MA, Christian Counselling
Advancing Counselling Practice through Compassion, Faith and Professional Wisdom.
About This Program
Program Description
The Master of Arts in Christian Counselling provides advanced academic and professional formation for graduates seeking deeper competence in Christian counselling, pastoral care, supervision, teaching and research.
The programme integrates established counselling knowledge with biblical, theological and ethical perspectives. Students critically examine how Christian faith may inform counselling practice while maintaining respect for client dignity, informed consent, professional boundaries, cultural difference and evidence-informed care.
Advanced counselling courses develop competence in assessment, case formulation, therapeutic planning, intervention and evaluation. Students examine major counselling approaches and learn to select methods appropriate to the needs, circumstances and presenting concerns of clients.
Marriage, couple and family studies address relational systems, communication, conflict, parenting, family transitions and pastoral support. Students develop structured approaches to supporting relationships while recognising situations requiring specialist, legal, medical or safeguarding intervention.
Studies in crisis, trauma, grief and loss prepare students to respond sensitively to individuals and communities affected by distressing events. The programme emphasises trauma-informed practice, psychological safety, stabilisation, referral and the avoidance of interventions beyond the practitioner’s training.
Mental health studies introduce common psychological conditions, risk indicators and referral pathways. Students learn that Christian counselling must not replace qualified medical, psychiatric or psychological treatment where regulated clinical care is required.
The programme gives sustained attention to counselling ethics, confidentiality, record management, safeguarding, professional boundaries, diversity and responsible integration of spirituality. Students examine legal and professional expectations relevant to counselling practice within their jurisdiction.
Counselling supervision and professional development courses prepare experienced practitioners to support the reflective development of counsellors within appropriate organisational and professional frameworks. Students examine supervision models, feedback, practitioner wellbeing, ethical accountability and the management of complex cases.
Advanced research courses develop competence in qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method enquiry. The programme culminates in a 30-credit master’s thesis through which students conduct substantial independent research into an approved topic in Christian counselling, pastoral care, trauma, family studies, supervision, human development or a related discipline.
Graduates are prepared for advanced counselling, pastoral care, supervision, education, research and programme leadership roles within the boundaries of their qualifications. Protected titles, independent clinical practice and professional licensure may require accredited clinical training, supervised practice and registration under the laws and professional standards of the relevant jurisdiction.
Specializations
- Advanced Christian Counselling Practice
- Marriage, Couple and Family Counselling
- Crisis, Trauma, Grief and Loss
- Pastoral Counselling and Spiritual Care
- Counselling Supervision and Practitioner Development
- Mental Health Awareness and Referral
- Counselling Ethics, Safeguarding and Professional Practice
- Christian Counselling Research and Scholarship
Core Courses
- RES 501 — Introduces postgraduate research design and academic enquiry.
- COU 301 — Examines marriage, couple and family counselling.
- COU 401 — Explores crisis, trauma, grief and loss counselling.
- PAS 301 — Examines advanced pastoral counselling practice.
- HDS 201 — Studies human development across the lifespan.
- GEN 301 — Examines Christianity in contemporary society.
- RES 601 — Develops advanced research and theological methods.
- COU 501 — Examines advanced counselling theories and integration.
- COU 502 — Develops advanced counselling skills and interventions.
- COU 503 — Examines assessment, formulation and treatment planning.
- COU 504 — Explores integrative Christian counselling practice.
- COU 505 — Examines advanced marriage and couples counselling.
- COU 506 — Develops family systems and family therapy knowledge.
- COU 507 — Examines child and adolescent counselling.
- COU 508 — Explores counselling adults and older people.
- COU 509 — Examines advanced trauma-informed counselling.
- COU 510 — Develops crisis assessment and intervention skills.
- COU 511 — Explores grief, bereavement and loss counselling.
- COU 512 — Introduces mental health assessment and referral.
- COU 513 — Examines addiction, recovery and pastoral support.
- COU 514 — Explores counselling ethics and professional practice.
- COU 515 — Examines safeguarding, risk and client protection.
- COU 516 — Develops multicultural and inclusive counselling practice.
- COU 517 — Examines spirituality, faith and therapeutic relationships.
- COU 518 — Introduces counselling supervision models and practice.
- COU 519 — Develops reflective practice and practitioner wellbeing.
- COU 520 — Examines counselling programme design and evaluation.
- COU 521 — Explores counselling leadership and service management.
- COU 522 — Develops advanced case analysis and clinical reasoning.
- RES 602 — Develops research proposals, data analysis and scholarly writing.
- COU 690 — Requires a 30-credit master’s thesis in Christian counselling.
Admissions
Entry Requirements
A relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution or an approved equivalent qualification
Academic references demonstrating readiness for postgraduate study
A statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s academic, professional and counselling objectives
Relevant counselling, pastoral care, church, ministry or community service experience where applicable
A preliminary research proposal for applicants pursuing a research-based route
Demonstrated competence in academic English
Successful completion of an admissions interview where required
Additional safeguarding, background screening or placement requirements where applicable
What You'll Achieve
Learning Outcomes
Critically evaluate major counselling theories and therapeutic approaches
Apply advanced counselling skills within appropriate professional boundaries
Develop structured assessments, case formulations and counselling plans
Integrate Christian faith with counselling practice responsibly
Apply biblical and theological perspectives without imposing beliefs on clients
Demonstrate advanced empathy, listening and therapeutic communication
Support individuals experiencing complex emotional, relational and spiritual concerns
Apply advanced approaches to marriage, couple and family counselling
Analyse family systems, relationship patterns and developmental transitions
Respond appropriately to crisis, trauma, grief and loss
Apply trauma-informed principles to counselling and pastoral care
Recognise indicators of serious mental distress and elevated risk
Make timely referrals to qualified medical, psychiatric, psychological or safeguarding professionals
Apply knowledge of human development across the lifespan
Evaluate the influence of culture, identity, family and community on counselling
Provide culturally responsive and inclusive counselling support
Apply advanced Christian and professional ethical reasoning
Maintain confidentiality, informed consent and appropriate documentation
Recognise and manage conflicts of interest and dual relationships
Apply safeguarding procedures and reporting responsibilities
Evaluate legal and regulatory issues relevant to counselling practice
Maintain clear professional and pastoral boundaries
Reflect critically on personal values, assumptions and practitioner limitations
Apply appropriate models of counselling supervision
Provide constructive feedback and developmental support to counsellors
Promote practitioner wellbeing and reduce the risk of burnout
Design and evaluate counselling or pastoral care programmes
Lead counselling ministries and community support initiatives responsibly
Critically evaluate scholarly literature in counselling and pastoral care
Apply advanced qualitative, quantitative and mixed research methods
Develop a coherent and ethically sound research proposal
Collect, analyse and interpret counselling research data
Conduct substantial independent research
Produce and defend a 30-credit master’s thesis
Communicate research findings to academic and professional audiences
Contribute to counselling education, supervision and professional development
Progress to doctoral or advanced professional study in counselling or related disciplines
After Graduation
Career Opportunities
A Closer Look
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