[vc_row section_mode=”fluid” bgmode=”customimagebg” image=”687″ bgposition=”center top” bgattachment=”fixed” padding=”custom-padding” padding_top_value=”150″ padding_bottom_value=”150″ sectionoverlayopacity=”0.70″ video_opacity_overlay=”0.70″ bgimagebackgrouncolor=”#383838″][vc_column][az_special_heading heading_color=”custom” heading_align=”textaligncenter” animation_loading=”yes” animation_loading_effects=”move_up” content_heading=”MASTER’S DEGREE” custom_heading_color=”#ffffff”][az_special_heading heading_color=”custom” heading_align=”textaligncenter” animation_loading=”yes” animation_loading_effects=”move_up” content_heading=”Consciousness, Spirituality & Transpersonal Psychology” custom_heading_color=”#ffffff”][az_special_heading heading_type=”2″ heading_color=”custom” heading_align=”textaligncenter” animation_loading=”yes” animation_loading_effects=”move_up” content_heading=”Accredited by Liverpool John Moores University” custom_heading_color=”#d1d1d1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding=”custom-padding” padding_top_value=”50″ padding_bottom_value=”50″ sectionoverlayopacity=”0.70″ video_opacity_overlay=”0.70″][vc_column][az_column_text]MSc in Consciousness, Spirituality & Transpersonal Psychology[/az_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][az_column_text]Our online distance-learning MSc in ‘Consciousness, Spirituality & Transpersonal Psychology’ provides an intellectually-stimulating programme of study which focuses on diverse topics around the nature of consciousness, the dynamics between psyche and soma, the psychology of self and higher states of being, and the psychological basis of spiritual and mystical practices. Our MSc programme is distinctive in valuing experiential approaches to learning and in encouraging students to incorporate insights from the programme into their own life journeys. In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, modules exploring integral life practice, transpersonal approaches to research, and a research dissertation focus on the practical application of learning. The MSc programme consists of 180 course credits and most students complete the programme over 3 years, studying part-time. The programme is run entirely online, and it is validated by Liverpool John Moores University in the UK.[/az_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][az_single_image image=”5461″ image_mode=”img-full-responsive” image_style_effects=”img-thumbnail img-circle” image_alignment=”aligncenter” image_link=”yes” responsive_md=”hidden-md” responsive_sm=”hidden-sm” responsive_xs=”hidden-xs” image_link_url=”/team/les-lancaster/”][az_column_text responsive_md=”hidden-md” responsive_sm=”hidden-sm” responsive_xs=”hidden-xs”]
Programme Director
Prof. Les Lancaster, Ph.D
[/az_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_raw_html]JTNDYSUyMGhyZWYlM0QlMjIlMkZyZWdpc3RyYXRpb24lMkZyZWdpc3RyYXRpb24tbXNjJTJGJTIyJTNFJTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJhbGVmLWJ1dHRvbiUyMG1vdmVfbGVmdCUyMGFuaW1hdGUlMjIlM0UlM0NiJTNFQWRtaXNzaW9ucyUyMCUyNiUyMFJlZ2lzdHJhdGlvbiUzQyUyRmIlM0UlM0MlMkZkaXYlM0UlM0MlMkZhJTNF[/vc_raw_html][az_divider][az_column_text]Topic Areas[/az_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][az_column_text]
- The nature of consciousness and its relation to the brain
- Possibilities of consciousness beyond the brain
- The psychology of self and higher states of being
- The psychology of transformation
- Contemporary spirituality
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- The psychology of shamanistic practices
- Transpersonal approaches to business management
- Creativity as vehicle for wellbeing and transformation
- The psychological basis of spiritual and mystical practices
- The dialogue between science and mysticism
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Year 1 (Core Modules)
[/az_column_text][az_blank_divider height_value=”15″][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_circle” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_type=”az_fontawesome” icon_az_fontawesome=”fa-folder-open” title=”Module ‘Approaches to Consciousness’ (20 credits)” icon=”fa-folder-open”]Our ‘Approaches to Consciousness‘ module offers a broad introduction to consciousness studies, cognitive neuroscience of consciousness, consciousness and spiritual traditions.[/az_box_icon][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_circle” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_type=”az_fontawesome” icon_az_fontawesome=”fa-folder-open” title=”Module ‘Learning Through Integrative Practice’ (20 credits)” icon=”fa-folder-open”]Our ‘Learning Through Integrative Practice‘ module offers an 8-month experiential immersion in a personal programme of integrative practice, with the aim to foster whole-person development. Individual needs and aspirations are considered in the development of the practice plan, and critical engagement with the practices is encouraged through regular webinars and reflective sessions.[/az_box_icon][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_circle” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_type=”az_fontawesome” icon_az_fontawesome=”fa-folder-open” title=”Module ‘Spiritual Psychology’ (20 credits)” icon=”fa-folder-open”]This module takes as its central focus issues surrounding spirituality and spiritual practice in the modern world. Ancient as well as contemporary expressions of spirituality are examined through transpersonal and psychological lenses. Students choose two specialist topics to explore as part of this module.[/az_box_icon][az_blank_divider height_value=”15″][az_column_text]
Specialist Options (Select Two)
