The BTh with Pastoral Counselling and Psychology at NWU is a three-year contact degree offered at the Potchefstroom campus, developed in consultation with the ACRP. It trains students in both theological foundations and psychological counselling theory, preparing graduates to provide holistic pastoral care and community support within faith communities and welfare contexts across South Africa. Students engage with counselling ethics, pastoral theology, human development, and community ministry, developing the competencies to address grief, family breakdown, trauma, and spiritual crisis — challenges particularly prevalent in South Africa's diverse and often economically strained communities. The degree provides a pathway into registered pastoral practice through the ACRP.
English: Level 4 (50-59%)
APS: 26
Pastoral Counsellor – Offer faith-based counselling and spiritual support to congregants and community members at South African churches, hospitals, or welfare organisations.
ACRP Registered Practitioner – Register with the Association of Christian Religious Practitioners and provide recognised pastoral care services within South Africa’s faith and welfare sectors.
Hospital Chaplain – Support patients, families, and staff through illness and grief at South African public or private hospitals as a trained pastoral care specialist.
Youth Pastor – Minister to young people through counselling, discipleship, and community programmes at South African churches serving urban, suburban, and township communities.
Faith-Based NGO Worker – Coordinate care, support, and community outreach programmes for vulnerable populations through South African faith-based organisations such as FAMSA or Doorways.
