Introduction

The Counselling & Community Work programmes uniquely integrate theology, spirituality, counselling, psychology, and community work with an emphasis on practice. The programmes are balanced and comprehensive. They equip and train students to work in diverse pastoral care, counselling, and community work contexts. Students are therefore ready to work in counselling and/or community services should they consider a career change. Graduands are also eligible to work towards professional recognition as a registered counsellor. The distinctiveness of the programmes, which integrates faith and spirituality with multiple disciplines, will prepare graduates for advanced studies.

The Graduate Diploma in Counselling is stacked towards the Master of Arts in Counselling & Community Work and appeals to students with limited time commitments. It gives them the flexibility to return to complete their masters later. On the other hand, the Master of Arts in Counselling & Community Work not only equips students with advanced training to become skilful counsellors, but also effective community workers.

Asian Pastoral Institute applies faith-based Christian theology and spirituality in the curricula. The programmes will prepare individuals, including pastoral staff and pastoral caregivers, for greater impact in their church communities and/or other agencies that they are called to. This does not preclude discussions on other spiritualities, whether religious or secular. This integrative approach serves to broaden and deepen students’ cognitive and reflective capacity in counselling. The integration of theology and spirituality with psychology and counselling is brought to the fore in the Doctorate in Counselling.

Students will acquire a deep knowledge of counselling, psychological and social work theories. Through the apprenticeship approach, the programmes hone students’ abilities, skills, and knowledge. Students can expect to grow in care and compassion for the needy, vulnerable, and marginalised in society.

The core modules of the Graduate Diploma in Counselling, the Master of Arts in Counselling and Community Work, and the Doctorate in Counselling meet the requirements of Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC) and the International Registry of Counsellor Education Programmes (IRCEP).

Graduate Programmes

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Graduate Diploma in Counselling
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Graduate Diploma in Counselling

The Graduate Diploma in Counselling offers upskilling to raise the standards of pastoral care in church ministries and community practice. Social workers would also benefit from the upskilling in their professional practice in clinical counselling. The Graduate Diploma is also suited for aspiring counsellors who seek vocational training that equips them for effectual practice as registered counsellors in Singapore.

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Doctorate in Counselling
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Doctorate in Counselling

The Doctorate in Counselling trains and upskills senior pastors, counsellors, and community caregivers in thought leadership and scholarship as well as clinical practice. Students develop competency in doctoral level research. Under guided supervision, students will grow with passion to become effectual clinical counsellors. They are also guided to systematically identify and address complex issues with reason, rigour, and relevance. Students are spiritually moulded, theologically informed, and contextually located to integrate spirituality and faith with evidence-based psychological therapies and counselling approaches.

STUDENT FEEDBACK

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“ In the Master of Arts in Counselling and Community Work Programme, I have learnt the skills to interact with people with sensitivity and empathy to understand the situations they are in. Beside the counselling theories, I feel that every person receiving counselling is unique and we need to give him/her a listening ear to let him/her feel ministered. ”

Master of Arts in Counselling & Community Work, Class of 2021

Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies, Class of 2008

Professional background – Information Technology

Mo Guangquan

“ It was an eye opener and a refreshing learning journey through the counselling programme at API. I want to thank the faculty and staff members for conceptualising and encouraging us during the course and the counselling team for putting together the details and supporting us throughout. A big thank you to one and all. ”

Master of Arts in Counselling & Community Work, Class of 2021

Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies, Class of 2008

Professional background – Civil Engineering

David Ho

“ Praise the Lord! Indeed, throughout the MACCW course, we have experienced God’s grace, His mercy and His blessings. God is good all the time. I want to thank the Lord for the President and Dean of API that had the vision to birth such a course together with the professional counselling team. The staff have innovatively and tirelessly delivered a wonderful programme. ”

Master of Arts in Counselling & Community Work, Class of 2021

Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies, Class of 2016

Professional background – Finance and Accountancy

Alice Tan

“ I am glad that I took up the Master of Arts in Counselling and Community Work. I learnt a lot from the lecturers and supervisors who are practicing counsellors and social workers. I  had the opportunity to apply what I learnt and interact with different client profiles through the practicum. They help me to better understand different needs. Through community work, I grew a deeper understanding of our heavenly Father’s heart and love for all, and to partner the Holy Spirit to guide my intervention to bring hope and peace to those I meet.”

Master of Arts in Counselling & Community Work, Class of 2021

Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies, Class of 2019

Professional background – Communications

Angeline Yap

“ What I have learnt from the MACCW programme is not only applicable on the professional counselling front, but also in my personal life. The programme has enhanced my attitudes, skills, and knowledge. These include knowledge gained from understanding various counselling theories, skills acquired from counselling and community work practicums, and the change in my attitudes towards people and situations. It is still an ongoing learning process but what I have learnt from the programme can be applied to other areas of my personal life – family and church.”

Master of Arts in Counselling & Community Work, Class of 2021

Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies, Class of 2012

Professional background – Banking and Finance

Jancy Yong

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