The BA in Pastoral Psychology at NWU is a three-year contact degree offered at the Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark campuses, developed in consultation with the Association of Christian Religious Practitioners (ACRP). The programme integrates psychological principles with pastoral care theory, equipping students to provide faith-based counselling, community support, and spiritual direction within South African religious and social service contexts. Students study counselling psychology, pastoral theology, community development, and intercultural communication, graduating with skills to serve diverse faith communities across South Africa's multicultural society. The degree is particularly relevant to denominations seeking trained pastoral counsellors for congregational and hospital ministry.
English: Level 4 (50-59%)
APS: 26
Pastoral Counsellor – Provide faith-integrated emotional and spiritual support to individuals and families within South African church congregations, hospitals, or community care organisations.
Chaplain – Serve as a chaplain in South African hospitals, prisons, military units, or educational institutions, offering pastoral care across faith traditions.
Community Development Worker – Facilitate community empowerment and social support programmes within faith-based organisations and NGOs operating in South African townships and rural areas.
Religious Practitioner (ACRP) – Register with the Association of Christian Religious Practitioners to provide recognised pastoral and counselling services in South Africa.
Social Auxiliary Worker – Support registered social workers in delivering psychosocial services under supervision, particularly in faith-aligned organisations and welfare agencies across South Africa.
