BA (Hons) Pastoral Care with Psychology

Applications Open

Applications for the January 2026 intake are open 

Introduction

The Pastoral Care with Psychology programme at William Booth College is open to people in ministry in the Salvation Army who have completed Salvation Army Officer training 

Drawing upon research and theories about human behaviour proposed by psychology, and a Christian understanding of what it means to be human, this degree provides you with the opportunity to develop your academic knowledge, understanding, skills and experience of pastoral care in faith-based settings, thus enriching your current and future pastoral practice.   

Although this degree will not qualify you to become a psychologist or counsellor, you will learn from these disciplines and have an appreciation and understanding of the added value such learning is able to contribute to your practice.  The programme is structured to enable you to actively reflect on your ministry context and undertake assessment tasks, applying theory to practice. The programme is delivered by an experienced and academically qualified tutor team, who have experience of Salvation Army ministry in a variety of contexts. Most of these are Salvation Army Officers either based at William Booth College or practitioner tutors working in the field.   

The whole programme lasts 2 and a half years and consists of one level 4 module, one level 5 module and 5 level 6 modules.  The level 4 and 5 modules are bridging modules designed to introduce you to the subject of psychology and research, and to assist you with the transition from Salvation Army Officer Training at DipHE level or equivalent. They provide a foundation for honours study at level 6. In this respect, the whole course is designed to enable you to journey from initial officer training, through the bridging modules then immediately onto the level 6 modules.  It is recognised that there may be some years between initial officer training and starting the bridging modules, however, the experience gained during ministry will enhance and bring added value to your learning on this programme.   

The teaching, learning and assessment of each module is completed before the next is begun, thus ensuring the course is manageable and achievable alongside your ministry commitments. 

The modules are designed to help you develop your pastoral practice and include the following aspects: 

• Development of professional practice within the field of pastoral care in faith-based settings 

• Understanding and explaining the complexities of human behaviour and development from a psychological perspective 

• The many challenges that face Christianity in its efforts to engage authentically with, and influence, modern society 

• Contemporary pastoral issues in the light of both biblical and psychological insights, including mental health issues 

• Current research methodology and methods including ethics for human research 

• The final dissertation module provides you with the opportunity to carry out independent research of your own choice within the broad field of study applying knowledge of psychological perspectives to pastoral care practice in a faith-based setting 

Learning Hours

Each 20 credit module consists of 200 learning hours which equates to approximately 10 to 12 hours per week.  The final dissertation module is worth 40 credits and will be reflected in the learning hours and the extended time frame allowed for this module 

Programme Aims

The aims of the programme are: 

1. To create opportunities where academic knowledge, understanding and experience of psychology can be applied to pastoral care practice in the context of faith-based settings. 

2. To enable you to access multiple approaches to pastoral care in a way that fosters critical evaluation and reflection, thus securing your development as providers of pastoral care in faith-based settings. 

3. To acquire and develop a range of skills which facilitate an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to pastoral care, theology and ministry. 

Programme Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the programme you will be able to: 

6.1 Integrate and systematically synthesise knowledge and understanding from pastoral care, theology and psychology by critically applying theories to work with individuals and groups within pastoral care settings.  

6.2 Identify and systematically analyse theoretical and conceptual approaches to pastoral care, and psychology.  

6.3 Critically evaluate the integration of detailed knowledge and conceptual understanding from psychological theories and Christian thought, in the context of pastoral care practice.  

6.4 Systematically understand and apply a range of research methodologies appropriate to the collection, analysis, evaluation and presentation of information within pastoral care with psychology.  

6.5 Construct sustained and balanced arguments, critically reflecting upon the application of Christian thought and psychological theories, within pastoral care contexts.  

6.6 Manage and reflect upon own learning making appropriate and critical use of scholarly reviews and other primary sources.  

Learning, teaching and assessment

Following a return to study and course induction, where you will be supported in acquiring the skills necessary for studying at this level, you will attend William Booth College (WBC) for 5 day’s intensive teaching at the beginning of each module. During this week the core teaching for that module is delivered by experienced and qualified tutors using a range of teaching and learning strategies including small group work, paired activities, large group work, lectures, presentations, online activities, group and individual tutorials.  

Following the residential week your learning is further enhanced by regular online study groups, and you will be allocated a personal tutor who will support your individual learning needs. In addition, pastoral support will be available throughout the residential weeks, this is especially important as there will be times when sensitive and difficult topics are discussed, for example self-harm and suicide.  

Experiential learning is a key feature of this programme and although experience in itself does not necessarily guarantee learning, it is a rich source for reflection and action. Reflective practice is a feature of both the on-site teaching and the on-line study groups. This reflective learning equips you to process the information you are gathering about yourselves and those with whom you are working, intepreting this through the academic frameworks you are studying within the programme. Having the opportunities to discuss your reflections and learning with peers and tutors enables you to widen your knowledge and understanding of theories and practice; and contribute to challenging beliefs, values, principles and practice. 

All assessments are designed to enable you to consolidate and apply learning which is deep and relevant to both the practice of pastoral care and to academic development. These assessments include written work of various genre, for example, essay, case study, use of a reflective cycle, research proposal. Other forms of assessment include individual oral and poster presentations, culminating in a dissertation where you will design and execute a piece of primary research. All assessments provide the opportunity for you to apply your learning to your own context while using and developing skills which are already an essential part of your professional lives and ministry. 

Dates

The next Cohort begins in January 2026 and will conclude in July 2028.

Student Testimonials

Here is what some previous students have said about this course: 

• This course was one of the most transformative experiences of my officership. It radically changed the way that I look at pastoral care and gave me an understanding that has deeply impacted my whole life and ministry. 

• This course of study has allowed me to have a greater insight to ministering to the whole person whose needs are multidimensional and has provided the tools with which to minister more effectively. 

• The course was life changing for me and the people I serve. It’s made me more aware of the gifting that God has given me in pastoral care/ministry and has given me a greater passion to pursue psychology further. 

• I found this course to be very valuable in my ministry, linking the psychological aspects with the scriptural needs for pastoral care was of particular importance. I felt in practice it helped me to work more from a spiritual mandate to care.   

For more information

Please contact: Major Carolyn Clampton – Degree Course Leader 

For Prospectus:
Please contact: Nicky Twyman – Programme Manager, Higher Education