Course descriptionSpirituality studies is a rapidly growing field. The University of Hull has established a distinctive identity in this field through its Centre for Spirituality Studies, focusing on the interdisciplinary complexity of spirituality and the development of corresponding generic methodologies and theories.
The programme is offered in the Department of Humanities but is designed to meet the needs of practitioners in the areas of health, education and social work who wish to extend their knowledge and understanding of spirituality.
The degree develops skills in recognising spiritual needs in the context of such professional services. Staff from Nursing, Education and Social Work contribute to the teaching of the programme.
The degree can be studied either full-time over one year or part-time over two. The part-time route enables students to combine their studies with their normal employment.
Students can obtain a 60-credit Advanced Certificate, a 120-credit Advanced Diploma or a 180-credit MA in Spirituality Studies.
PROGRAMME CONTENT
Students learn the concepts and methodologies necessary to study different spiritualities. The multifaceted nature of spirituality means that it must be studied from a range of perspectives, including sociology, psychology, anthropology, philosophy, hermeneutics and theology.
You will study research literature, policy documentation and guidelines on spirituality most relevant to your own specialist area.
You will be introduced to contemporary debates concerning spirituality and the emerging research agendas in educational studies, nursing and social work. Meanwhile you will also develop research and presentational skills.
Students wishing to obtain a Masters degree must complete, under supervision, a 15,000-word dissertation worth 60 credits.
CORE MODULES
-Theorising Spirituality
-Researching Spirituality
-Research Seminar in Spirituality
-Dissertation
OPTIONAL MODULES
-Spirituality in Health Care
-Spiritual Assessment in Health Care Practice
-Spirituality in Social Work
-Spirituality in Education
-Indian Philosophy
-Buddhist Ethics
-Loss, Bereavement and Palliative Care
-Interpreting Religious Practice
-Research Methods
-Empirical Studies in Educational Research
-Developing Professional and Interpersonal Skills
-Christian Leadership in Education
-School Chaplaincy in Action
-Applied Christian Ethics
-Introduction to Research Methods and Project Planning
-Advanced Health and Social Research
-The Nature of School Chaplaincy
ASSESSMENT
Candidates are assessed by means of coursework assignments, seminar presentations and a dissertation. Coursework is assessed during the semester in which the module is delivered.
-SPECIAL FEATURES
-Learn about spirituality in an interdisciplinary context.
-Learn about spirituality within the Every Child Matters framework, and about holistic frameworks such as SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning).
-Apply the concepts of spirituality to the core themes, issues, values and skills pertaining to social work.
-In the areas of nursing and health care, learn about the ethics and practices of undertaking spiritual assessments of patients’ and clients’ needs.
RESEARCH AREAS
The programme is staffed by experts in social work, educational studies, nursing, theology and philosophy of religion.