Spiritualism & Mediumship Courses
The Spiritualists’ National Union offers a variety of development pathways designed to deepen your understanding of Spiritualism—its history, philosophy, and practice.
These opportunities include structured courses as well as training and study towards recognised Union awards. Whether you're looking to expand your theoretical knowledge or develop practical skills, the options below provide a clear route for personal and spiritual growth.
Foundation Courses
Course Overview
The Certificate (CSNU) in Speaking & Demonstrating is designed to develop your public speaking and demonstrating skills within the SNU and the wider SNU community, whilst supporting personal growth and spiritual development.
Students will receive the foundation TPS1 (Teachings & Practice of Spiritualism) Course, the intermediate TPS2 (Teachings & Practice of Spiritualism) Course along with the CSNU logbooks, containing all relevant information and structured training sessions. Students must complete the TPS1 Course before starting the TPS2 Course & CSNU training.
This course will help you develop your skills with a CSNU trainer, gain real-world experience through services, receive ongoing feedback, and complete a formal assessment to establish a strong foundation in SNU principles and practices.
CSNU Speaking Training Sessions:
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- Meditation, Attunement, and Inspiration
- Developing Speaking Mediumship
- Speaking in Public
- Public Speaking and Platform Presentation
- SNUi and Online Work
- Different Types of Meetings
- Mock Final Assessment Board
CSNU Demonstrating Training Sessions:
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- The Teachings and Practice of Spiritualism
- Meditation, Attunement, and Inspiration
- Developing Communicating Mediumship
- Taking Part in a Service
- Public Speaking and Platform Presentation
- SNUi and Online Work
- Different Types of Meetings
- Mock Final Assessment Board
Course Format
- Study from home & in person
Important Notes
- Students must have an Individual Membership with the SNU. https://snu.org.uk/snu-membership/
- Each Course must be completed within a three-year period.
- All course enrolments take 2-4 weeks to be processed.
- TPS1 & TPS2 Courses must be completed or SD1 & SD4 if completed after 31 December 2018.
Final Assessment
Before applying for the Final Assessment, the candidate must have completed:
- The TPS1 Course
- The TPS2 Course
- The CSNU speaking logbook
- The CSNU demonstrating logbook
- Safeguarding Training
The Final Assessment Board is arranged by the Curriculum Development Council and includes:
- A private interview
- An oral test of 10 questions based on TPS2 and general knowledge of the Spiritualists’ National Union (SNU)
- A prayer suitable for a Spiritualist service
- An unrehearsed reading
- A 10-minute inspired talk based on the reading
- A 15-minute address on the Spiritualist teachings, based on the Seven Principles, suitable for delivery in a church service
- A role-play scenario, in which the candidate must respond to a question representing a typical misunderstanding of mediumship
- A demonstration of mediumship, involving two separate evidential communications delivered to two different recipients, within a 15-minute timeframe
- A prayer appropriate for a Spiritualist service.
How to Apply
Registration fee: £100.00
Final Assessment Board Fee: £100.00 (Payable once all work has been completed)
Please only apply for this course if you have SNU Individual Membership. https://snu.org.uk/snu-membership/
This course is currently unavailable.
Course Overview
The Certificate (CSNU) in Speaking is designed to develop your public speaking skills within the SNU and the wider SNU community, whilst supporting personal growth and spiritual development.
Students will receive the foundation TPS1 (Teachings & Practice of Spiritualism) Course, the intermediate TPS2 (Teachings & Practice of Spiritualism) Course along with the CSNU logbook, containing all relevant information and structured training sessions. Students must complete the TPS1 Course before starting the TPS2 Course & CSNU training.
This course will help you develop your skills with a CSNU trainer, gain real-world experience through services, receive ongoing feedback, and complete a formal assessment to establish a strong foundation in SNU principles and practices.
CSNU Speaking Training Sessions:
- Meditation, Attunement, and Inspiration
- Developing Speaking Mediumship
- Speaking in Public
- Public Speaking and Platform Presentation
- SNUi and Online Work
- Different Types of Meetings
- Mock Final Assessment Board
Course Format
- Study from home & in person
Important Notes
- Students must have an Individual Membership with the SNU. https://snu.org.uk/snu-membership/
- Each Course must be completed within a three-year period.
- All course enrolments take 2-4 weeks to be processed.
- TPS1 & TPS2 Courses must be completed or SD1 & SD4 if completed after 31 December 2018.
