Master of Arts Applied Spirituality

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

South East Technological University

Program Overview

The MA in Applied Spirituality at South East Technological University (SETU) is a one-year, full-time NFQ Level 9 master’s that explores the spiritual dimension of human experience — drawing on spirituality, philosophy, psychology, sociology and arts — to help students engage with meaning, purpose, care and spiritual wellbeing in personal, work, therapeutic and social contexts. It suits graduates from related fields (e.g., psychology, philosophy, theology, liberal arts, anthropology, healthcare or social care) who want to deepen their understanding of contemporary spirituality and acquire skills for roles involving spiritual care, reflective practice, community engagement and personal development.

Curriculum structure:

In the master’s year, students build both conceptual insight and contemplative practice. They take Spirituality, Authenticity and Method to engage with core theories that frame human spiritual dimensions, and Awareness, Attentiveness, Presence Skills to develop mindful relational capabilities. Through Spirituality, Social Concern and Gender and Journeying with Spirit, learners explore how spirituality intersects with identity, social justice and life transitions. In Semester 2, modules such as Contemplative Psychology, Spiritual Accompaniment Literature, Research Training in Spiritual Methodologies and Contemplative Ethics, and Contemporary Spiritual Writers deepen both academic research and ethical engagement. The programme culminates in a substantial Research Dissertation (25 ECTS) and Integration Process where students synthesise theoretical, contemplative and practical insights in an independent research project.

Focus areas (in a string):

Spirituality theory & method, contemplative psychology, presence & attentiveness skills, social & gender aspects of spirituality, spiritual accompaniment literature, research methods in contemplative contexts, contemporary spiritual writers, independent research dissertation.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Critically engage with contemporary spirituality discourses; apply reflective, contemplative and research methods to spirituality-related questions; understand intersections of spirituality with society, identity and care; and complete an independent research dissertation.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Awarded as an NFQ Level 9 MA by South East Technological University (SETU), this programme aligns with roles in spiritual care, pastoral support, community wellbeing, reflective practice facilitation, organisational wellbeing roles, chaplaincy, life coaching and research pathways in spirituality and human development.

Reputation (employability rankings):

As an innovative interdisciplinary programme rooted in SETU and delivered at Milltown Park, Dublin, this programme draws on academic and contemplative traditions with research-related engagement; while specific rankings aren’t published globally for this niche area, its long-standing history and specialist focus support employability in roles that require deep reflective competence, community engagement, care and research in applied spirituality contexts.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical research skills by conducting their own empirical investigation, receiving advanced methodological training, and studying professional issues in applied contexts. The core of the experiential learning is an independent dissertation project, supported by dedicated training and access to university resources. This hands-on experience is delivered through several specific components:

Major Independent Research Project: Every student completes a dissertation based on an empirical investigation. This is the program's central practical exercise, requiring students to design, conduct, analyze, and report on original research in applied psychology.
Core Methodological Training: A compulsory Research Methodology and Statistics module provides the foundational technical skills needed to execute the empirical dissertation, covering essential research design and data analysis techniques.
Applied Optional Modules: Students choose from specialized applied modules like Theory of Psychotherapy, Applied Forensic Psychology, Counselling Skills, and Issues in Clinical Psychology. These modules translate theoretical knowledge into practice within specific fields.
Professional Skills Development: The compulsory Philosophical and Professional Issues in Applied Psychology module addresses ethical, philosophical, and practical considerations for working as a professional psychologist.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of South East Technological University's (SETU) MA in Applied Spirituality enhance careers in care professions through advanced contemplative research and spiritual accompaniment skills. Typical roles include chaplain, pastoral carer, life coach, community worker, and spiritual leader. These outcomes support work in faith-based services, healthcare, and personal development sectors.

Career Support Elements:

University Services: SETU Careers Centre provides job search support, employability workshops, and networking for humanities graduates.
Employment Stats: Enhanced employability in spiritual care; salaries vary €35,000-€50,000 in chaplaincy/community roles, with strong progression.
University-Industry Partnerships: Ties with SpIRE Institute, faith organizations, and NGOs for spiritual care and research collaborations.
Long-term Accreditation Value: Builds expertise for leadership in spirituality-focused professions; supports global roles in holistic care.
Graduation Outcomes: Advances in chaplaincy, coaching, or community work; focus on personal and societal spiritual growth.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates pursue PhD in spirituality at SETU (e.g., spiritual practices for health, pilgrimage, SDGs), or further studies in related disciplines like theology or counseling, leveraging research training