Alef Trust > Postgraduate Programmes > Master’s Degree

MSc in Consciousness, Spirituality and Transpersonal Psychology

(Accredited By Liverpool John Moores University)

Programme Director
Prof. Les Lancaster, Ph.D

A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR: 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.

MSc Student Testimonial

“This was a truly transformational journey. The course has given me a lot of knowledge, particularly in the domain of individual and collective transformation, which is one of my key interests. However, my most cherished gain is my own transformed self. I have a more expanded understanding of myself, I feel more authentic, more compassionate and more connected to others. I now apply what I have learned through the courses I teach at university as well as through transformational work in organisations. Yet it is not just the knowledge that I apply, I also apply “myself”. My own transformative experience serves as a catalyst and has transformative impact on others.” (More Student Testimonials)

Dagmar Suissa
MSc Alumnus – Class 2018

Admissions & Registration

Topic Areas

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

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

Year 1 (Core Modules)

Module 'Approaches to Consciousness' (20 credits)

Our ‘Approaches to Consciousness‘ module offers a broad introduction to consciousness studies, cognitive neuroscience of consciousness, consciousness and spiritual traditions.

Module ‘Learning Through Integrative Practice’ (20 credits)

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.

Module ‘Spiritual Psychology’ (20 credits)

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.

Specialist Options (Select Two)

Contemporary Spirituality

In this course we examine the phenomenon of spiritual awakening outside the context of spiritual or religious traditions.

Kabbalistic Psychology

We examine and evaluate psychological insights found within the corpus of kabbalistic texts.

Psychedelics and Entheogens

Taking a cross-disciplinary and multi-cultural approach, this course explores transpersonal and transformative qualities of the psychedelic experience, illuminating its meanings and implications for individuals and communities.

Transpersonal Dreaming

We draw upon scientifically grounded theories and empirical findings around dreaming from a transpersonal perspective, as well as on related historical and spiritual traditions.

Transpersonal Ecopsychology

We explore how and why Homo Sapiens, are dependent on and participants in what we can today call the planetary and cosmic ecosystem.

Shamanistic Psychology

Shamanism is the oldest spiritual tradition known to humankind and continues to be relevant to our contemporary world.

The Shamanic Spirit in 21st Century Art, Culture and Technology

This course introduces technoetics, exploring consciousness through spiritual technologies and artificial, digital technologies. We consider the benefits and hazards of a hyper-connected culture which tries to navigate the complexities of psychic space, cyberspace and virtual reality in conjunction with physical and ecological reality.

Year 2 (Core Modules)

Module ‘Transpersonal Psychology’ (20 credits)

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.

Module ‘Research Design’ (20 credits)

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.

Module ‘Applied Transformative Psychology’ (20 credits)

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

Specialist Options (Select Two)

Creativity and Transformation

In this course we explore the nature of creativity and its relationship to human development and growth.

Meditation & Mindfulness

Exploring the potential of how meditation and mindfulness-based approaches for improving well-being is increasingly being recognised.

Integrative Medicine

This course explores the mind-body-spirit paradigm and its implications for an integrative and holistic approach to wellness and healthcare.

Multidimensional Trauma & Transformation

In this course we explore the transformation of individual, transgenerational, and ecological trauma, drawing on clinical, transpersonal, indigenous and psychedelic-assisted healing approaches and research.

Transpersonal Counselling and Psychotherapy

In this course we explore transpersonal approaches to counselling and therapy.

Transpersonal Coaching Psychology

In this course we explore the potential of transpersonal approaches to coaching.

Year 3 (Dissertation)

Research Dissertation (60 credits)

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.

Degree Accreditation (click for details)

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.

A Learning Partnership (click for details)

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.

Enrol for September 2020!

If you would like to enrol on our Master’s programme, or have additional questions, simply complete the form below and a member from admissions will contact you. We offer a unique learning experience and will be here to guide you through every step of your learning.

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