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Open learning courses

Transformational online courses in consciousness, spirituality and transpersonal psychology

Transformative online learning

Our online Open Learning Courses are for students interested in exploring the same topics in consciousness, spirituality and transpersonal psychology we cover in our Master’s, Diploma and Certificate programmes, but without having to commit to the full university enrolment process or submitting assignments. Open Learners may be able to upgrade to one of our postgraduate programmes following the completion of their open learning.

Open Learning students also have access to the same online learning environment, educational resources and social technologies as our postgraduate students and collaborate in the same learning communities, forums, webinars and group activities with our instructors – many of whom are leaders in the field of transpersonal psychology.

15-week open learning courses

Transpersonal Psychology

In this 15-week course starting in September each year, we examine the core epistemological and philosophical issues underlying a transpersonal approach to human psychology.

Approaches to Consciousness

In this 15-week course starting in September each year, we explore the variety of scholarly approaches that have contributed to our contemporary understanding of consciousness.

Spiritual Psychology

Tutor: Dr. Ellis Linders

In this 15-week course starting in February each year, we explore the changing meaning of spirituality in contemporary secular culture. Moreover, it identifies and examines the relationship between psychology and spirituality as a change in psycho-spiritual paradigm. The module is titled ‘spiritual psychology’ to reflect this relationship. Although there are many correspondences, spiritual psychology differs from transpersonal psychology in that it specifically draws on spiritual traditions and new or ‘neo’ spiritual expressions. 

Applied Transformative Psychology

In this 15-week course starting in February each year, we explore the ways in which transpersonal, or spiritual, perspectives can be applied in practice, considering personal and professional pathways and ethics of transformation.

10-week open learning courses​

Secular Spiritual Awakening

Tutor: Dr Steve Taylor

In this 10-week course starting in February each year, we examine spiritual awakening outside the context of spiritual or religious traditions. Awakenings often occur in a secular context, to people who don’t consider themselves religious or even spiritual. What are the characteristics and challenges of secular awakening?

Transpersonal Ecopsychology

In this 10-week course starting in February each year, we explore the inter-dependence of Homo Sapiens and other species in relation to the planetary and cosmic ecosystem.

Shamanistic Psychology

Tutor: Dr Steven Schmitz

In this 10-week course starting in February each year, we explore Shamanism, the oldest spiritual tradition known to humankind and continues to be relevant in our contemporary world. For tens of thousands of years, shamans have developed and used their technologies (knowledge, tools, skills) for shifting consciousness and for accessing the spirit realms for guidance, healing, and transformation.

Transpersonal Coaching Psychology

In this 10-week course starting in February each year, we explore the potential of transpersonal approaches to coaching.

Transpersonal Dreaming

Tutor Dr. Tadas Stumbrys

In this 10-week course starting in February each year, we study transpersonal dimensions of dreaming, drawing on scientific research and historical/spiritual traditions. We will explore the world of lucid dreaming and its potentials for growth and transformation.

Transpersonal Psychotherapy and Counselling

In this 10-week course starting in February each year, we explore the application of transpersonal psychology, specifically focusing on transpersonal perspectives on therapy and counselling.

Entheogens and Psychedelics

Tutor: Dr David Luke

In this 10-week course starting in February each year, you will take 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.

Multidimensional Trauma and Transformation

In this 10-week course starting in February each year, we explore the transformation of individual, transgenerational, and ecological trauma, drawing on clinical, transpersonal, indigenous and psychedelic-assisted healing approaches and research.

Integrative Medicine

In this 10-week course starting in February each year, we explore the mind-body-spirit paradigm and its implications for an integrative and holistic approach to wellness and healthcare.

Spirituality and the Imaginal

Tutor: Dr Lila Moore

In this 10-week course starting in February each year, we explore the imaginal as an evolving phenomenon that has shaped the human spiritual experience: from Paleolithic cave art, altered states, and mythic rituals to the intersection of modern esoteric and spiritual movements, the creative arts and healing arts.

Contemporary Mindfulness

Tutor: Dr Tamara Russell

In this 10-week course starting in February each year we explore mindfulness with a focus on its application in the contemporary context. An overview of the “mindfulness movement” and its growth is provided as a starting point for thinking about how mindfulness has spread from the (often) highly structured and guided spiritual domains into self-directed approaches in everyday life and work.

Creativity and Transformation

In this 10 week course starting in February each year we explore the nature of creativity and its relationship to human development and growth.

"This is more than a course,
it's a transformation"

See all student stories
Alef Trust - Martie Underwood

“My journey with the Alef Trust continues to be one of stepping forward into growth, both personally and professionally.

The Masters programme provided me with a solid academic foundation and an opportunity to study with some of the most established and enlightened consciousness and transpersonal psychology experts in the world.

Applying this knowledge in my professional practice is truly transformative as I see how it benefits the clients I work with.

Throughout the Masters programme, the Alef Trust supported my learning journey, and my lecturers and supervisors were equally excited to explore the ideas I had.

Thats why, when the time came to progress onto my PhD, the choice was obvious.”

| Martie S. Underwood

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