Masters, Advanced Diploma, Advanced
Certificate
Spirituality studies is a rapidly growing
field. In the UK , the professional disciplines of nursing,
education and social work/social care are increasingly engaged in
developing the subject of spirituality within their curricula. The
University of Hull has established a distinctive identity in the
research environment through its Centre for Spirituality Studies,
focusing on the interdisciplinary complexity of spirituality and
the development of corresponding generic methodologies and
theories.
The taught MA in Spirituality Studies provides
an opportunity for those wishing to specialize in
spirituality or to use the growing understanding of spirituality
within their own discipline. The MA is designed to meet
the needs of professionals working in areas such
as health, education, and social work who wish to extend their
knowledge and understanding of spirituality. The programme also
offers the opportunity for further research into areas of
professional interest.
The programme will provide students with a
solid foundation in the theoretical concepts and research
methodologies applicable to the study of spirituality. These are
concepts which have a wider application to the development of
transferable skills for interdisciplinary research and to the
challenge of undertaking empirical research in subjects of this
nature.
This degree will appeal to a broad range of
practitioners and researchers in medicine, health, nursing,
social work/social care, sociology of religion, palliative care,
and education. This is a programme which will enable the student to
develop skills in recognising spiritual needs in the context of
professional services.
Contact: Paul Dearey, h.p.dearey@hull.ac.uk
DURATION AND STRUCTURE: CERTIFICATE, DIPLOMA, DEGREE
The programme can be studied on either
a full-time basis in one year or as part-time over two
years. The part-time route enables students to intergrate
their studies with their employment and career
development.
The programme structure enables students to
obtain a 60 credit Advanced Certificate in Spirituality Studies, a
120 credit Advanced Diploma in Spirituality Studies, or a 180
credit MA in Spirituality Studies.
FULL-TIME PROGRAMME
Semester 1 (September-January)
Core modules
Theorising Spirituality
Researching Spirituality
Optional modules
Introduction to Research Methods and Project
Planning
Advanced Health and Social
Research
Indian Philosophy
Buddhist
Ethics
Loss, Bereavement, and Palliative
Care
The Nature of School Chaplaincy
Semester 2
(February-June)
Optional modules
Spirituality in Health Care
Spiritual Assessment
in Health Care Practice
Spirituality in Social
Work
Spirituality in Education
Research
Methods
Empirical Studies in Educational
Research
Developing Professional and Interpersonal
Skills
Christian Leadership in
Education
School Chaplaincy in
Action
Applied Christian Ethics
Semester 1 & 2
(September-June)
Core module
Research Seminar in
Spirituality
Optional module
Interpreting Religious Practice
Period 3
(June-August)
Student wishing to obtain a Masters
degree must also complete, under supervision, a
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.
MODULES
Some of the modules included in the programme
are listed below. Not all modules may be available in any one year.
The following is therefore an indicative outline.
Theorising Spirituality
This module introduces students from a range
of professional disciplines to the academic study of spirituality.
It presents a consistent approach to spirituality as it appears in
the context of secular welfare services. Phenomena pertaining to
different spiritualities, such as desire, faith, disclosure,
revelation, and prayer, are examined. The module explains the
principles and methodologies which may be applied in analysing
these phenomena. It takes an approach that stands at a distance
from religious and theological explanations of spirituality. The
module draws extensively upon the growing body of research from a
number of professional disciplines.
Researching Spirituality
This module introduces students to the
research methods and resources necessary for the study of
spirituality. The multi-faceted nature of spirituality means that
it does not fit neatly into one subject area. Rather, it can be
investigated from different perspectives, including the
sociological, psychological, anthropological, hermeneutical,
philosophical and theological. The module introduces students to
these different methodologies, and associated research instruments
such as research databases and qualitative software.
Spirituality in Education
Spiritual development is a statutory
requirement in education, and has been since the 1944 Education
Act. Despite its statutory status, strong evidence suggests
that spiritual development in educational settings is constrained
by many issues, including its ambiguous – and for some –
controversial nature, particularly in relation to religious
education issues. This module examines the educational literature
on spirituality, including theory, philosophy, research, and policy
documentation and guidelines. Particular attention is given to
Every Child Matters, and to holistic, inclusive frameworks
such as SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning).
Beyond the local and national policy levels, the global context is
increasingly relevant, as are human rights issues concerning
inclusion, respect, poverty, and the environment.
Spiritual Assessment in Health Care
Practice
There is a political and professional
expectation that health care professionals should be able to
undertake a holistic health care assessment of their patients or
clients needs, including their spiritual needs. This module
provides an overview of how spiritual assessment can be
incorporated into health care practice. Through examples and
critiques of different assessment methods, students develop their
understanding of the practical and ethical implications of
undertaking spiritual assessment.
Spirituality in Health Care
Practice
The spiritual dimension is an emergent field
within health care practice. Almost every professional discipline
is now contributing to this area of practice through publication or
research. This module introduces students to the emerging debates
surrounding the concept of spirituality and the delivery of
‘spiritual care.’ It provides an overview of the historical and
contemporary developments of spirituality in health care practice,
examines different concepts of spirituality and spiritual care, and
explains the relationship between spiritual care and fundamental
health care practice.
Spirituality and Social Work
This module aims to apply the concept of
spirituality and understanding of spiritual practices to the core
themes, issues, values and skills pertaining to social work. The
links with culture and culturally competent practice are key
features. There will be extensive use of case study material to
assist with this process. The module further aims to explore the
specific research agenda and the skills and methods appropriate to
this field of enquiry.
Research seminar in spirituality
This module runs alongside other modules, providing an
interdisciplinary forum in which students may explore course
content. The module facilitates students’ exploration of their own
ideas as well as contrasting approaches. It develops practical and
transferable skills in making presentations on spirituality.