About Master Of Arts In Personal Leadership And Pastoral Care in National College of Ireland

The course is designed to facilitate the development of professional skills appropriate to personal leadership and pastoral care in both faith-based and secular communities.

The overall goal of this course is to build a holistic approach to personal leadership and pastoral care in any context. Careful guidance by experienced programme lecturers aims to enable students to achieve personal competence, manage emotions, develop autonomy, establish identity, form interpersonal relationships, clarify aims, understand organisation and management techniques and achieve a balanced lifestyle. 

The programme is designed to assist students to demonstrate and understand relevant aspects of the disciplines of sociology, adult education, spirituality, practical theology and to help them reflect critically on their pastoral and personal leadership experience. Field education/placement provides students with an opportunity to enhance their leadership ability, to take significant responsibility for the work of individuals and groups, to lead and initiate activities and to facilitate the translation of theoretical knowledge into good pastoral practice. The research component adds depth to the understanding of social change and can affect and shape assumptions and judgements in relation to pastoral care and leadership concerns.

Please note that some classes may be delivered online.

Who is the course for?

The course is suitable for people who are seeking to build upon and integrate prior professional experience, advance their skills and competences (often pre-existing) through a holistic approach to pastoral care and the development of personal leadership skills, and progress to leadership roles. Prior experience is valued for this programme.

Award and Progression

The Master of Arts in Personal Leadership and Pastoral Care is awarded by QQI at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. This award will allow transfer to level 9 research degrees and in some cases progression to taught doctoral courses at level 10 on the NFQ.

Career Prospects

This course is particularly suitable for people with the skills/experience in helping others in a range of community and institutional settings. It affords an opportunity to integrate these skills with theoretical knowledge at a professional practice framework.

Indicative Schedule

Year 1 Some Saturdays and weekends (Fridays and Saturdays) 1 block week (Monday-Friday)
Year 2 Some Saturdays and weekends (Fridays and Saturdays) 1 block week (Monday-Friday)

Please note that exams can be scheduled during the morning, afternoon or evening Monday to Saturday.

Applicants holding an honours degree (level 8) or professional qualification for education, nursing, social work, counselling, pastoral ministry/theology or related pastoral areas plus evidence of pastoral experience will be considered for the course. The college operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme meaning applicants who do not meet the normal academic requirements may be considered based on relevant work and other relevant experience. Interview with the programme team will be required for all applicants. There is a requirement for candidates to be Garda vetted.

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