Professional Certificate in Pastoral Supervision
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
Professional Programmes - Part Time |
Part-Time One Years |
| Fees and Funding | |
Course Start Date: |
September 2026 |
| Get info | Apply now |
Introduction
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
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.
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
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.
If you live outside Ireland, check out our dedicated area for international students.
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.