[/az_column_text][az_blank_divider height_value=”15″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_circle” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_color=”custom” icon_azfont=”font-icon-plus-3″ box_wrap_link=”yes” title=”Contemporary Spirituality” icon=”font-icon-plus-3″ box_wrap_link_url=”/academic-learning/masters-degree/contemporary-spirituality/” el_class=”step2″ custom_icon_color=”#81d742″]In this course we examine the phenomenon of spiritual awakening outside the context of spiritual or religious traditions.[/az_box_icon][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_circle” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_color=”custom” icon_azfont=”font-icon-plus-3″ box_wrap_link=”yes” title=”Kabbalistic Psychology” icon=”font-icon-plus-3″ box_wrap_link_url=”/academic-learning/masters-degree/kabbalistic-psychology/” el_class=”step2″ custom_icon_color=”#81d742″]We examine and evaluate psychological insights found within the corpus of kabbalistic texts.[/az_box_icon][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_circle” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_color=”custom” icon_azfont=”font-icon-plus-3″ box_wrap_link=”yes” title=”Transpersonal Dreaming” icon=”font-icon-plus-3″ box_wrap_link_url=”/academic-learning/masters-degree/transpersonal-dreaming/” el_class=”step2″ custom_icon_color=”#81d742″]We draw upon scientifically grounded theories and empirical findings around dreaming from a transpersonal perspective, as well as on related historical and spiritual traditions.[/az_box_icon][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_circle” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_color=”custom” icon_azfont=”font-icon-plus-3″ box_wrap_link=”yes” title=”Transpersonal Ecopsychology” icon=”font-icon-plus-3″ box_wrap_link_url=”/academic-learning/masters-degree/transpersonal-ecopsychology/” el_class=”step2″ custom_icon_color=”#81d742″]We explore how and why Homo Sapiens, are dependent on and participants in what we can today call the planetary and cosmic ecosystem.[/az_box_icon][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_circle” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_color=”custom” icon_azfont=”font-icon-plus-3″ box_wrap_link=”yes” title=”Shamanistic Psychology” icon=”font-icon-plus-3″ box_wrap_link_url=”/academic-learning/masters-degree/shamanistic-psychology/” el_class=”step2″ custom_icon_color=”#81d742″]Shamanism is the oldest spiritual tradition known to humankind and continues to be relevant to our contemporary world.[/az_box_icon][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][az_divider margin_top_value=”5″ margin_bottom_value=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding=”custom-padding” padding_top_value=”10″ padding_bottom_value=”10″ sectionoverlayopacity=”0.70″ video_opacity_overlay=”0.70″][vc_column padding=”custom-padding” padding_value=”10″][az_column_text]
Year 2 (Core Modules)
[/az_column_text][az_blank_divider height_value=”15″][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_circle” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_type=”az_fontawesome” icon_az_fontawesome=”fa-folder-open” title=”Module ‘Transpersonal Psychology’ (20 credits)” icon=”fa-folder-open”]Our Transpersonal Psychology module offers an introduction to the history and principles of transpersonal psychology, mapping the major contributions to the field. We will examine the core epistemological and philosophical issues underlying a transpersonal approach to human psychology, explore major theoretical developments within, and closely related to, transpersonal psychology, and examine in greater detail several conceptual details within the field.[/az_box_icon][az_blank_divider height_value=”15″][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_circle” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_type=”az_fontawesome” icon_az_fontawesome=”fa-folder-open” title=”Module ‘Research Design’ (20 credits)” icon=”fa-folder-open”]Our Research Design module provides a grounding in qualitative research methods, before venturing into transpersonal approaches to research, offering an introduction to methods which embrace embodied, intuitive and creative ways of expanding the human knowledge base. It not only gives students the opportunity to work with these methods in a research project, but also tackles philosophical and ethical issues surrounding methods in transpersonal psychology, such as the centrality of transformation for both researcher and participants, issues arising when participants’ most meaningful experiences may be scrutinized, issues where practices may be evaluated for efficacy, and ideas concerning changing paradigms in psychological science.[/az_box_icon][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_circle” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_type=”az_fontawesome” icon_az_fontawesome=”fa-folder-open” title=”Module ‘Applied Transformative Psychology’ (20 credits) ” icon=”fa-folder-open”]This module focuses on the ways in which transpersonal, or spiritual, perspectives can be applied in practice, considering personal and professional pathways and ethics of transformation. Students will be encouraged to explore their own practice in relation to two specialist topics[/az_box_icon][az_blank_divider height_value=”15″][az_column_text]
Specialist Options (Select Two)
