MA in Pastoral Care: Existential and Humanist Practice MA

NSPC is at the forefront of the exciting, emerging field of non-religious pastoral care. This is the first MA of its nature in the UK and provides a much-needed pathway towards professional work in pastoral care/chaplaincy from a non-religious perspective. We work closely with Humanists UK to achieve this objective. Graduates should expect to work across a range of sectors including education, healthcare, the prison service and the armed forces. In addition, the MA provides probationary accreditation as a Humanist UK funeral, wedding and baby naming celebrant. Drawing on psychotherapeutic literature and on existential philosophy, we teach students to work in a holistic way, engaging with the unique world of each client.<br/><br/>The programme covers theory, skills training, placement and research. Prior learning can be granted for modules studied at level 7 covering the same learning outcomes as the NSPC equivalent – this can be discussed at interview stage.<br/><br/>Year one assumes no prior knowledge or experience, building your skills from the ground up. You will start with core competencies such as active listening, and build to a ceremonies training, as well as explicitly existential skills. Theoretical learning includes professional ethics, the psychology of worldviews, and a grounding in existential philosophy.<br/><br/>Year two provides an opportunity to start building experience in a placement with the support of supervision. You will also complete a research project, with the help of an experienced supervisor. This will be on a topic of your choice, and can take the form of a literature review or a qualitative piece. Students will build on the learning from year two, looking more deeply at ceremonies and ethical dilemmas.