Study at Cardiff | Postgraduate

Chaplaincy Studies (MTh)

Course Aims

To offer knowledge and expertise to enable students to contribute more fully to their roles as chaplains through the development of intellectual competence and research skills, alongside deepening reflective practice and enhanced pastoral activity.

Special Features

• A postgraduate, post-experience course to the needs of chaplains
• Provides the opportunity to meet and study with chaplains from other sectors
• Delivered in an ecumenical collegiate environment where study, worship and reflection belong together
• A three year-programme offered via four short residential schools per year with individually directed personal study

Course Description

The course aims to inform and enhance professional performance through a two-part programme.

Part 1 consists of six essay-assessed modules whose subject matter includes: an introduction to practical theology; the context of chaplaincy; ethics.

There are several pathways through the MTh, focusing on the military, education, higher education and healthcare. There is also a generic pathway for chaplains from different sectors. Assessment is by written assignments.

Part 2 consists of a dissertation of 16,000-20,000 words on a topic of the student’s choice related to their chaplaincy work.

Students will attend four three-day residential schools each year, with on-line tutorial support for learning at a distance between residentials.

The course is taught with St. Michael's College in Llandaff, for more information please visit their website.

Course Structure

Students take a total of 180 credits of modules, consisting of:

• 20 credit introduction to practical theology
• 100 credits of option modules slected by the student
• 60 credit dissertation (topic or theme chosen by the student in consultation with academic staff)

Available Modules

• RTT201 Practical Theology: resources and Methods
• RTT202 Facilitating Moral Thinking and Debate
• RTT203 Moral Issues in the Context of Military Chaplaincy (MoD)
• RTT204 Spirituality, Education and Youth Culture (Education)
• RTT205 The Context of Chaplaincy
• RTT206 Perspectives and Skills in the Military Environment (MoD)
• RTT207 Perspectives and Skills in the Education Context (Education)
• RTT208 Models of Chaplaincy in Practice (optional)
• RTT210 Ethics and Values in Health Care (Health)
• RTT211 Care in the Context of Health and Illness (Health)
• RTT212 Values in Higher Education: Engaging the Context
• RTT213 Learning and Meaning in the Context of Higher Education
• RTT214 Ethics and Spiritual Values in the Context of Profession and Vocation (Generic)
• RTT215 Perspectives and Skills in the Professional Context (Generic)
• RTT216 Understanding of Mission in a Dialogue with Chaplaincy (optional)
• RTT217 Perspectives on Buddhist Practice in Dialogue with Chaplaincy (optional)
• RTT143 Independent Learning Project (optional)
• RTT145 Faith, Belief and Spirituality in the Contemporary World (optional)
• RTT148 Beginning Chaplaincy (optional)
• RTT151 Critical Reflection on Practice (optional)
• RTT209 Dissertation

Student Testimonials

'Through reflection and research I now feel better resourced to tackle the challenges of chaplaincy in the midst of war' - Cole Maynard, 2010

'It gave me the time and opportunity to look at areas of interest for me within chaplaincy and the tools to do so in a systematic and intelligent manner. I believe this has improved my performance as a chaplain and a chaplaincy manager and opened the way for me to further develop my chaplaincy career' - Stephen Flatt, 2010

'(The course) stimulated analysis of my work, and allowed me to attempt ot research in my area. It permitted the exchange of ideas with other Chaplains. It have given me confidence in defending the rationale behind Healthcare Chaplaincy' - Rodney Baxendale, 2010

'(The course) enabled me to think critically about chaplaincy, providing me with research skills, giving me self-confidence and an ability to speak authoritatively within an "evidence-based" NHS culture' - Julian Raffay, 2011

'It has raised an awareness of a greater range of issues confronting contemporary chaplains in context. This has increased reflective practice' - Student, 2011

'The course has allowed me the time and space to consider many aspects of my ministry. I consider this of greater value that the qualification. Hopefully it has made me a better chaplain' - Student, 2011

'It really helped me to explore areas of personal and pertinent interest to my role' - Sally Rees, 2011

'It has helped me reflect on many aspects of my work and has made me a better chaplain' - Richard Smith, 2011

'It has taught me to reflect theologically on work/ministry experiences and critically reflect on moral outcomes' - Paschal Hanrahan, 2011

'It has equipped me to speak with confidence and authority into complex situations, resulting in my work having a significantly greater impact' - Student, 2011

Entry Requirements

The course is suitable for chaplains (lay or ordained and from different faiths), working in different sectors including: the military, healthcare, schools, universities, prisons, the workplace, the emergency services, etc. Those undertaking the course will be involved in some kind of professional chaplaincy, on a full or part-time basis. If appropriate, it is also possible for those who do not work in the chaplaincy field to follow this course.

Students are encouraged to write to the department explaining their particular area of interest and asking for further details before submitting a formal application.

Note: International students pursuing part-time programmes of study are not eligible for Tier 4 (General Student) visas and must have alternative leave to remain in the UK if they intend to study at the University in person.

How to Apply

Applications can be made for this course via our Online Application Service. Applicants are encouraged to write to the department explaining their particular area of interest, and asking for further details, before submitting an application.

Next intake: September each year

More information

• Learn more about Cardiff School of History, Archaeology and Religion
  
• How to apply
• New Search