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TOL_2444 Master's Degree in Spiritual Guidance Study at the Universidad Privada Madrid

Master's Degree in Continuing Education

Degree type

18 months - 60 ECTS

Duration

Hybrid Madrid

Teaching mode

September 2026

Start date

2.700€

Tuition fee

How can I tell if this is from God?

Why don't I feel anything when I pray?

How can I forgive myself?

Marriage, single life, religious life… how to choose?

Why do I have these dreams?

These and many other questions often arise in the life of faith. The challenge is not so much to answer them as it is to walk alongside them. We’ll help you do just that through this new programme: a master’s degree with an experiential approach, grounded in a solid anthropological and theological foundation, and developed from the wisdom and tradition of the Church.

Campus (1) Master's Degree in Spiritual Guidance Study at the Universidad Privada Madrid

It is a matter of discerning with the wisdom of the Church.

We are pleased to offer you this new Master’s Degree in Spiritual Care, designed to help you provide authentic, holistic support—standing by people through difficult times and celebrating the good ones.

More than 2,000 students. Over the past 10 years, more than 20,000 students have participated in the programs and mentoring initiatives offered by our Institute of Spiritual Accompaniment. Today, we are launching this new programme that the skills of accompaniment can be decisive in the spiritual realm. We offer you this Master’s in Spiritual Accompaniment, designed to help you grow in your ability to accompany and serve individuals in their holistic development.

Formats

Continuing Education Master's Program (60 ECTS)

Academic qualification: Master's degree in Continuing Education

Course load: 60 ECTS

Modules: 4 theoretical modules + 1 practical module

Weekend sessions: 3 mandatory sessions

Pre-recorded videos: Yes

Supervised internships: Yes

Individual and group mentoring: Yes

Downloadable notes: Yes

Chat and teacher forum: Yes

Live sessions: Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.

Diploma Program (33 ECTS)

Academic qualification: Diploma

Course load: 33 ECTS

Modules: 4 theoretical modules

Weekend events: Does not include events

Pre-recorded videos: Yes

Supervised practice: No

Individual and group mentoring: No

Downloadable notes: Yes

Chat and teacher forum: Yes

programme

Module 1: A Horizon: Spiritual Accompaniment

It aims to prepare participants for the training program in two steps.

Develop personal awareness: acknowledge the past, present, and future to adopt an open and mindful attitude.

Outline the spiritual vision: present the programme goals and principles, inspiring enthusiasm, wonder, and a sense of responsibility.

Courses and Faculty:

Welcome and interior layout; Cecilia Castañera and Maleny Medina.

Fundamentals of Spiritual Accompaniment and Spiritual Horizons; Cecilia Castañera and Maleny Medina.

The first area of focus: oneself; Cecilia Castañera and Maleny Medina.

Module 2: Finding Yourself

It seeks to help participants experience themselves as beloved children of God, redeemed and called to life.

Its main objectives are:

To reflect on human nature from the perspective of an integral anthropology.

To promote self-awareness and introspection.

Learn to live in harmony with yourself, with freedom and responsibility.

Promote personal well-being by integrating the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual dimensions.

Courses and Faculty:

Introduction to the Question of Humanity: Anthropological and Theological Foundations; Miguel Ortega, P. and Gabriel von Wendt.

Psychological Structure and Human Development; María Martín Vivar.

Identifying One’s Own Psychological Structure; María Martín Vivar.

Emotional Wisdom and Mindful Living; María Martín Vivar

Module 3: Encountering the Other

It aims to train students to provide spiritual guidance to others,

Ground the process of accompaniment in the anthropology and theology of the person as a relational being.

Understanding the nature of mentoring as an intentional and mutually enriching relationship.

Build healthy relationships and create safe spaces based on trust and respect.

Develop a holistic approach to listening and a broad, supportive perspective.

To accompany others by connecting with oneself, with others, and with God.

Learn to pray for others, helping them discern and make decisions freely and authentically.

Courses and Faculty:

Anthropological and Theological Foundations of Relationship and Accompaniment; Antonio Sastre.

The Caregiver’s Relational Style; Maleny Medina, Cecilia Castañera, and Sonia González.

Attention and Presence; Teresa Barrera.

Exploration and In-Depth Analysis; Patricia Castaño.

Supporting Growth in Truth; Uge Álvarez.

Module 4: Encounter with God

It seeks to explore the stages and dynamics of the spiritual life.

Courses and Faculty:

Theological Foundations; Cecilia Ruiloba.

The Body of Spiritual Life, Grace, and Freedom; Jaime Peñalba.

The Call to Holiness, Vocation, and Identity; Fr. Ignacio José.

Paths of Prayer and Growth; Fr. Ignacio José.

The Ecclesial Dimension of Spiritual Accompaniment; Cecilia Ruiloba.

Personal Discernment; Uge Álvarez.

Discernment in Accompaniment; Uge Álvarez.

Practical Module

Courses:

Advanced interpersonal skills and attachment disorders

Spiritual guidance and life in the Spirit

Spiritual Guidance and Medical Conditions

Steering Committee and Faculty

General Objectives

1.

Understanding the spiritual life as the life of Christ in the soul.

2.

To understand the stages of spiritual growth and how to actively engage in grace, prayer, virtue, and service.

