
Sydney Campus, Australia – Face-to-face delivery
Online Campus – Online delivery
The Bachelor of Ministry is a degree comprised of 24 subjects (240 credit points). Within our Bachelor of Ministry course, you can choose a focus that concentrates your studies to equip you with a specific skill set. See the available focusses and required subjects below:
15 Required Subjects + 9 Focus Elective Subjects
*Scroll for more subjects >>>
Required Subjects*
Pastoral Leadership
(Sydney & Online)
Preparing pastors and leaders for a lifetime of fruitful ministry.
*These are required subjects when studying with Hillsong College. Focusses are Hillsong College’s suggested Course Structure, however students can choose a mix of elective subjects from different Focusses.
For more information DOWNLOAD OUR COURSE GUIDE
Our Bachelor of Theology (BTh) equips you to lead with justice and integrity through a strong foundation in Christian studies, theology, and biblical scholarship. This dynamic degree develops deep understanding of Scripture and trains you to apply biblical thinking to contemporary ministry and everyday life. Designed for both church and broader contexts, it prepares you to engage the challenges of the 21st century with theological depth, clarity, and purpose.
Full-Time: 3 years
Part-Time: Up to 10 years
*Part time is available for domestic students studying in Sydney and all students studying Online.
Sydney Campus, Australia – Face-to-face delivery
Online Campus – Online delivery
The Bachelor of Theology is a degree comprised of 24 subjects (240 credit points). Within our Bachelor of Theology course, you can choose a focus that concentrates your studies to equip you with a specific skill set. See the available focusses and required subjects below:
14 Required Subjects + 10 Focus Elective Subjects
Required Subjects*
*These are required subjects when studying with Hillsong College. Focusses are Hillsong College’s suggested Course Structure, however students can choose a mix of elective subjects from different Focusses.
For more information DOWNLOAD OUR COURSE GUIDE
Our Master of Arts (MA) prepares ministry leaders to uphold justice and integrity while engaging theology, biblical studies, leadership, and contextual studies at an advanced level. Designed to develop theological thinkers for every sphere of life, the program equips you to apply biblical values and critical thinking in complex, real-world contexts. Through postgraduate study and spiritual formation, you’ll be prepared to lead, influence, and make a meaningful impact in both the global Church and wider society.
Full-Time: 1.5 years
Part-Time: Up to 7 years
*Part time is available for domestic students studying in Sydney and all students studying Online.
Online Campus – Online delivery
Our Master of Arts consists of 11 subjects: 2 required subjects, 5 subjects in a major area, and 4 elective subjects. Students must complete at least 6 subjects (60 credit points) at 500 level or above. Student can choose major subjects and elective subjects from the focus areas listed below:
2 Required Subjects + 5 Subjects in a Major Area + 4 Elective Subjects
*Scroll for more subjects >>>
Required Subjects*
Biblical Studies
(Online)
Theology
(Online)
Ministry
(Online)
*These are required subjects when studying with Hillsong College. Focusses are Hillsong College’s suggested Course Structure, however students can choose a mix of elective subjects from different Focusses.
For more information DOWNLOAD OUR COURSE GUIDE
COURSE FEES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Pastoral Leadership Stream is designed to equip students with the biblical foundation, practical ministry skills, and leadership development needed to serve and lead in the local church and beyond. Students are developed in areas such as discipleship, pastoral care, team leadership, ministry strategy, and building healthy church communities.
This stream is for students who have a passion for people, leadership, discipleship, and seeing others grow in their relationship with Jesus. Whether you feel called to pastoral ministry, church leadership, youth ministry, missions, or serving people, this stream will help equip you for your journey.
Students will grow in areas including biblical understanding, spiritual leadership, communication, preaching, discipleship, mentoring, pastoral care, and practical ministry. You will also have opportunities to apply what you learn through serving and ministry environments.
No. The stream is designed for students at different stages of their journey. Whether you are just beginning to explore ministry or leadership, you will be equipped and developed throughout your time at Hillsong College.
Students have opportunities to serve within ministry environments, build relationships, develop leadership skills, and gain practical experience alongside their studies.
Graduates continue into a variety of pathways including leadership, ministry roles, further study, missions, community leadership, and serving within local churches around the world.
Students are encouraged to prayerfully consider the stream that best aligns with their calling and goals. If circumstances change, our team can help discuss the best pathway forward.
Hillsong College combines biblical teaching, practical ministry experience, community, and spiritual formation to equip students to live out their calling and make an impact wherever God leads them.
WEEK AT A GLANCE
Sydney Campus
STUDENT STORIES
“College has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have fallen more in love with Jesus, learned about the value and importance of community and I have become so much more solid in my identity.”
- EMIKO
“Throughout my studies I have preached more than I ever had, understood messages and verses with fresh perspective, and have suddenly remembered prophecies spoken over me years ago. I feel peace, joy, energy and purpose. ”
- ANA