Professional Certificate in Pastoral Supervision

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Professional Programmes - Part Time	Part-Time One Years
Fees and Funding
Application Deadline:	30th June 2026 For EU & those living on the island of Ireland (Late applications may be considered).
	30th June 2026 For non EU
Course Start Date:	September 2026
Get info	Apply now

Introduction

Description

The aim of this programme is to provide professional formation for experienced practitioners who wish to develop the knowledge, skills, and reflective capacities required for effective pastoral supervision. The programme seeks to support participants in forming a grounded supervisory identity through an integrative, soulful, and relational approach that brings psychological insight, theological reflection, ethical practice, and contextual awareness into dialogue. Through sustained engagement with supervisory theory, supervised practice, reflexive learning, and peer dialogue, the programme aims to prepare participants to practise pastoral supervision with integrity, cultural sensitivity, and professional accountability, and to support their progression towards appropriate professional accreditation.

Frequently Asked Questions

This Certificate is designed and delivered by industry practitioners to impart directly applicable knowledge to professionals. Please note that this course does lead to a traditional university award such as a degree or a masters or any other award on the NFQ, or the QF of the Holy See.

This certificate is offered as a stand-alone qualification and is not referenced to levels within the NFQ (National Framework of Qualifications), the Qualifications Framework of the Holy See, or other SPPU academic programmes. It is not normally eligible for transfer credit towards academic awards. However, it is widely recognised and valued by employers. This is typical of professional programmes of this kind, which are designed to equip participants with current, practical skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace.

An SPPU Certificate provides formal recognition of your expertise and supports the professional standing you have earned. Studying with us enables you to develop relevant skills and knowledge within a timetable suited to working professionals. You will also engage with a community of peers, where shared experience and professional dialogue deepen understanding and strengthen learning.

Timetable

One Year Part-Time. Blended delivery (on-campus intensives and online workshops)

Career Outcomes

1 LO1. Describe and apply established ethical frameworks and professional standards relevant to pastoral supervision.

2 LO2. Establish and maintain supervisory relationships that are safe, respectful and culturally sensitive.

3 LO3. Use recognised supervisory models and techniques to facilitate supervisees’ reflection on practice.

4 LO4. Apply psychological, spiritual and theological perspectives in supervision, with guidance, to address common pastoral and ministerial issues.

5 LO5. Reflect on their own supervisory style and practice, identifying strengths and areas for further development.

6 LO6. Support supervisees in connecting vocation and responsibility within their ministerial and organisational contexts.

7 LO7. Participate effectively in supervision-of-supervision, peer learning, and professional development activities to support ongoing growth as a practitioner.

‘Choosing to undertake a Diploma of Professional Supervision under Michael’s wise, generous and soulful leadership is a decision I will celebrate for the rest of my life. It has been transformative personally and professionally.’

Karen Atkins, Paediatric Palliative Care, Brisbane

'Michael Paterson’s training course in supervision has opened for me and my organisation new possibilities of workplace wellbeing through reflective practice and supervision. It has has enabled us to mature both organisationally and as a workforce through the facilitation of a culture of transparency and accountability.'

Rod Bower, Director of Mission, Newcastle Diocese

Course Structure

One Year Part-Time

Blended delivery (on-campus intensives and online workshops)

Application Requirements

Specific minimum requirements for entry to the programme, if any (e.g. H6 in Mathematics). Applicants must:

● have at least 3 years experience in one of the caring professions or in a related voluntary role;

● be in an established supervisory relationship with a professional supervisor before commencing the course (a minimum of six sessions is required);

● be in a position to practice the skills learnt on the course (through supervising a minimum of three practitioners);

● be willing to engage in individual supervision throughout the course;

● be free to attend all group sessions.

Let’s talk

For Undergraduate queries: email admissions@spcm.ie.

For Postgraduate queries: email pgadmissions@spcm.ie.

For The Centre for Mission & Ministries queries, email: cmmadmissions@spcm.ie.

Professional Programmes - Part Time

Frequently Asked Questions

Next Steps

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