M.A. in Chaplaincy Studies and Pastoral Work

Interested in:

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

The MA in Chaplaincy Studies and Pastoral Work course provides the academic, pastoral, spiritual, personal and 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: 1 Year Full-time / 2 Year Part-time

This Chaplaincy course is offered on a full-time and part-time basis.

Full-time: Classes take place in MDI on 1 afternoon/evening and 1 day per week and 8 Saturdays throughout the academic year

Part-time: Classes take place in MDI on Monday evenings and on 8 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)
• Cultures, Religions and Pastoral Ethics (10 ECTS Credits)
• Spirituality and Ritual in Context (10 ECTS Credits)
• Spiritual Accompaniment & Pastoral Counselling (10 ECTS Credits)
• Professional, Spiritual and Pastoral Development and Supervision (2 Modules, 20 ECTS Credits)

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

Continuing Professional Development and Placement

Full-time:

The Professional Development module includes an on-going placement as a student chaplain either in a primary school, post-primary school, a prison, a third level institute, a parish community or a youth / young adult group. The placement involves18-20 hours per week over the 24 weeks of the academic year and must be arranged prior to Admission to the programme.

Part-time:

The Professional Development module includes an on-going placement as a student chaplain either in a primary school, post-primary school, a prison, a third level institute, a parish community or a youth / young adult group. The placement should be between 4-6 hours per week over 2 years and must be arranged prior to Admission to the programme.

Entry Requirements

• The general criteria for entry to this taught postgraduate programme is a good honour primary degree or equivalent.
• Applicants must be successful at a pre-admission interview.
• Part-time applicants must be able to demonstrate relevant pastoral experience.
• 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 Experiential Learning (APEL) for the purposes of entry or module exemptions will also be considered.

Cost & Fees

The part-time fee for the academic year 2015/16 (Year 1) is €3,348 and will increase modestly in the subsequent year. Non-EU fees are double the EU fees. At the time of writing, current economic climate permitting, both the full-time and the part-time programmes are recognized for income-tax relief. The full-time programme qualifies for the Higher Education Grants Scheme under the usual conditions of eligibility.