MA in Chaplaincy Studies and Pastoral Work

Last Updated: Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 13:11 by Paul Hegarty

MA in Chaplaincy Studies and Pastoral Work - Thumbnail brochure 2010

The Programme

The MA in Chaplaincy Studies and Pastoral Work programme provides the academic, pastoral, spiritual, personal and professional education for chaplains, coordinators of chaplaincy services or those engaged in pastoral work in their commmunity and in a broad range of contexts including:

  • Post-Primary Schools
  • Third Level Institutes
  • Prisons / Young Offenders
  • Parish Communities
  • Youth and Young Adult Groups
  • Community / Voluntary Sector

The programme provide Professional Development for those already working or wishing to work in the above contexts who seek to enrich their skills in the areas of Faith Development, Chaplaincy and Chaplaincy Coordination.

Flexible Scheduling: On-Campus

The programme is offered on a part time basis (over two years). Classes take place on Monday evenings and on eight Saturdays throughout the academic year.

Modules (offered cyclically)

Participants who wish to obtain a Master's Award must take the following academic and professional taught modules:

  • The Theology of Ministry (10 ECTS Credits)
  • Cultural Discernment and Pastoral Work (10 ECTS Credits)
  • Spirituality and Ritual in Context (10 ECTS Credits)
  • Foundations in the Theory and Practice of Spiritual Accompaniment, Counselling Skills and Pastoral Skills (10 ECTS Credits)
  • Personal and Professional Development and Supervision (2 Modules, 20 ECTS Credits)

In addition, participants will complete a Research Module (30 ECTS Credits), which includes a minor thesis.

Ongoing Professional Development and Placement

The Professional Development module includes an on-going placement as a student chaplain either in a post-primary school, a prison, a third level institute, a parish community or a youth / young adult group. The placement should be between 2-4 hours per week and should be arranged prior to Admission to the programme. Further details from the programme coordinator.

Awards

Successful completion of the programme leads to the award Master of Arts in Chaplaincy Studies and Pastoral Work (90 ECTS Credits = 6 modules + minor thesis).

It is also possible to exit with a Graduate Diploma in Chaplaincy Studies and Pastoral Work (60 ECTS Credits = 6 modules).

Application

Further information and an application form is available from Admissions. You can contact us by:

  • E-mail:
  • or by calling (01) 808 6518

Programme Coordinator

Further information is available from the Programme Coordinator, Dr. P.j. Sexton.

  • E-mail:
  • Telephone: (01) 808 6572

Fees and Grants

Fees increase annually by a modest amount. Students intending to study over a period of more than one year should note that the fee will also be increased in subsequent years of the programme by a modest amount.

The part-time fee for 2010/2011 entry is €2994. Non-EU fees are double the EU fees.

Part-time programmes are recognised for income tax relief.

Entry Requirements

MA in Chaplaincy Studies and Pastoral Work - Picture

  • The general criteria for entry to this taught postgraduate programme is a good honours primary degree or equilivant. 
  • Applicants must be successful at a pre-admission interview.
  • There is a minimum age requirement of 23 years in the year of application.
  • Applicants must have completed a minimum of sixty ECTS credits in the area of foundational Theology or equivalent.
  • Applicants must have secured a suitable placement.
  • Students who do not meet the normal criteria may be considered for a place on the programme on the basis of their work experience and other relevant educational achievements.
  • Applicants seeking Accreditation of Prior (Certified) Learning (APL) for the purposes of entry, module exemptions, or advanced entry, or applicants seeking Accreditation of Prior Experiental Learning (APEL) for the purposes of enrty or module exemptions will also be considered.

Apply by

June 30th 2010, however late applications will be considered up until August 27th 2010.