Learning Support
Moodle
Safeguarding
St Padarn’s is accredited to support students seeking UK Board of Healthcare Chaplaincy (UKBHC) Registration alongside any of the Durham University validated awards below.
- Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) 3 modules (1 year) *
- Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) 6 modules (2 years)
- MA (6 modules and a 15,000-word dissertation (3 years)
* Students wishing to continue on to the diploma or MA will need to take “Research and Reflection: Resources and Methods *” as their first module of Year 2.
We work with many healthcare organisations across the UK and are proud to have held the national Ministry of Defence contract since 1999.
However, we offer a dedicated pathway for students seeking a PGCert with UKBHC Registration. Students making satisfactory progress will have the option to transfer to the PG Dip or MA.
The St Padarn’s Postgraduate Certificate in Chaplaincy Studies with UKBHC Registration programme focuses on preparing newly appointed chaplains to work as safe and effective practitioners, whether in the NHS, or for a charitable, or private providers.
Our programme will give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become proficient in healthcare chaplaincy. Studying at St Padarn’s will expand your thinking and broaden your awareness of both the theoretical and practical aspects of your work.
Given our 23 years’ experience at equipping chaplains from across the UK and beyond, there are plenty of good reasons to join us at St Padarn’s.
Delivery and Attendance
Residentials take place from Monday to Wednesday at our site in Cardiff where we enjoy well-equipped teaching rooms and an extensive library.
Our students consistently say how much they gain from and enjoy the residential dimension of our programmes. Our en-suite accommodation is modern and purpose-built.
The time studying the PG Cert is broken down into three elements and you should allow 200 hours per module:
- classroom time, preparation of the assessment, and general study of the subject
- the assessment, including all specific reading and study around the topic and prepare the assessment materials
- time for you to prepare for and follow up individual lectures and seminars.
The length of time to complete the UKBHC component will vary according to individual prior experience but must be completed within 18 months of starting. Please contact us if you would like further details. You may also find helpful information at Registration - UKBHC.
Modules
- Chaplaincy and Christian Mission: How can I share my faith?
- Moral Issues in Chaplaincy: How do we make those complex decisions?
- Reflective practice *
Chaplaincy and Christian Mission
Making sense of our relationship with our sending church (or other faith community) and our chaplaincy role is not always straightforward. This module will give you an opportunity to deepen your understanding of chaplaincy’s historical roots, and its relationship with theology and culture. It will help you critically reflect on your role.
Moral issues in Chaplaincy / Chaplaincy in Context
Chaplancy in Context will be offered from 2025.These modules will be taught on alternative years, you may want to check which modules are being offered the year you apply. As a chaplain, you spend much of your day taking complex decisions. Postgraduate training in ethics will sharpen your thinking, boost your confidence, and enable you to understand your colleagues’ perspectives. This module explores resources for ethical thinking and ethical approaches. You will get a chance to investigate an issue within the context of your organisation, faith (if appropriate), and society.
Reflective Practice
Reflecting on our professional context and being self-aware helps ensure we are both a safe and effective practitioner. Reflecting on our regular place of employment enables us to see fresh possibilities and develop as a leader.
* Students wishing to continue on to the diploma or MA after the first year must do “Research and Reflection: Resources and Methods *” during year 1 and “Reflective Practice: Placement” in Year 2.
Assessment
Your learning will be assessed using a wide range of methods. These aim to equip you to be effective in the workplace and prepare you for further academic study. They include essays, preparing resources for others, and evidencing theological reflection.
Student support
Student support is at the heart of our practice, from first contact to graduation. Our friendly team is only a phone call or email away and we want you not only to succeed academically but also thrive during your time alongside us. Our Learning Support Team are on hand to advise students with additional learning needs.
Fees
The additional fee (on top of the PG Cert Fees) to undertake the UKBHC is £350
Staff
Our tutorial team comprises a carefully chosen yet diverse blend of senior practitioners and academics. See Tutorial staff, Associate Tutors Operational Team.
Hear what our healthcare students have to say about the course
Dominic Whitting - Healthcare Chaplain
Caroline John - Healthcare Chaplain
Sarah Burke - Healthcare Education Chaplain
Lucyann Ashdown - Healthcare Chaplain
Fees
For students beginning their studies in 2026/27 the course fees are £3841. Our fee for preparing students for UKBHC accreditation is £350.
Accommodation charges are separate to this and charged fully inclusive at £180 per residential, full board.
Residential Dates 2023/2024
Residential Dates 2024/2025
7-9 October 2024
20-22 January 2025
17-19 March 2025
2-4 June 2025
Application Requirements and Process
The usual entry criteria are a 2:1 degree with two years’ experience of chaplaincy 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.
To apply, please contact Tina Franklin, Postgraduate Co‑ordinator : tina.franklin@stpadarns.ac.uk or 02920 838009.
The closing date for applications is the end of July.
Further information
You can download a Postgraduate Chaplaincy Studies brochure Postgraduate Chaplaincy Studies with UKBHC Registration
See more information on Postgraduate Study at St Padarn's here.
See more information on St Padarn’s policies here.