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Waterford Institute of Technology

Applied Spirituality

Description
The MA in Applied Spirituality is a 12 month, three semester, Level 9 taught programme awarded by Waterford Institute of Technology. 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.

Entry requirements

Applicants for the MA in Applied Spirituality should hold a minimum of an NFQ Level 8 Honours (2.2) degree in a field of study related to the programme such as, theology, philosophy, humanities, human sciences 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, pilgrimage or other such activities. Normally 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 WIT's English Language Requirements

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

Duration

1-2 years full-time/part-time.

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.

Number of credits

Careers or further progression

Opportunities
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.

Further enquiries

Dr. Michael O'Sullivan
SJ, BSoc Sc, BacPhil, BD, MTh, STL, PhD - Lecturer in Spirituality and Programme Leader, MA in Applied Spirituality
Email: MOSullivan@wit.ie

Dr. Bernadette Flanagan
Spirituality Studies
Email: bflanagan@wit.ie

Subjects taught

Year 1
Semester 1
Journeying with Spirit
Spirituality, Authenticity and Method
Contemporary Spiritual Writers
Awareness, Attentiveness, Self-Presence Skills

Semester 2
Spiritual Accompaniment Process
Spirituality Accompaniment Skills Training
Spirituality, Social Concern and Gender
Contemplative Psychology

Year 2
Semester 3
Research Training
Research Project
Integration Process