Nazarene Theological College has been established for over eighty years, and is known for recognising societal needs and responding with effective degree programming in kind, including their recent MA in theology and ecology that explores climate crisis through the lens of theology. Recent alumni include Pastor Mick, Church on the Street, who was showcased during the pandemic for providing to the people of Burnley, and Christie Spurling, founder of NGage, a charity working with excluded youth.
Now, NTC is releasing a new degree pathway for BA students in Theology and Counselling. Here, students will integrate professional counselling with an exploration of faith, religion and social justice. NTC’s people-shaping academic programmes and exceptional levels of pastoral care make this a natural next step for the college, who will be offering the course, a combination of robust academic studies with stimulating placement opportunities from the 2025 academic year. Post study, students will be able to apply for UK counselling bodies including BACP, ACC and NCPS.
As 1 in 4 people in the UK experience mental health crises, this course is arriving at a time when it’s needed throughout the country. Church and community leaders regularly tell the college that one of their greatest challenges is in the area of mental health, and NTC has designed this programme to help address this challenge in the community and charity sector. Furthermore, in a multi-cultural Britain where faith is an increasingly significant element, this programme will help counsellors understand the role of faith in healing and therapy. Graduates will be able to go on to serve diverse communities and offer avenues for support that resonate with the values and understanding of those communities. There will be bursaries available to accommodate those who might not be able to afford study fees.
Principal Deirdre Brower Latz says, “This course is an opportunity for us to continue to equip our communities with [more] skills around counselling and mental health, and we’re hopeful that we’ll be joined by community leaders and those hoping to support people in need. We want to help people professionally and faithfully care for people in need in communities across the UK and around the world.”
