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The MA in Spirituality for applications for 2023-24 will be open on 1st November 2023 and the closing date is the 31st May 2024. Applications after the closing date will be considered if places are still available. 

Applied Spirituality

The MA in Applied Spirituality is a 12 month, three semester, Level 9 taught programme awarded by SETU Waterford. It brings the resources of spirituality to bear on issues about the meaning of life that come up in work settings, therapeutic settings, family settings, relationships or in the context of social issues regarding just and sustainable living. It aims to meet the needs of those with an interest in pursuing advanced study in the area of contemporary spirituality.

The programme, which will take place at Milltown Park, Dublin draws on a substantial body of literature by writers, scholars and practitioners, as well as mystics, drawn largely from Christian traditions. Other areas of study such as anthropology, psychology, sociology, science, philosophy and the arts are employed to explore the spiritual dimension of human experience and the journey of life in terms of its spiritual dimension and connection.

The programme will give opportunities for participants to consider practical issues associated with identifying and providing for one’s own and others’ spiritual needs / care and to do a research project.

On completion of the programme it is anticipated that the graduates will have the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to:

Engage meaningfully in contemporary discussions of spirituality

Critically reflect on their own role and the role of others in cultivating spiritualities that contribute constructively to society and relationships

Accompany others on the spiritual journey as well as self-appropriate their own spiritual journey

Successfully manage spirituality research

Progress to PhD studies in spirituality, or to further studies in another discipline with the foundation in spirituality that this programme offers.

Programme Delivery

The MA in Applied Spirituality programme begins with a week in early September (9-13) and classes after that week run in three-day blocks (Thursday – Saturday) per month from October to May, with two three-day blocks in October (early and late). The programme will be delivered at Milltown Park, Dublin.

 

Applied Spirituality Course Structure

All students taking the MA in Applied Spirituality programme must complete the following modules

Semester 1 Semester 2
Journeying with s/Spirit / 10 ECTS Spirituality, Social Concern and Gender / 5 ECTS
Spirituality, Authenticity and Method / 5 ECTS Contemplative Psychology / 5 ECTS
Contemporary Spiritual Writers / 5 ECTS Spiritual Accompaniment Process I / 5 ECTS
Awareness, Attentiveness, Presence Skills / 10 ECTS Spiritual Accompaniment Literature / 5 ECTS
  Research Training / 5 ECTS
  Research Appreciation and Dissemination / 5 ECTS
Semester 3 Semester 4
Spiritual Accompaniment Process 2 / 5 ECTS
Research Dissertation (20 ECTS)
Integration Process / 5 ECTS

Applied Spirituality Entry Requirements

Applicants for the MA in Applied Spirituality should hold a minimum of an NFQ Level 8 degree in a field of study related to the programme such as, psychology, social care, philosophy, liberal arts, theology, anthropology healthcare, or similar discipline. Applicants will normally have familiarity with language of spirituality and will have demonstrable experience in the field through, for instance, attendance at retreats, prayer practice, meditation, pilgrimage, social justice engagement, planetary well-being advocacy, or other such activities. Candidates are subject to a pre-entry interview.

Non-standard entry

Applicants who do not hold the standard qualifying NFQ Level 8 qualification criteria, but have relevant work experience and study may be considered for admission to the programme under the Institute's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process and subject to an interview.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose primary language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English.  Please see our website for more details SETU Waterford’s English Language Requirements

Please note there will be an admissions conversation with each applicant.

 

Programme fees

Programme fee details are available from the Postgraduate Fee Section of our website at www.setu.ie/pgfees.

How to Apply

Applications for this programme are made online by going to www.pac.ie (Code SE21M)

Places are limited so early application is advised.  Applications after the closing date will be considered subject to availability of places.

Graduates should expect their careers and lives to be enhanced whether they work in human care professions, faith-based service, spiritual resources management, community work, chaplaincy, pastoral care, life coaching or spiritual leadership, or want to focus on personal development, as they will have gained knowledge and understanding of spirituality at an advanced level.

Graduates will have gained skills in contemplative research which would prove useful in organisations whose remit is in the broad area of spiritual care in both statutory and non-statutory sectors.

Graduates should expect their careers and lives to be enhanced whether they work in human care professions, faith-based service, spiritual resources management, community work, chaplaincy, pastoral care, life coaching or spiritual leadership, or want to focus on personal development, as they will have gained knowledge and understanding of spirituality at an advanced level.

Graduates will have gained skills in contemplative research which would prove useful in organisations whose remit is in the broad area of spiritual care in both statutory and non-statutory sectors.

Contact

Course Leader

Dr Noelia Molina

Programme Director MA in Applied Spirituality -

Email: [email protected]

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