Final Assessment
Before applying for the Final Assessment, the candidate must have completed:
- The TPS1 Course
- The TPS2 Course
- The CSNU speaking logbook
- The CSNU demonstrating logbook
- Safeguarding Training
The Final Assessment is arranged by the Education & Exponents Committee (EEcom) and includes:
- A private interview
- An oral test of 10 questions based on TPS2 and general knowledge of the Spiritualists’ National Union (SNU)
- A prayer suitable for a Spiritualist service
- An unrehearsed reading
- A 10-minute inspired talk based on the reading
- A 15-minute address on the Spiritualist teachings, based on the Seven Principles, suitable for delivery in a church service
How to Apply
Registration fee: £50.00
Final Assessment Board Fee: £50.00 (Payable once all work has been completed)
Please only apply for this course if you have SNU Individual Membership. https://snu.org.uk/snu-membership/
This course is currently unavailable.
Intermediate Courses
Course Overview
This course represents the theoretical training for the Diploma (DSNU) in Speaking.
Course Modules
- Early Beliefs
- Mysticism & Early Healing Practices
- Eastern Religions
- The Hebrew & Christian Religions
- Mystical, Spiritual Religions & Practices
Course Format
- Study at home
Who This Course Is For
- Students working towards the DSNU in Speaking.
Progression Pathway
- Completion of this course will support eligibility for further SNU education or awards, depending on your personal development goals.
Important Notes
- Previous SNU mediumship course study required.
- Students can only apply for one DSNU level course at a time.
- All course enrolments take 2-4 weeks to be processed.
How to Apply
Apply online using our application form:
Registration fee Postal: £40.00
or
Registration fee PDF: £25.00
Course Overview
This course represents the theoretical training for the Diploma (DSNU) in Demonstrating.
Course Modules
- Mechanics of Mediumship part 1
- Mechanics of Mediumship part 2
- Moral Aspects & Platform Presentation of Mediumship
- Education & Training in Mediumship
- Services & Meetings involving Mediumship
- Legal & Ethical Requirements, Mediumship & the Media
Course Format
- Study at home
Who This Course Is For
- Students working towards the DSNU in Demonstrating
Progression Pathway
- Completion of this course will support eligibility for further SNU education or awards, depending on your personal development goals.
Important Notes
- Previous SNU mediumship course study required.
- Students can only apply for one DSNU level course at a time.
- All course enrolments take 2-4 weeks to be processed.
How to Apply
Apply online using our application form:
Registration fee Postal: £40.00
or
Registration fee PDF: £25.00
Certificates (CSNU)
Course Overview
This course is the practical study at Certificate (CSNU) level in Spirit Art. Students will receive a logbook containing all relevant information and criteria for the award, including details of required training sessions in demonstrating communication mediumship with spirit art. These pre-Final Assessment Board (pre-FAB) training sessions must be completed to the satisfaction of an approved trainer.
Course Format
- Study from home & in person
Important Notes
- Previous SNU course study required –
- TPS1 Course
- TPS2 Course
- CSNU speaking & demonstrating
- All course enrolments take 2-4 weeks to be processed.
- This certificate is available to study online via SNUi (Spiritualists’ National Union International).
Final Assessment
Before applying for the Final Assessment, the candidate must have completed:
- The CSNU spirit art logbook
The Final Assessment is arranged by the Education & Exponents Committee (EEcom) and includes:
- A private interview and an oral test consisting of 10 questions, based on the TPS2 course (or SD4 if completed after 31 December 2018) and general knowledge of the Spiritualists’ National Union (SNU).
- A demonstration of mediumship using evidential spirit art, during which the candidate must provide drawings and verbal evidence for two separate recipients, within a 30-minute time limit.
- A prayer appropriate for a Spiritualist service.
How to Apply
Apply online using our application form:
Registration fee: £50.00
Final Assessment Board Fee: £50.00 (Payable once all work has been completed)
Course Overview
This course is the practical study at Certificate (CSNU) level in Private Sittings. Students will receive a logbook containing all relevant information and criteria for the award, including details of required training sessions. These pre-Final Assessment Board (pre-FAB) training sessions must be completed to the satisfaction of an approved trainer.
Course Format
- Study from home & in person
Important Notes
- Previous SNU course study required –
- TPS1 Course
- TPS2 Course
- CSNU speaking & demonstrating
- All course enrolments take 2-4 weeks to be processed.
- This certificate is available to study online via SNUi (Spiritualists’ National Union International).
