Master of Theology in Practical Theology: Focal Area in Clinical and Pastoral Care at Stellenbosch University

Programme overview

Coursework master's offering advanced, practice-based training in pastoral care within clinical contexts, integrating pastoral theology with praxis theory under supervised clinical training.

Faculty: Theology | Department: Practical Theology and Missiology | Duration: Two years (at least one year per the programme structure) | Intake: January and July per programme notice; applications on this page close 30 Oct 2026 | Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

What you will study

180 credits, all compulsory: Applied Clinical Pastoral Care, Dogmatic Issues, General Pastoral Care, Group Work, Interviewing, Marriage and Family Pastorate, Personality and Development Psychology, Practical: Clinical Pastorate, Theological Ethics in a Medical Context and a 60-credit Research Assignment Pastoral Care. Part-time over at least two years, with three one-week compulsory block courses in Stellenbosch in each year; final mark based on nine examinations and assignments plus a clinical class mark.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Any degree programme in Theology at NQF level 8, or another appropriate four-year qualification deemed suitable by Senate, with an average of at least 60% in the subject in which the MTh is sought and 60% in the final year of Theology-related studies, plus any further requirements set by the discipline group and written application with admission by Senate; or a BAHons (Religious Studies) after a BA (with Theology) at Stellenbosch, or an honours degree deemed equivalent by Senate; or the Stellenbosch Postgraduate Diploma in Theology with an average of at least 65% and at least 60% for the research assignment in the relevant subject, which allows application to sit an admission examination. MTh thesis applicants must submit a research proposal to the satisfaction of the supervisor(s). A departmental form must be submitted with the application. Also required: CV with three referees and a one-page motivational letter.

The application fee is R100 for South African citizens, permanent residents and refugee, asylum seeker and diplomatic status holders, and R400 for international applicants. Stellenbosch Business School applicants pay R1050 for the MBA and R850 for other SBS programmes. Some applicants are exempt; application fees are non-refundable.

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