[/az_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_circle” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_color=”custom” icon_azfont=”font-icon-plus-3″ box_wrap_link=”yes” title=”Creativity and Transformation” icon=”font-icon-plus-3″ box_wrap_link_url=”/academic-learning/masters-degree/creativity-and-transformation/” el_class=”step2″ custom_icon_color=”#81d742″]In this course we explore the nature of creativity and its relationship to human development and growth.[/az_box_icon][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_circle” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_color=”custom” icon_azfont=”font-icon-plus-3″ box_wrap_link=”yes” title=”Meditation & Mindfulness” icon=”font-icon-plus-3″ box_wrap_link_url=”/academic-learning/masters-degree/meditation-mindfulness/” el_class=”step2″ custom_icon_color=”#81d742″]Exploring the potential of how meditation and mindfulness-based approaches for improving well-being is increasingly being recognised.[/az_box_icon][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_circle” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_color=”custom” icon_azfont=”font-icon-plus-3″ box_wrap_link=”yes” title=”Transformational Leadership” icon=”font-icon-plus-3″ box_wrap_link_url=”/academic-learning/masters-degree/transformational-leadership/” el_class=”step2″ custom_icon_color=”#81d742″]This course will provide both the understanding and practices to expand human consciousness to enable leaders to discover new aspects of themselves, thereby embracing the essence of transformational leadership.[/az_box_icon][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_circle” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_color=”custom” icon_azfont=”font-icon-plus-3″ box_wrap_link=”yes” title=”Transpersonal Psychotherapy and Counselling” icon=”font-icon-plus-3″ box_wrap_link_url=”/academic-learning/masters-degree/transpersonal-psychotherapy-and-counselling/” el_class=”step2″ custom_icon_color=”#81d742″]In this course we explore transpersonal approaches to counselling and therapy.[/az_box_icon][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_circle” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_color=”custom” icon_azfont=”font-icon-plus-3″ box_wrap_link=”yes” title=”Transpersonal Coaching Psychology” icon=”font-icon-plus-3″ box_wrap_link_url=”/academic-learning/masters-degree/transpersonal-coaching-psychology/” el_class=”step2″ custom_icon_color=”#81d742″]In this course we explore the potential of transpersonal approaches to coaching.[/az_box_icon][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row bgmode=”custom” padding=”small-padding” sectionoverlayopacity=”0.70″ custombgcolor=”#f2f2f2″ video_opacity_overlay=”0.70″][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][az_column_text]
Year 3 (Dissertation)
[/az_column_text][az_box_icon icons_select=”icon_circle” icon_mode=”yes-icon” icon_type=”az_fontawesome” icon_az_fontawesome=”fa-folder-open” title=”Research Dissertation (60 credits)” icon=”fa-folder-open”]Students conduct a research project under supervision, exploring their own area of interest in depth. We focus on a view of the person that emphasizes the interrelationships between the physiological, psychological, social and spiritual levels of explanation. Our philosophical orientation holds that the pursuit of psychological knowledge is advanced by experiential and introspective approaches as well as by the more traditional scientific approaches. In presenting a scholarly and multi-perspectival approach to the investigation of consciousness and the transpersonal, we adopt an open, non-ideological, and appropriately critical approach that acknowledges and respects individual differences of view, experience and belief.
Students are encouraged to complete the MSc Programme over three years. A 2-year pathway is available to those who can commit to intensive study of approximately 30 hours per week. The 2-year pathway entails study of Research Design in year 1, alongside the other modules listed in year 1. In year 2 students then take the Research Dissertation alongside the other modules listed in year 2.[/az_box_icon][az_accordion_container][az_accordion_section]
The degree operates through our partnership with
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), UK. Students wishing to gain a Postgraduate Certificate can enrol on the MSc route and complete their studies after gaining 60 credits in year 1. Equally, students wishing to gain a Postgraduate Diploma can enrol on the MSc route and complete their studies after gaining 120 credits by the end of year 2.
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The MSc is further enhanced by a partnership of the Alef Trust with the Scientific and Medical Network (SMN), UK, a worldwide professional community for open-minded, rigorous and evidence-based enquiry into themes bridging science, spirituality and consciousness. Students become members of the network for the duration of their studies and have access to the network’s newsletter and its unique audio-visual lecture archive featuring many inspiring presentations by new paradigm scientists and scholars. Students also receive discounts to some of the SMN’s live events held annually in the UK.
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Enrol for September 2019!
[/az_column_text][az_blank_divider height_value=”30″][az_column_text]If you would like to enrol on our Master’s programme, or have additional questions, simply complete the form below and a member of our team will contact you. We offer a unique learning experience and will be here to guide you through every step of your learning.[/az_column_text][az_blank_divider height_value=”30″][az_column_text][contact-form-7 id=”489″ title=”main_contact”][/az_column_text][vc_raw_js]JTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwdHlwZSUzRCUyN3RleHQlMkZqYXZhc2NyaXB0JTI3JTNFJTBBJTBBalF1ZXJ5JTI4ZG9jdW1lbnQlMjkucmVhZHklMjhmdW5jdGlvbiUyOCUyNCUyOSUyMCU3QiUwQSUyNCUyOCUyNy5jbGlja19lbnJvbGwlMjclMjkuYmluZCUyOCUyN2NsaWNrJTI3JTJDJTIwZnVuY3Rpb24lMjglMjklMjAlN0IlMEElMEF3aW5kb3cubG9jYXRpb24lMjAlM0QlMjAlMjclMjNlbnJvbGwlMjclM0IlMEElMEElN0QlMjklM0IlMEElMEElMEElN0QlMjklM0IlMEElMEElM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0U=[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/vc_row]