Final Assessment
Before applying for the Final Assessment, the candidate must have completed:
- The CSNU spirit art logbook
The Final Assessment is arranged by the Education & Exponents Committee (EEcom) and includes:
- A private interview
- An oral test consisting of 10 questions, based on the courses studied and knowledge of the Spiritualists’ National Union (SNU)
- Two evidential private sittings, each lasting 20 minutes, delivered to recipients unknown to the candidate
How to Apply
Apply online using our application form:
Registration fee: £50.00
Final Assessment Board Fee: £50.00 (Payable once all work has been completed)
Course Overview
This course is the practical study at Certificate (CSNU) level in Assessing. Before applying for this award, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Hold the CSNU in the relevant discipline for which they are applying to assess — i.e., Speaking (s), Demonstrating (d), Healing (h), or Private Sitting (ps).
- For CSNU(a) in Healing, candidates must also be a Registered Accredited Healing Medium.
- Students must also hold CSNU(t) in the same discipline, or submit a portfolio of prior assessing experience for review and approval by the Education & Exponents Committee (EEcom).
Course Format
- Study from home & in person
Important Notes
- All training and requirements must be completed within a three-year period.
- All course enrolments take 2-4 weeks to be processed.
Final Assessment
The Final Assessment is arranged by the Education & Exponents Committee (EEcom) and includes:
- Three training sessions, one of which is a Final Assessment Board (FAB). During the FAB, candidates must:
- Complete a private interview
- Pass an oral test consisting of 10 questions related to assessing within the Spiritualists’ National Union.
- Demonstrate their ability to assess in the specific discipline in which they hold the CSNU.
How to Apply
Apply online using our application form:
Registration fee: £50.00
Final Assessment Board Fee: £50.00 (Payable once all work has been completed)
Course Overview
This course is the practical study at Certificate (CSNU) level in Teaching. Before applying for this award, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Hold the CSNU in the relevant discipline in which they wish to teach — Speaking (s), Demonstrating (d), Healing (h), or Private Sitting (ps).
- For CSNU(t) in Healing, candidates must also be a Registered Accredited Healing Medium.
- Submit a portfolio of evidence prior to entry into the course, which must include proof of holding the required CSNU, and (where applicable) any mainstream teaching experience.
Important Notes
To achieve the CSNU(t) award, candidates must attend and successfully complete the Teacher Training Scheme, which consists of:
- Three training weekends, followed by
- A two-and-a-half-day weekend that includes the Final Assessment Board (FAB)
How to Apply
For further details on enrolment and upcoming training dates, candidates should contact the SNU Head Office snu@snu.org.uk
Diplomas (DSNU)
Course Overview
This course is the practical study at Diploma (DSNU) level in Spirit Art. To be recognised as a Spirit Artist, all drawings must clearly represent a recognisable person known to the recipient, and must be supported by a substantial body of evidence identifying the individual in spirit.
Course Format
- Study from home & in person
Important Notes
- Previous SNU course study required –
- CSNU Spirit Art
- DSNU Demonstrating
- All course enrolments take 2-4 weeks to be processed.
Final Assessment
The Final Assessment is arranged by the Education & Exponents Committee (EEcom) and includes:
- An oral test of 10 questions, based on the courses previously studied and general knowledge of the Spiritualists’ National Union (SNU)
- Participation in a public demonstration of mediumship, delivered to the high evidential standard expected at a large public venue, where the audience may include both Spiritualists and non-Spiritualists
- Evidence of the candidate’s ability to efficiently and accurately establish the correct recipient
- Delivery of two separate evidential spirit art drawings, each accompanied by evidential verbal communication, all within a 30-minute timeframe
How to Apply
Apply online using our application form:
Registration fee: £50.00
Final Assessment Board Fee: £50.00 (Payable once all work has been completed)
Course Overview
This course is the practical study at Diploma (DSNU) level in Private Sittings.
A Private Sitting is defined as either:
- An evidential spirit communication with a single recipient on a one-to-one basis, or
- A spiritual appraisal of the sitter on a one-to-one basis
Course Format
- Study from home & in person
Important Notes
- Previous SNU course study required –
- CSNU Private Sittings
- DSNU Demonstrating
- All course enrolments take 2-4 weeks to be processed.
Final Assessment
The Final Assessment is arranged by the Education & Exponents Committee (EEcom) and includes:
- An oral test consisting of 10 questions, based on the candidate’s previous course studies and their knowledge of the Spiritualists’ National Union (SNU)
- A practical assessment, where the candidate must deliver two 30-minute private sittings to recipients unknown to the candidate:
- One evidential sitting, with a strong emphasis on providing clear and accurate evidence of survival
- One spiritual appraisal, offering guidance and insight of a spiritual nature
How to Apply
Apply online using our application form:
Registration fee: £50.00
Final Assessment Board Fee: £50.00 (Payable once all work has been completed)
Course Overview
This course is the practical study at Diploma (DSNU) level in Speaking. Students will receive a logbook containing all relevant information upon registration. As part of their development, students will receive training to:
- Understand the differences between delivering an address in a Spiritualist church service and one presented at non-church or public venues
- Learn how to speak on Spiritualism in community settings, such as interfaith groups, local events, or radio interviews, when invited
All training sessions must be completed to the satisfaction of an approved trainer.
