2.5 to 3 years (online)
to complete
NQF 9
qualification level
The Master of Theology Coursework (Christian Counselling) is a master's Degree offered by SATS for 2027 postgraduate applicants, taking 2.5 to 3 years (online) to complete. This page covers the minimum admission requirements you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.
Do you qualify
Minimum Admission Requirements to study Master of Theology Coursework (Christian Counselling) at SATS
- An honours degree (NQF Level 8) from an accredited institution
- At least 96 credits of Christian counselling coursework covering the required competencies
- Readiness in theology, and bridging study may be required
- Working competence in at least three counselling models
What you study
About This Course
This coursework stream of the Master of Theology focuses on advanced Christian counselling. It is worth 180 credits at NQF Level 9: 72 core credits, 48 specialisation credits and a 60-credit research component.
Courses in the programme:
- Skills in Practice
- Ethics in Christian Counselling Practice
- Neurotheology in Christian Counselling
- Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- ACT in Christian Counselling Praxis
- Practicum and Research Project (60 credits)
The stream combines theological reflection with a specific evidence-based therapy model (ACT), professional ethics and supervised practice. It suits experienced Christian counsellors, pastors with a counselling ministry and lecturers who teach counselling.
SATS runs two intakes a year, on 1 February and 1 August, with the first cohort starting on 1 August 2026. Applicants need a strong background in counselling, and some may need to complete bridging work in theology before being admitted. Like other SATS programmes, it is completed online, so there is no need to relocate.
After you graduate
Careers This Course Leads To
Christian counsellor, pastoral counselling supervisor, counselling lecturer or church care ministry leader. It can lead to doctoral study.
Course intelligence for Master of Theology Coursework (Christian Counselling)
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
Master of Theology Coursework (Christian Counselling) doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list. That’s not a red flag on its own, most jobs in South Africa aren’t on that list, it just tracks where employers reported the strongest hiring pressure. Your own results, experience and network will matter more here than national demand trends.
NSFAS funding
NSFAS does not usually fund students at private institutions like SATS. Ask SATS directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
SATS’s intake and this course’s requirements with its published admission requirements generally leave more room than the most sought-after courses, so you likely have a reasonable window to apply without rushing, though applying early is always the safer bet.
These insights are estimates generated from South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand (DHET, November 2023 draft), NSFAS’s published funding rules, and this university’s general applicant demand. They’re planning guidance, not a guarantee. Always confirm funding and admission specifics directly with SATS and NSFAS.
Step by step
How to Apply at SATS for 2027
Apply online on the SATS Nexsis portal, uploading your honours degree, transcripts and evidence of counselling training. SATS will assess whether bridging is needed. Intakes are on 1 February and 1 August.
Ready to apply? This takes you straight to South African Theological Seminary’s own official application page.
Apply NowYou will leave studies.mycourses.co.za and apply directly with South African Theological Seminary.
Answers
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Source: Official website: https://sats.ac.za/mth-christian-counselling/, last verified 2026-09-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with South African Theological Seminary before applying.