Chaplaincy (MA, University Certificate, PGDip, PGCert)

Chaplaincy is a recognised activity within many public service organisations such as the Police, the Fire Service, Health Boards, etc. Chaplains provide pastoral support to colleagues, volunteers, their families and the community, irrespective of any religious belief or lack of belief.

The University Certificate, worth 40 Level 7 credits, recognises the importance and complexity of the chaplaincy role and further professionalises it. On successful completion of the UWTSD University Certificate in Professional Chaplaincy (Policing), there is an opportunity for Chaplains to ‘top-up’ this award by studying a further 20 credit module to achieve a Postgraduate Certificate in Chaplaincy. Subsequently, the credits achieved can be used to top-up to a Postgraduate Diploma or an MA in Chaplaincy.

The aim is for Chaplaincy to be viewed as a profession, with a more representative workforce, that will align the right skills, powers and experience to meet challenging requirements. As the role of the chaplain becomes further embedded in public services there is a need to ensure that continuous professional development is available which is academically accredited and recognises the skills and knowledge of people required by the role.

This MA Chaplaincy portfolio of programmes provides this accredited CPD route. It has been developed in liaison with Police Chaplains UK (PCUK), though the awards are suitable for all public services, subject to the development of an appropriately tailored induction module.

On successful completion of the UWTSD University Certificate in Professional Chaplaincy (Policing), there is an opportunity for Chaplains to ‘top-up’ this award by studying a further 20 credit module to achieve a Postgraduate Certificate in Chaplaincy. Subsequently, the credits achieved can be used to top-up to a Postgraduate Diploma or an MA in Chaplaincy.

Course Overview

A Blended Learning Approach

The programmes take a blended learning approach enabling work-based learners to complete much of the programme online at a distance, providing the flexibility they require to accommodate employment and study. However, annual face-to-face events allow learners to synthesise and further develop the learning to date.

The first module, Professional Chaplaincy involves tuition both from PCUK practitioners and UWTSD. Its tuition is ‘front-loaded’ to allow sufficient time for suitable learner reflection throughout the first year and application of theory to meaningful professional practice.

Career Opportunities

The aim is for Chaplaincy to be viewed as a profession, with a more representative workforce, that will align the right skills, powers and experience to meet challenging requirements. As the role of the chaplain becomes further embedded in public services there is a need to ensure that continuous professional development is available which is academically accredited and recognises the skills and knowledge of people required by the role. This MA Chaplaincy portfolio of programmes provides this accredited CPD route.

Students can also exit with University Certificate, PGDip and PGCert.

Degree (2:2) or relevant professional experience.