Course Format
- Study from home & in person
Important Notes
- Previous SNU course study required –
- S5 Course
- CSNU Speaking
- Students must wait a minimum of one year between the completion of the CSNU (s) and applying for the DSNU (s).
- All training and requirements must be completed within a three-year period.
- All course enrolments take 2-4 weeks to be processed.
Final Assessment
Before applying for the Final Assessment, the candidate must have completed:
- The DSNU speaking logbook
The Final Assessment is arranged by the Education & Exponents Committee (EEcom) and includes:
- An oral test of 10 questions, based on the training undertaken and the role of representing the Spiritualists’ National Union (SNU)
- A formal interview session, in which the candidate must respond to media-oriented questions clearly, accurately, and concisely
- A 20-minute address suitable for a service of public worship
- A presentation introducing Spiritualism to an audience of non-Spiritualists, followed by up to 10 minutes of Q&A, responding to three questions posed by the assessors
- Total time allowed for this section: 30 minutes
How to Apply
Apply online using our application form:
Registration fee: £50.00
Final Assessment Board Fee: £50.00 (Payable once all work has been completed)
Course Overview
This course is the practical study at Diploma (DSNU) level in Demonstrating. Students will receive a logbook containing all relevant information upon registration, including full details of the pre-Final Assessment Board training sessions, which must be completed to the satisfaction of an approved trainer.
Course Format
- Study from home & in person
Important Notes
- Previous SNU course study required –
- D5 Course
- CSNU Speaking & Demonstrating
- Students must wait a minimum of one year between the completion of the CSNU (s) & (d) and applying for the DSNU (D).
- All training and requirements must be completed within a three-year period.
- All course enrolments take 2-4 weeks to be processed.
Final Assessment
Before applying for the Final Assessment, the candidate must have completed:
- The DSNU demonstrating logbook
The Final Assessment is arranged by the Education & Exponents Committee (EEcom) and includes:
- An oral test consisting of 10 questions, based on the training undertaken and the responsibilities of representing the Spiritualists’ National Union (SNU)
- A formal interview session, where the candidate must respond to media-oriented questions in a clear, accurate, and professional manner
- A public demonstration of mediumship, to the high evidential standard expected at a large public venue, with a mixed audience of Spiritualists and non-Spiritualists
- The candidate must clearly identify the correct recipients and deliver two separate evidential communications to two different individuals within 15 minutes
- A talk explaining mediumship to a designated audience of non-Spiritualists, followed by up to 10 minutes of Q&A, responding to three questions posed by the assessors
- Total time allowed for this section: 30 minutes.
How to Apply
Apply online using our application form:
Registration fee: £50.00
Final Assessment Board Fee: £50.00 (Payable once all work has been completed)
Course Overview
This course is the practical study at Diploma (DSNU) level in Teaching. There are two routes to attaining the DSNU(T) Award:
- Traditional Route
Completion of a Final Assessment Board (FAB) held at a Spiritualist Church, following the successful completion of all relevant training and prerequisites.
- Arthur Findlay College (AFC) Route
Upon receiving an invitation to teach at the Arthur Findlay College, the candidate may enter the AFC Teacher Training Programme. This route includes both theoretical and practical assessments conducted by the Education & Exponents Committee (EEcom) before the DSNU(T) is formally awarded.
-
The DSNU(T) is a required qualification for anyone wishing to become a full tutor at the Arthur Findlay College (AFC).
Important Notes
- Previous SNU course study required –
- CSNU Teaching
- DSNU in the specific discipline the student wishes to teach — Speaking (S), Demonstrating (D), Healing (H), or Private Sitting (PS)
- All course enrolments take 2-4 weeks to be processed.
Final Assessment
The Final Assessment is arranged by the Education & Exponents Committee (EEcom) and includes the following components:
- An oral test of 10 questions, based on the courses studied and knowledge of the Spiritualists’ National Union (SNU)
- A one-hour lecture, including a Q&A session, presented to a suitably-sized group of advanced students
- A tutorial session
- Two group work sessions
All teaching sessions must be delivered to a standard that clearly demonstrates the candidate’s ability to teach effectively at Diploma level.
How to Apply
For further details on enrolment and upcoming training dates, candidates should contact the SNU Head Office via snu@snu.org.uk