3.

Integrate this knowledge to support each person according to their spiritual journey.

4.

Learning to discern spirits, both personally and when accompanying others.

5.

To explore Christian prayer in greater depth, including its various forms and contemplative tradition.

What does it prepare you for?

By the end of this training, you will have acquired the knowledge and skills needed to provide spiritual guidance to people in various church and pastoral settings.

However, this master’s degree does not in itself qualify you to provide spiritual guidance. Providing this service requires the express authorization of your church leader (como por ejemplo tu obispo, superior, párroco o responsable pastoral), on a case-by-case basis.

imagen-bg-master-espiritual Master's Degree in Spiritual Guidance Study at the Universidad Privada Madrid

An experience that transforms you from within

Discover how our students have experienced spiritual guidance at UFV and the impact it has had on their personal growth, their vocation, and the way they support others.

Schedule and Syllabus

*Accommodation recommendations will be provided. *In-person meetings are reserved for Master's program students.

Module 1

Introduction: October 7–29.

Module 2

Encounter with the Self. Oct. 28, 2026 – Dec. 9, 2026.

Weekend gathering: December 11–13, 2026: Friday afternoon starting at 6:00 p.m., all day Saturday, and Sunday until noon (Obligatorio alumnos modalidad Máster).

Module 3

Encounter with the Other. Dec. 16, 2026 – Mar. 31, 2027.

Weekend gathering: April 2–4, 2027: Friday starting at 10 a.m., all day Saturday, and until noon on Sunday (Obligatorio alumnos modalidad Máster).

Module 4

Encounter with GOD. April 27, 2027 – June 30, 2027. (Obligatorio alumnos modalidad Máster).

Module 5

Practical Module: Encounter with GOD. September 1, 2027 – November 17, 2027.

Weekend gathering: December 17–19, 2027: Friday evening starting at 6:00 p.m., all day Saturday, and until noon on Sunday

Admission

Admission Profile

The master's program is designed for priests, consecrated persons, and laypeople who meet the following requirements:

a) Personal and Spiritual Requirements Basic aptitudes for spiritual accompaniment, particularly the ability to listen, empathy, and discernment. A personal willingness to engage in spiritual accompaniment, understood as openness to the formation process and personal growth. A solid and stable spiritual life, including: Regular participation in the sacraments. Regular practice of personal prayer. Receiving ongoing spiritual accompaniment.

b) Ecclesiastical and Educational Requirements Applicants must submit the following documents for admission: Certificate of Confirmation A letter of introduction and ecclesiastical recommendation, signed by: Parish priest or bishop (sacerdotes diocesanos) or religious superior or pastoral leader To enroll in the Master’s program, applicants must submit a certificate of higher education (licenciatura, grado, diploma u otros equivalentes).

Admission Process

1. Application and Documentation Submission of the application form, resume, certificate of confirmation, letter of ecclesiastical endorsement, and proof of academic qualifications.

2. Personal interview An interview conducted by a member of the management team, following a set format.

3. Committee Approval Based on the submitted documentation and the interview report, the admissions committee decides whether to admit or reject the applicant.

Here are some questions you might be asking yourself:

If I'm a layperson, why should I sign up for this training?

Everyone may have their own motivations: personal growth, applying what they learn in their parish or movement… What is clear is that the Church calls on us to embrace our lay responsibility, deepening our prophetic ministry and serving our neighbors. Furthermore, if laypeople do not receive formation, many people will be left without adequate guidance. (La mies es mucha…)

If I am a priest or a consecrated person, why should I sign up for this training?

Because academic, religious, or priestly training—which is undoubtedly essential—may not be enough if we do not know how to guide, support, or discern the person standing before us.

How many modules are in this course?

It consists of five modules: four theoretical modules for all students, and a final practical module for master’s students.

How long does it last?

The programme for 18 months, from October to December of the following year.

How much will it cost me?

That’s up to you. You’ll have a live session every Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (Queda grabada). You’ll also have assignments and additional resources on the platform that the instructors will share. In addition, you’ll have a total of three in-person weekend sessions. The time you devote to independent work, studying, and reading will make all the difference in your learning outcomes.

What are the registration options?

Admission to the Master’s program is limited to graduates and those with advanced degrees. If this does not apply to you, you may enroll in the “Diploma” track, which is worth 33 ECTS credits. This track covers less material and does not include any in-person sessions.

What do the weekend gatherings involve?

In these sessions, we will put into practice what we have learned in the theoretical module. They will serve as preparation for the final module, which is primarily practical in nature.

What does mentoring involve?

Since our goal is for the programme a difference in your life, programme a mentor will work with you one-on-one to ensure that the knowledge and tools you’re gaining aren’t just theory, but lead to real change in your life.

What if I can't attend the live sessions?

You must attend the live sessions, as they are essential to the programme progression. If for any reason you are unable to attend, you can watch the recording later.

What if I can't attend the weekend sessions?

The in-person modules are mandatory for the Master's program, and you must attend all of them to earn the Master's degree; the diploma program does not include weekend sessions.

Once I finish the master's program, will I be able to provide spiritual guidance?

No, even if you have completed your training, it will be your bishop, superior, or church leader who can authorize you to serve as a spiritual director.

Master's Degree in Spiritual Guidance

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