MA, PG Cert, PG Dip

Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care

Gain an in-depth understanding of pastoral theology as it relates to the goals of chaplaincy and care on this Master's degree, taught by Cambridge Theological Federation and accredited by ARU.

Start date
September 2026
Location
Cambridge Theological Federation Distance learning
Award
MA
Duration
1 year full-time

It's possible for UK students to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.

As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.

This course is also available as a PG Cert and a PG Dip. Visit the Cambridge Theological Federation website for more information about these options.

On this course, you'll explore what it means to work in chaplaincy today. You'll consider and reflect upon how the themes and traditions of pastoral care apply to contemporary personal and vocational contexts, and develop a critical understanding of the human condition as it shapes different approaches to models of chaplaincy.

Please note: to apply for this course, you must be a member of one of the Cambridge Theological Federation’s member institutions. Apply by 31 August for a September start.

To find out more about the MA Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care and studying with Cambridge Theological Federation, visit the Federation's website.

Careers

Gain new insights into the role of the modern chaplain, and what you can bring to it.

This course will equip you to contribute to social transformation through continued critical reflection and engagement with personal, organisational, and public values and ethics.

Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You could choose to continue your academic career with our DProf Practical Theology or PhD Theology.

Teaching and modules

Consolidate and expand your knowledge and practice of chaplaincy and pastoral care.

You'll consider different approaches and contexts for this work, and put your new insights into practice on placement in a parish, school, prison or healthcare setting.

You'll select three optional modules. Two of these will be 30-credit modules from: Themes in Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Care; Children’s Spirituality; Pastoral Supervision; Christian Spirituality in the Contemporary World; Spirituality, Materiality and the Body; Wesleyan Spirituality and Theology; Ethics in Professional Context; Interfaith Relations from Theory to Encounter.

The third will be one of: Moral Development, Reasoning and Decision Making; The Theology and Practice of Mission; Theology and Science.

You'll complete your Master's with a substantial research project on a relevant topic of your choice.

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Models of Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
  • Pastoral Placement
  • Major Project
  • Themes in Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Care *
  • Children's Spirituality *
  • Pastoral Supervision *
  • Christian Spirituality in the Contemporary World *
  • Spirituality, Materiality and the Body *
  • Wesleyan Spirituality and Theology *
  • Ethics in the Professional Context *
  • Interfaith Relations from Theory to Encounter *
  • Moral Development, Reasoning and Decision Making *
  • The Theology and Practice of Mission *
  • Theology and Science *
Module details

It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.

As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.

Facilities

Study with Cambridge Theological Federation and:

  • join one of our denominational Houses, gaining support from others in your tradition and creating networks for life
  • meet students and teachers from a wide range of traditions
  • access resources from the theological libraries of our member institutions
  • learn flexibly: our courses are offered in Cambridge, or by distance learning.

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Apply now for Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care

Apply now