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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
The Master’s Degree is validated by Durham University. St Padarn’s Church Law is the only postgraduate canon law programme with an Anglican focus currently on offer anywhere in the world. The course is validated by Durham University through the Common Awards Partnership (Common Awards (Theology, Ministry and Mission) - Durham University) The programme is suitable for clergy, lawyers, church administrators and others wishing to develop their ministry or professional practice in the field of canon law, or to deepen their understanding of the way in which church communities are regulated. Although the main focus of the teaching is Anglican canon law, this is delivered alongside a comparative element, and students wishing to write on the law of churches in their assessed essays and dissertation are encouraged to do so.
We are part of St Padarn’s Institute, the training arm of the Church in Wales. Under its statement ‘formation in community for mission,’ St Padarn’s equips and empowers God’s people across the world to communicate God’s transformative love. St Padarn’s as a site has hosted the teaching of canon law for over three decades, and is now able to offer canon law as an in-house speciality. We welcome students of any faith or belief or none.
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
Our residentials are all face to face. There are proven formational advantages that face-to-face teaching and residentials give. 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
Learning Outcomes
Our Learning Outcomes for each module rely on a combination of lectures, seminars (discussion based), engagement with tutors and debates with other students and tutors. That interaction between tutors and other students performs an invaluable role in helping you explore the subject matter, by challenging and developing your thinking to deepen understanding. This is when formation happens, and that’s why we teach face to face. Our goal is to craft an experience, rather than simply delivering a set of lectures, but we do that against a solid structure.
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 |
Accommodation
En-suite, accommodation is available on site at a cost of £180 per residential, full-board. 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/
How to apply
The Application Process
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 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.
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: info@stpadarns.ac.uk