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MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission
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.
Why study at St Padarn's
We believe formation happens through learning together. Our residential model combines lectures, discussion, reflection and community life, creating opportunities for learning both inside and outside the classroom.
Benefits of the residential model
✅ Face-to-face teaching
✅ Discussion-based seminars
✅ Learning alongside other practitioners
✅ Access to experienced tutors and guest speakers
✅ Shared meals and community life
✅ Purpose-built accommodation and teaching facilities
How the Programme is delivered
The programme is delivered in 3 residential blocks a year held Monday to Wednesday at St Padarn's Institute, Cardiff
Accommodation: En-suite accommodation available on site
| Residential Dates |
|---|
| 2026-27 |
| 14-16 September 2026 |
| 11-13 January 2027 |
| 12-14 April 2027 |
Modules you will study
| Year 1 - Postgraduate Certificate | Year 2 - Postgraduate Diploma | Year 3 - Masters |
|---|---|---|
| Research and Reflection: Resources and Methods | Independent Learning Project | 15,000 words Dissertation in Theology, Ministry and Misson |
| The Theology & Spirituality of the Child | Ministry and Mission with Children, Families and Young People | |
| Development of the Church’s work with Children, Young People & Families | Reflective Practice: Leadership and Collaboration |
Year 1
Research and Reflection: Resources and Methods
This module teaches you how to search for information. How to analyse what is really going on. The Masters degree is in effect a license to do research. So this is the course candidates will do irrespective of their specialism. It isn’t directly focused on children, young people and families, but the value will be plain to see going forward.
Theology & Spirituality of the Child
A core module for all practitioners delivered by Mark Griffiths and Yvonne Morris. It provides some very interesting reflections – particularly around the subject of conversion.
Development of the Churches work with children, young people and family
A journey through the last 250 years to see how we’ve got to where we’ve got to, and Rachel Turner will introduce us to ideas of where we could/should be focusing today.
Year 2
Ministry and Mission with children, young people and families
Gary Smith from the Message Trust will help with this and Lucy Moore of Messy Church will give additional input. It is best described by Lucy’s comment, “If Messy Church was created as a Fringe Activity and we’ve made it mainstream, what do we now have to do to reach the fringes again?”
Reflective Practice: Leadership and Collaboration
This module looks at leadership, it looks at leadership generally, the characteristics of leaders, and will of course discuss strategy, culture, and empowering others. But it does take its focus in a children, young people and family context. Matt Summerfield (formerly of Urban Saints and now with Zeo Church) helps us look at this area.
Independent Learning Project
Several lectures from experts outside of the children, young people and family world – so lecturers on doctrine, biblical studies and practical theology to help stretch us in other directions. And then you get to agree a title with one of the lecturers in their specialist subject (with or without a direct children, young people and family link) and they will supervise you through 6,000 words of Independent Research.
Year 3
Dissertation in Theology, Ministry and Mission
15,000 word dissertation on a subject that you will choose
The Teaching Team
Tutors include: Lisa Lyall (Glo! Kids), Lucy Moore (Messy Church), Yvonne Morris (Oxford Diocese), Rick Otto (New Wine), Gary Smith (Message), Matt Summerfield (Zeo Church / formerly Urban Saints), Rachel Turner (Parenting for Faith), George Lings (Former head of Research for Church Army) Revd Dr Sally Nash, and Mark Griffiths (St Padarn’s Institute) and others.
Fees
Course fees are spread over 3 years. For students beginning their studies in 2026/2027 the following course fees will apply:
Accommodation
En-suite, accommodation is available on site at a cost of £180 per residential, full-board.
The Fees for 2026/27 are as follows:
| Qualification |
Year One |
Year Two | Year Three |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGCert | £3239 | N/A | N/A |
| PGDip | £3239 | £3239 | N/A |
| MA | £3239 | £3239 | £1080 |
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/
N Irish Students: https://www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/
Application Process
This degree is a reflective practice degree, so while the usual criteria is a 2:1 degree, we look for ministry experience in this area over and above previous degrees, so if you don’t have a degree please do get in touch to check the possibilities.
The deadline for applications is the end of July. If you have any questions please contact us.
See more information regarding Postgraduate Study at St Padarn's here
Applications from Overseas Students
St Padarn’s does not have a Tier 4 license which enables us to sponsor students from overseas to move to the UK to study. However, as face to face teaching on MA programmes consists of just 3 short residentials per year, if students from outside the UK are able to attend these on a visitor’s visa, they will be considered for admission to the MA programmes. Overseas students do involve more administration for St Padarn’s, so there is an additional £500 a year charge for any student without right to remain in the UK.