Available as

• Postgraduate Certificate in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care (2 modules) (60 Credits)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care (4 modules) (120 Credits)
• MA in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care (4 modules and a 15,000 word major project) (180 Credits)

Part-time Distance Learning

Compulsory Modules

Models of Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care (30 Credits)

This module will enable students to explore the history of pastoral theology and the practices of pastoral care in a variety of Christian traditions. It will uncover ways in which these dimensions are now in dialogue with multi-cultural, multi-faith and non-religious settings and insights. It will seek some of the ways in which social science thinking and practice has entered into critical dialogue with established ecclesial practices and understandings. Participants will be expected to contribute their own experiences, practice and contexts into the emerging and developing conversation surrounding contemporary pastoral theology as a discipline and its outworking in Church, chaplaincy and wider society today.

The aim of this module is to enable participants to discover and draw upon the variety of traditions and lines of thinking that have influenced the practices of pastoral care within the wider Christian community. Using literature, case studies and personal experiences, the variety of ways in which different traditions engage in contemporary contexts of care will be explored. 

It is not assumed that all students will be currently working within chaplaincy settings or holding formal pastoral care roles. However, the experiences of giving and receiving care by all participants will be essential elements in the discussions that develop throughout the module.

Assessment will be by one 6000-word assignment.

Pastoral Placement (30 Credits)

This module runs over two terms to provide students with the opportunity to be supervised working within a particular placement context and to develop skills suitable for pastoral and chaplaincy roles. It will engage students in developing an appropriate theologically reflective approach to their own practice, and require them to critically evaluate their own pastoral development.

Optional Modules *

• Themes in Pastoral Theology 30
• Children’s Spirituality 30

+PG Major Project: Dissertation 60

*Students wishing to receive a formal qualification in Chaplaincy must choose both optional modules. Students not seeking a formal qualification in Chaplaincy can choose to substitute one or both of these optional modules with any other co-validated modules.

Co-Validated Modules

• Christian Spirituality in the Contemporary World 30
• Spirituality, Materiality and the Body 30
• Wesleyan Theology and Spirituality 30

The normal entrance requirement for the postgraduate programmes in the Cambridge Theological Federation is a first- or good second-class honours degree in a relevant subject. Examples would include Ethics, Philosophy, Theology, or other related subjects.

The CTF will also consider graduates in other disciplines who may also be admitted to the programme on a case by case basis. The CTF will also take seriously, on a case by case basis, applications from candidates without an appropriate undergraduate degree but that can demonstrate significant relevant experience, such as within professional or ministerial roles, especially for candidates who have not had the opportunity to engage in formal higher education before.

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by the House they have applied to. The Federation reserves the right not to admit applicants who do not satisfactorily demonstrate their motivation or ability to fit into the learning community of the chosen Federation House. Applicants can only be admitted if the interview confirms their teachability, and if there is clear indication that they are able to establish and maintain meaningful learning relationships with their tutors and fellow students.

English Language requirements

Our standard entry criteria for postgraduate courses is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, with nothing lower than 5.5 in any of the four elements (listening, speaking, reading and writing).

We also accept the following English language tests as equivalent to IELTS 6.5 with 5.5 in each element:

• ETS TOEFL iBT with 88 overall and a minimum of 17 in Writing and Listening, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking
• Pearson PTE with 61 overall and a minimum of 51 in all components.

However, students requiring visas to study full time in the UK should note that the government will only accept an IELTS result as evidence of meeting the English language requirement.

This programme is ideal for:

• Clergy and Religious Leaders
• Healthcare Professionals
• Educators and School Counsellors
• Prison and Correctional Facility Staff
• Military Chaplains
• Individuals working in NGOs, community organizations, and charitable groups

If you are passionate about offering pastoral care and support to your community, this programme will provide you with the tools and knowledge to make a meaningful impact.

Our programme in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care enhances your skills to critically assess and improve professional practices in chaplaincy and pastoral settings. You’ll explore diverse and contemporary approaches, gaining insights into their historical evolution and relevance.

This programme equips you to be a catalyst for positive change in your community, ecclesiastical circles, and workplaces. Additionally, the two core modules qualify healthcare chaplains for registration with the UK Board of Healthcare Chaplaincy (UKBHC), ensuring professional recognition and excellence. https://www.ukbhc.org.uk/ Furthermore, the skills and knowledge gained through this programme contribute significantly to your deep understanding of pastoral care and enhance your professional development.

*Featured Artwork: “Modern Day Good Samaritan and Merton’s Epiphany”
36 x 48 inches, Acrylic and Oil Pastel on Canvas by Susan E. Brooks