Learning Support
Moodle
Safeguarding
Programme overview
Choose a PGCert, PGDip or MA designed for practising chaplains
Duration: 3 years
- Years 1-2: taught modules
- Year 3: additional input and dissertation writing
Credits: 180 credits
- 120 credits from six taught modules
- 60 credit dissertation
Study pattern: Three intensive residential blocks per year, running Monday to Wednesday.Residential teaching takes place at St Padarn’s in Cardiff.
About the programme
About the Programme
Who is it for?
The programme is designed primarily for practising chaplains who want to develop their effectiveness, confidence and leadership. Our students serve in a wide range of settings, including:
- healthcare and social care
- the armed forces and emergency services
- prisons and criminal justice
- schools, colleges and universities
- sport
- community and workplace settings
The programme may also be suitable for applicants in closely related roles.
If you are unsure whether your experience meets the entry requirements, please contact us to discuss further.
St Padarn’s has worked with chaplains across the UK and beyond for more than two decades. We have held the national Ministry of Defence contract since 1999 and work with healthcare organisations throughout the UK.
What will you gain
Thhe programme will help you to:
- examine complex moral, spiritual and professional questions with greater clarity
- understand how organisations, culture, inequality and change affect chaplaincy
- strengthen your reflective practice, resilience and professional boundaries
- integrate theological learning with the realities of your workplace
- learn from experienced practitioners and academic specialists
- develop the research skills required for advanced study
- contribute more confidently to leadership, policy and service development
Assessments are designed to connect academic learning with professional practice. Thes may include essays, research proposal, workplace reports, practical resources, theological reflection or a business plan.
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.
21-23 September 2026
2027
25-27 January 2027
26-28 April 2027
14-16 June 2027 (Alumni)
What Qualifications will I get?
Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
Duration: One year part-time
Study: Three modules
Ideal for: Chaplains seeking focused postgraduate professional development.
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
Duration: Two years part-time
Study: Six modules
Ideal for: Chaplains wishing to deepen their professional, theological and organisational practice without undertaking a dissertation.
Master of Arts (MA)
Duration: Three years part-time
Study: Six modules over two years, followed by a 15,000-word dissertation in year three
Ideal for: Chaplains who wish to undertake an extended research project and gain the full master's award.
Professional Registration for Pathway
For healthcare chaplains seeking professional registration, we offer a dedicated pathway linked to the PGCert and MA programmes. This route combines your academic studies with structured preparation for applying to the Council of Professional Chaplains and Pastoral Carers (CPCPC), formerly the UK Board of Healthcare Chaplaincy (UKBHC).
The pathway includes:
- All modules within the PGCert programme
- Additional support and guidance for professional registration
- Opportunities to develop the evidence and reflective practice required for registration
- Preparation aligned with CPCPC professional standards
Please note that a separate fee applies for the professional-registration pathway.
How it is taught
Residential Learning
Three residential blocks each year at St Padarn's Institute, Cardiff.
- Monday to Wednesday teaching
- Optional Sunday arrival
- En suite accommodation
- Full-board catering
- Lectures, seminars and reflection
Why study residentially?
Chaplaincy is relational. Learning together fosters discussion, reflection and supportive peer relationships that enrich professional practice.
Professional Registration for Pathway
For healthcare chaplains seeking professional registration, we offer a dedicated pathway linked to the PGCert and MA programmes. This route combines your academic studies with structured preparation for applying to the Council of Professional Chaplains and Pastoral Carers (CPCPC), formerly the UK Board of Healthcare Chaplaincy (UKBHC).
The pathway includes:
- All modules within the PGCert programme
- Additional support and guidance for professional registration
- Opportunities to develop the evidence and reflective practice required for registration
- Preparation aligned with CPCPC professional standards
Please note that a separate fee applies for the professional-registration pathway.
Call to Action
Explore the PGCert with Professional Registration Pathway
The module sequence may vary by year. The programme includes study in the following areas (illustrative):
Moral Issues in Chaplaincy
Explore resources and approaches for thinking well about difficult ethical decisions. You will consider an issue within the context of your organisation, society and, where appropriate, your faith or belief tradition.
Research and Reflection: Resources and Methods
Develop the study and research skills needed for advanced professional learning. You will explore how research shapes policy and practice and prepare a research proposal with literature review.
Chaplaincy in Organisational Context
Examine how organisational culture, globalisation, plurality, diversity and inequality shape contemporary chaplaincy. You will use organisational theory and practical theology to evaluate your context and identify constructive responses.
Reflective Practice: Relationships and Emotional Management in Ministry
Consider relationships, stress, resilience, trauma, emotional demands, moral and spiritual injury as well as safe professional practice. You will select an aspect of your experience for deeper critical reflection.
Reflective Practice: Placement
Reflect critically on your regular workplace or professional setting. This module will help you recognise new possibilities, strengthen self-awareness and develop as a leader.
Chaplaincy and Christian Mission
Explore the historical and theological roots of chaplaincy and its relationship with culture, sending churches and other faith or belief communities. You will reflect critically on the relationship between your chaplaincy role and your own tradition.
Dissertation in Chaplaincy Studies (MA only)
With support from a supervisor, you will design and complete a substantial research project on an agreed chaplaincy topic. The 15,000-word dissertation gives you the opportunity to contribute to knowledge and practice in your field.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
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.
The closing date for applications is the end of July.
See more information regarding Postgraduate Study at St Padarn's here
See more information about St Padarn's Policies here
Tuition fees
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for 2026/27 are as follows:
| Qualification | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGCert | £3841 | N/A | N/A |
| PGDip | £3841 | £3841 | N/A |
| MA | £3841 | £3841 | £1098 |
Accommodation
Accommodation charges are additional to your fees and charged fully inclusive at £180 per residential, full-board.
How to apply
The Application 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.
The closing date for applications for next September is the end of July.
Applications from Overseas Students
- St Padarn's cannot sponsor Student visas.
- MA programmes include only three short residentials per year.
- Applicants from outside the UK may be considered if they can lawfully attend these residentials.
- An additional administration fee of £500 per year applies to students without the right to remain in the UK.
- St Padarn's cannot provide immigration advice. Please seek independent guidance where necessary.
How do I apply?
You can use our online application form to apply for one of our programmes.
If you have any questions about applying for this programme or if you would like us to contact us before begin filling in the form, please let us know by emailing: academic.enquiries@stpadarns.ac.uk
Programme insights