MA, Pastoral Counselling

The Master of Arts in Pastoral Counselling provides advanced academic and professional formation for graduates seeking to serve in pastoral counselling, church care, chaplaincy, counselling education, ministry supervision and faith-based community support.

The programme brings Christian theology and pastoral practice into sustained dialogue with contemporary counselling knowledge. Students examine how biblical interpretation, theological anthropology, spiritual formation and pastoral theology inform compassionate care for individuals, couples, families and communities.

Advanced counselling courses develop competence in assessment, helping relationships, counselling processes, case formulation and intervention planning. Students explore integrative approaches that draw from recognised counselling theories while remaining sensitive to faith, culture, personal agency and the dignity of each person.

Specialist study in marriage and family counselling examines relationships, family systems, communication, conflict and life transitions. Courses in crisis, trauma, grief and bereavement prepare students to support people experiencing loss, distress and disruption within appropriate limits of competence.

The programme emphasises ethical boundaries, confidentiality, safeguarding, informed consent, referral and accountability. Students learn to recognise cases requiring intervention from licensed counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists, medical practitioners, social workers or safeguarding authorities.

Courses in counselling supervision and pastoral leadership prepare experienced students to guide pastoral carers, facilitate reflective practice and contribute to the development of healthy care ministries. Students also examine programme design, community care, intercultural counselling and contemporary social challenges.

Research Methods in Theology and Advanced Research Methods and Theological Method provide preparation for independent postgraduate research. Students develop competence in research design, literature review, qualitative and quantitative methods, data analysis and theological reflection.

The programme culminates in a 30-credit master’s thesis addressing an approved topic in pastoral counselling, family care, trauma, grief, supervision, spiritual care, human development or pastoral theology.

Graduates are prepared for senior pastoral counselling roles, care ministry leadership, teaching, supervision, consultancy and progression to doctoral study. Completion of the programme does not automatically confer statutory registration as a clinical counsellor, psychotherapist or psychologist where professional licensing is legally required.