Chaplaincy Studies & Pastoral Work
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 contexts below who seek to enrich their skills in the areas of Faith Development, Chaplaincy and Chaplaincy Coordination.
| Award Name | Degree - Masters (Level 9 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Dublin City University |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Masters (Level 9 NFQ) | Major | Dublin City University | Level 9 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full time programme, Monday evenings and Tuesday lectures and a placement of 18-20 hours per week of the academic year.
2 years part time programme, Monday evening lectures and a placement of 6 hours per week of the academic year.
Both programmes require attendance on 8 Saturdays during the academic year.
Entry Requirements
The general criteria for entry to this taught postgraduate programme is :
• An honours primary degree (any discipline) or equivalent
• 60 ECTS credits in Theology
• Applicants must have secured a suitable placement
• Applicants must submit Letters of reference (Academic OR Professional).
• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered (Irish / EU applicants only)
• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.
• Applicants will be required to undertake an interview before any offer is issued for this programme.
Note: All candidates who are accepted to this programme must undergo Garda Vetting. All offers will be conditional until successful completion of the Garda Vetting process.
Careers / Further progression
Graduates of the Master of Arts in Chaplaincy Studies and Pastoral Work are currently employed as chaplains in the post–primary school and university sector, in parishes, prisons and community facilities.
Further information
The programme commences in September 2024.
Full time
EU Status Fee €7,800 per annum
Non EU Fee €15,000 per annum
Part time
EU Status Fee Part-time €3,900 per annum
Non EU Fee Part time €8,100 per annum
Application Deadlines
Closing date for non EU applicants is 13th May 2024.
Closing date for EU applicants is 13th May 2024.
Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.
All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available at the Application Weblink.
Provide a personal statement of not more than 300 words outlining the journey that has led you to apply to this programme.
Provide confirmation that you have secured a suitable placement (18 hours per week for 12 weeks in both semesters (432 hours). Placement Form for DC980 (Full Time and Part Time) click here to be fully completed and uploaded to DCU's Student Application Portal.
Provide an academic reference attesting to your suitability for this Postgraduate study (see application portal).
Provide a Pastoral reference attesting to your suitability to work with vulnerable persons (see application portal)
If applicable, evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml.
Queries
Queries from EU applicants should be directed to postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie.
Queries from non EU applicants should be directed to internationalapplications@dcu.ie
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 contexts below who seek to enrich their skills in the areas of Faith Development, Chaplaincy and Chaplaincy Coordination.
Primary Schools
Post-Primary Schools
Third Level Institutes
Prisons / Young Offenders
Parish Communities
Youth and Young Adult Groups
Community / Voluntary Sector
Academic Structures
Programme Academic Structure for 2023 - 2024, MA in Chaplaincy Studies & Pastoral Work
This information is provisional & subject to change.
Full-time Programme Structure
Year 1 Core Modules:
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
ED8081 Spirituality and Ritual in Context 10 Year long 0 100 1
ED8082 Cultures, Religions and Pastoral Ethics 10 Semester 2 0 100 1
ED8092 Professional & Spiritual Development 10 Semester 1 0 100 2
ED8092A Professional & Spiritual Development 10 Semester 2 0 100 2
ED8094 Research Module 30 Autumn Semester 0 100 2
HD8100 Theology of Ministry 10 Semester 1 0 100 1
PR8010 Pastoral Counselling and Skills 10 Semester 1 0 100 1
Part-time Programme Structure
Year 1 Core Modules:
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
ED8092B Professional & Spiritual Development 10 Year long 0 100 2
ED8094A Research Module 0 Year long 0 100 2
HD8100A Theology of Ministry 10 Semester 1 0 100 1
PR8010A Pastoral Counselling and Skills 10 Semester 2 0 100 1
Year 2 Core Modules:
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
ED8092C Professional & Spiritual Development 10 Year long 0 100 2
ED8094 Research Module 30 Autumn Semester 0 100 2
HD8100 Theology of Ministry 10 Semester 1 0 100 1
PR8010B Pastoral Counselling and Skills 10 Semester 2 0 100 1
The MA in Chaplaincy Studies and Pastoral Work aims to develop graduates who:
Understand, and are able to apply knowledge from theological, and educational disciplines to the work of Chaplaincy and Pastoral Work
Apply current thinking concerning pastoral work, faith formation, spiritual accompaniment, inter-religious dialogue and interculturalism in different pastoral contexts
Exhibit the personal, professional and spiritual skills and sensibilities necessary to work as a chaplain/pastoral worker and as a member of a pastoral team.
Manifest the ability to plan, execute and report on a research project of relevance to the work of a chaplain/pastoral worker
Engage sensitively in faith formation and faith development initiatives in an invitational and inclusive manner which is appropriate to the characteristic spirit of the pastoral setting and to the cultural and religious diversity present in the community
Develop Pastoral Counselling and Spiritual Accompaniment skills that are appropriate to the work of the chaplain/pastoral worker in the particular context
Exhibit readiness to assume the role and responsibilities of a chaplain/pastoral worker
Demonstrate the ability to manage their own work as a chaplain/pastoral worker and to integrate this with the work of others in order to provide an effective pastoral presence
Work collaboratively with others in order to enhance the pastoral, religious, spiritual and moral dimensions of the designated community
Exhibit competence as a 'Reflective Practitioner' and openness to continuing professional development
Exhibit a depth awareness of contemporary culture
Will be able to respond creatively, appropriately and sensitively to the 'moments' in people's lives in which there is an openness to the invitation to full human development and religious, moral and spiritual awakening.
+353 (0) 1 700 9297
email programme contact thomas.grenham@dcu.ie