PGDPPPET9-2025-6-O - L-Università ta' Malta

Course Title

Postgraduate Diploma in Pastoral Psychology

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

4 Semesters

60 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-time Evening

Information for International applicants

Applicants must be in possession of:

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

The Course shall be open to applicants in possession of:

a Bachelor degree with at least Second Class Honours or Category II in an area of study deemed suitable by the Board or
a Bachelor degree with Third Class Honours or Category III in an area of study deemed suitable by the Board, provided such applicants are in possession of other qualifications, including relevant experience, obtained following the first cycle degree.

The Faculty Admissions Committee may, after thorough examination of documents submitted in support of the qualifications presented, and following an interview, recommend the admission of applicants applying for admission in terms of the University’s Policy for the Recognition and Accreditation of Prior Learning (RPL) who are in possession of other academic or professional qualifications and documented experience if these are deemed to be comparable to the qualifications referred to above. The admission of such applicants may be made subject to those conditions that may be imposed to address any lacunae in the applicants’ academic preparation.

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You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.

You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage. Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements.

The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the accommodation website.

Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.

After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Pastoral Psychology is a professional programme intended to bridge the world of counselling and psychology with the dynamics of human formation, community life, leadership, pastoral ministry and related areas. The course spans a duration of four semesters at part-time evening, during which you will learn about a wide spectrum of pastoral psychology.

Units range from Contemporary Family Issues for Pastoral Work, Psychology and Theology, and Christian Perspectives on the Human Person, to Family Ministry and Psychological Assessment.

A full list of units that are offered may be accessed the Programme Description section.


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

PLC5713	Psychology and Vocation	5 ECTS
PLC5750*	Religious, Spiritual and Moral Development	5 ECTS
PLC5790	Family Dynamics and Formation for Ministry	5 ECTS


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

FDT5201	Christian Perspectives on the Human Person	5 ECTS
PLC5712	Personality and Life Planning	5 ECTS
PLC5740	The Pastoral Agent: Professional and Ethical Issues	5 ECTS


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

PLC5720	Pastoral Counselling	5 ECTS
PLC5770*	Communication and Conflict Resolution	5 ECTS
PLC5780	Stress and Coping	5 ECTS


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

PLC5631	On Safeguarding of Minors	5 ECTS
PLC5714	Mental Health Issues in Pastoral Activity	5 ECTS
PLC5715	Pastoral Management and Leadership	5 ECTS

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2021 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Pastoral Psychology under the auspices of the Faculty of Theology.

The following are some of the learning outcomes and skills that you will acquire by the end of the course. You will be able to:

Demonstrate the key family issues faced by families in Malta, in Europe and the western world.
Determine where theories and teachings regarding human persons are parallel to or differ from the Judeo-Christian conception of the human person.
Develop the ability to conduct mental status examination and work up an acceptable mental status based on clinical interview material.
Understand that the professional mode of conduct is more than a mere convention but an essential component that shapes the profession of the pastoral counsellor.
Help those involved in family ministry to assist married couples and their families to live their Christian faith and values in difficult situations.
Administer, score and interpret a variety of tests in real life situations.

Non EU Applicants:

Total Tuition Fees: Eur 10,800
Yr 1: Eur 5,400 - Yr 2: Eur 5,400

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As a holder of this postgraduate certificate, you will be able to enter a career in Public mental health centres, Religious retreats, Prison outreach services, Private practices, and Substance abuse treatment programs.

You will also have the option of pursuing a follow-up/alternative Masters’ course or a doctorate programme, both locally or in a foreign institution abroad.

Every effort has been made to provide information that is current and accurate. However, as the content is being constantly updated, users are advised to verify the details contained in these web pages with the relevant University office or authority before making decisions based on the published information.