Children, Young People and Families Specialism

An Overview of the Programme

The Master’s Degree is validated by Durham University as an MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission. This course is a specialism within that and all modules are specifically designed for children, young people and family workers.

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 firsthand 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 Padarns.

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. The programme has been designed specifically to meet the needs of those working with families, young people and children.

Method of delivery

3 modules a year for two years

Followed by 1 year of added input and dissertation writing.

Delivered in three intensive blocks a year (Monday to Wednesday) for three years ( 9 days onsite each year).

Residentials are all held at St Padarn’s Cardiff site which boasts en-suite accommodation, modern catering facilities, well equipped teaching rooms and a comfortable student common room.

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.

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.

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:

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.