Programme structure
The MTh (Counselling stream) is completed over approximately 2½–3 years in a cohort-based learning environment, with cohorts commencing their studies on 1 February and 1 August, respectively.
Counselling
Is the programme for me?
SATS’s Master of Theology with a concentration in Christian Counselling is a structured master’s programme designed for students who want to develop advanced competence in Christian counselling, research, and professional practice.
The programme integrates theological reflection, counselling theory and practice, neurotheology, empirical research, and professional formation. Students develop their counselling competence through guided study, skills development, practicum experience, and engagement with ethical and professional practice.
Rather than completing a traditional thesis, you conduct research in Christian Counselling and develop a journal-ready research article. You also learn to communicate your work to academic and non-academic audiences and compile a Portfolio of Evidence demonstrating your development and competence across the programme.
The programme also provides specialised preparation for students pursuing professional designation as Christian counsellors, including the required counselling skills development and practicum hours.
Do I Qualify?
Applicants require a four-year Bachelor Honours degree with a minimum average of 65%.
General Admission Criteria
Applicants must hold an Honours Degree (NQF Level 8) from an accredited institution.
The Honours degree can be in any field (not necessarily theology).
An above-average achievement at the exit level.
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient theological and counselling readiness as outlined below.
1.1. Theological Readiness Requirements
If the honours degree is not a theology honours, applicants must complete sufficient bridging study in theology before admission.
This may be done through the HCCL if the student has sufficient Christian counselling studies, or the HCCL (Counselling) if the student has neither counselling nor theology.
1.2. Counselling Readiness Requirements
Applicants must have completed theoretical and practical studies as follows:
96 credits of Christian counselling and coursework including:
Theoretical Foundations of Counselling – minimum of 12 credits.
Psychopathology (including understanding mental health disorders and demonology) – minimum of 12 credits.
Ethics in Christian counselling practice – minimum of 12 credits.
Human Development across the Lifespan – minimum of 12 credits.
Competency in a minimum of three models of Christian counselling (i.e., 5E Model; Biblical Counselling, Logotherapy; Narrative Therapy; Christian CBT; Egan’s Helping Model, other, etc.)
Please note: The institution reserves the right to require additional bridging modules if there are gaps in either theology or counselling preparation. Bridging programmes are available for applicants without sufficient theology and/or Christian counselling.
Programme structure
What Does The Curriculum Look Like?
The Layout of the Curriculum and Practicum
Courses
Programme requirements
Total Credits (180)
The M.Th Counselling requires that you earn a minimum of 180 total Credits. This included 5 x 24 Credit Courses and 1 x 60 Credit Practicum and Research Project
Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Courses5 | ||
| GEN5121 | Theological Orientation | 12 credits |
| MCC5301 | Neurotheology in Christian Counselling | 30 credits |
| MTH5301 | Article Writing | 30 credits |
| MTH5481 | Theology and Ministry Specialisation | 48 credits |
| MTH5601 | Research Portfolio | 60 credits |
How much does the programme cost?
As with our other programmes, students pay per course. The table below breaks down the programme costs for the first cohort, commencing studies in Semester 1, 2027. (Note that this is only an estimate, and that our fees are adjusted annually in January). Application Fee (once off) and Enrolment Fee (once off) are not included in the table below. Please find these fees on the Pricing page of the website.