Diploma in Pastoral Ministry is a diploma in Religious Studies programme taught at Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax, Canada. The programme runs for 2 years. Tuition for international students is CAD 597 per credit (CAD 597 per credit for local students).
At a glance
Degree:Diploma
Field:Religious Studies
Duration: 2 years
Local tuition: CAD 597 / credit
International tuition: CAD 597 / credit
Information for the 2027/28 academic year · Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
This program leads to a Diploma in Pastoral Ministry, offered online through a mix of asynchronous and synchronous formats, in person, or through hybrid combinations, based at the Halifax campus, and graded on a pass/fail basis. The curriculum comprises eight required courses spanning an introduction to the Old Testament, an historical and theological introduction to Anglican theology, ministerial leadership, supervised pastoral ministry, an introduction to pastoral ministry, foundations of preaching, an introduction to the Christian Scriptures, and an introduction to Christian theology, along with two elective courses. It suits people who feel called to exercise ministry within the Christian tradition but for whom a full academic degree is not required, and it also serves candidates preparing for ministry under the direction of the Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Its flexible delivery format and pass/fail assessment support students balancing study with existing ministry commitments.
Application Details
Start Date:Fall and Winter
Application Deadline:Atlantic School of Theology sets deadlines by programme, not one campus-wide date, and publishes no separate international deadline -- international applicants appear to follow the same dates. For September 2027 entry, the M.A. in Theology and Religion is due 15 March 2027, the campus-based Master of Divinity 1 May 2027, and the Diploma in Theological Studies accepts applications year-round if submitted by 15 August 2027. For January 2027 entry, the Graduate Certificate and the Diploma in Theological Studies are both due 1 November 2026. The Master of Divinity (Summer Distance) and the Certificate's summer option are due 15 March 2027. The Bachelor of Theology has no posted deadline. Admission is not rolling; each programme has a fixed cut-off, though diplomas accept applications year-round up to that date. These are institution-wide dates; this programme publishes no deadline of its own.
