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Programme overview
Duration: 3 years
- Years 1-2: taught modules
- Year 3: additional input and dissertation writing
Study pattern: Three intensive residential blocks per year, running Monday to Wednesday with 9 days on site per year in total. Residential teaching takes place at St Padarn’s in Cardiff.
About the programme
About the programme
One of the world's few postgraduate canon law programmes with a dedicated Anglican focus, the MA in Church Law is validated by Durham University through the Common Awards partnership.
Designed for:
- Clergy
- Lawyers
- Church administrators
- Lay leaders and others interested in church governance and regulation
What you'll study:
- Anglican canon law as the programme's principal focus
- Comparative perspectives on the law and governance of other churches
- The regulation of church communities and institutions
- Independent research through assessed essays and a dissertation (
Why study at St Padarn's
- It's One of the only Anglican-focused postgraduate canon law programmes currently available worldwide
- Validated by Durham University through the Common Awards programme
- Builds on more than 30 years of canon law teaching at St Padarn's
- Encourages students to explore Anglican and other church legal traditions through their research
St Padarn's Institute is The training and formation arm of the Church in Wales and is rooted in the vision of "formation in community for mission"
Equipping people for ministry, leadership and service in Wales and beyond. We Welcome students of all faiths, beliefs and backgrounds, including those with no religious affiliation.
The law and the Church will both be richer because of this course.The Rt Hon Sir Robert Buckland KBE KC MP
How the programme is delivered
Three residential blocks each year at St Padarn's Institute, Cardiff.
- Monday to Wednesday teaching
- Optional Sunday arrival
- En suite accommodation
- Full-board catering
- Lectures, seminars and reflection
Why study residentially?
We have seen first hand the value of the conversations our students have together both in the lectures, and over meals and during evening social activities. The learning that takes place at residentials outside the lectures is an essential part of learning with St Padarn's
Residential dates 2026/27
There are three intensive residential blocks per year.
They run from Monday to Wednesday with 9 days on site per year in total.
Residential teaching takes place at St Padarn’s in Cardiff.
2026
- 12-14 October 2026
2027
- 1-3 Feb 2027
- 5-7 April 2027
How ill I learn?
Our modules are designed around active participation and shared learning. Learning outcomes are achieved through a combination of:
- Lectures that introduce key concepts and ideas
- Seminars that encourage discussion and critical reflection
- Engagement with tutors through questioning, guidance and feedback
- Debates with peers and tutors that challenge assumptions and deepen understanding
The interaction between students and tutors is central to the learning experience. Through conversation, debate and reflection, you will:
- Explore ideas from different perspectives
- Test and develop your thinking
- Deepen your understanding of the subject
- Grow through the process of formation
We believe learning is about more than receiving information.
Modules you will study
| Year 1 - Postgraduate Certificate | Year 2 - Diploma | Year 3 - Degree |
| Research and Reflection: Resources and Methods | The Law of Doctrine and Liturgy | Dissertation Title to be agreed with Supervisor |
| Th Law of Church Governance | The Law of Rites and Sacraments | |
| The Law of Church-State Relations | The Law of Ministry |
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
The usual entry criteria are a 2:1 degree in theology, or a related subject or a 2:2 degree with substantial professional experience.
If you do not meet these criteria, please get in touch to discuss your available options. Please contact us for an application form.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for 2026/27 are as follows:
| Qualification | Year One | Year Two | Year Three |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGCert | £4225 | N/A | N/A |
| Diploma | £4225 | £4225 | N/A |
| Masters | £4225 | £4225 | £1208 |
Students may be eligible for postgraduate loans/grants through Student Finance. To find out please contact Student Finance for the home nation where you usually live:
- English Students: https://www.gov.uk/apply-online-for-student-finance
- Welsh Students: https://www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/
- Scottish Students: https://www.saas.gov.uk/
- Northern Irish Students: https://www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/
Accommodation
En-suite, accommodation is available on site at a cost of £180 per residential, full-board.
How to apply
We welcome applications year-round but to commence your studies in any given year.
The closing date for applications is the end of July.
Applications from Overseas Students
- St Padarn's cannot sponsor Student visas.
- MA programmes include only three short residentials per year.
- Applicants from outside the UK may be considered if they can lawfully attend these residentials.
- An additional administration fee of £500 per year applies to students without the right to remain in the UK.
- St Padarn's cannot provide immigration advice. Please seek independent guidance where necessary.
Apply now
You can use our online application form to apply for one of our programmes.
If you have any questions about applying for a particular programme or if you would like us to contact you before begin filling in the form, please let us know by emailing: academic.enquiries@stpadarns.ac.uk