Postgraduate Certificate in Chaplaincy Studies with UKBHC Registration

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.

• Chaplaincy and Christian Mission: How can I share my faith?
• Moral Issues in Chaplaincy: How do we make those complex decisions?
• Reflective practice: How can I be an effective and a safe practitioner?

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

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.

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.

UKBHC registration requires both a PG Cert in Chaplaincy Studies and evidence of safety to practice in the form of a portfolio. The latter is compiled under the supervision of a Practice Placement Assessor (PPA). We advise you to contact us at the earliest possible opportunity so we can work together to identify your PPA.

Students seeking UKBHC accreditation need to:

1. Collaborate with the PPA to conduct an initial assessment of their practice experience and development needs; and identify capabilities and competencies to be included in the placement agreement, to be developed through the placement
2. Take part in regular reflective practice supervisions (no less than monthly)
3. Submit reflective practice reports (verbatims, journal entries, etc) monthly
4. Set up observed sessions on specific elements of their practice on at least three occasions
5. Complete and sign their placement professional practice report on the development of their capabilities and competencies.

This is clearly time intensive. Students should allow for the possibility that they may have to complete their UKBHC registration after submitting their PG Cert.

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.

We are keen that everyone on the Chaplaincy Studies programmes should enjoy their time at St Padarn’s. We hope that whatever your perspective, you will encounter respect, humility, and hospitality. To help you decide whether you’re likely to be comfortable studying with us, we thought we’d offer some additional information. You may wish to view our Equality and Diversity Policy.

You will be studying alongside professional chaplains who by their very nature tend to be welcoming and respectful of a range of opinion. Similarly, we employ staff who reflect the diversity of our local area.

There are however some distinctively Christian aspects of the programme that may not suit everyone:

• tutors may well start or finish lectures with a short Christian prayer (which may be formal or informal in style)
• most students are Christian ministers, and therefore will naturally express themselves using Christian language and draw on examples from Christian ministry
• integration of life, work and faith is seen as important and there will not be easy boundaries with faith being expressed in one activity or room but absent from another
• time is scheduled in the day for those choosing to take part in morning and evening prayer/Eucharist.

If you subscribe to another faith or none, please contact us so we can explore how best to support your learning.

We really do hope that you will enjoy studying with us. We always welcome informal conversations, whether by email, phone, Teams, Zoom, or face to face.

Our tutorial team comprises a carefully chosen yet diverse blend of senior practitioners and academics. See Tutorial staff, Associate Tutors Operational Team.

Residential Dates 2023/2024

October 2023 - Monday 9th – Wednesday 11th

December 2023 -Monday 4th - Wednesday 6th

January 2024 - Monday 29th - Wednesday 31st

March 2024 - Monday 18th - Wednesday 20th

Should your work or personal needs require you to attend the residentials for our MA programme, it is vital that you get our agreement beforehand.