The Aims of the Course
Designed for those who wish to serve, or who are currently serving in a Christian pastoral or voluntary chaplaincy role, the course will enhance your knowledge, practical skills and understanding to prepare you to minister to people in the different challenging situations we face in life.
There are two elements to the course, Classroom Learning and a Voluntary Placement:
The Syllabus
The syllabus for the course will be taught by current practitioners and will include:
- An exploration of models of chaplaincy
- Practical and theological approaches to chaplaincy
- The Chaplain as reflective practitioner
- Core principles and practices of chaplaincy from a Christian perspective.
- Communication Skills
- Ministry to children, families and those with physical and mental health challenges
- Ministry to those who have experienced bereavement
- The contribution of Chaplaincy within community life (Hospitals, Prisons, Sports, Schools, etc.).
Online Learning
You will study Basic biblical doctrines, Ministry skills and Context skills, either pastoral care or chaplaincy, you will need to choose one of these two options.
The modules are:
Core Modules (both streams)
Basic Bible doctrines
Palliative care
Grief and loss
Communication skills
Mental health
Reflective practice
Chaplaincy Stream Pastoral Care Stream
Chaplaincy Principles Pastoral Care Principles
Understanding multi-faith Pastoral Theology
Placement Learning
You will be supported to find and undertake a voluntary placement in either a chaplaincy or pastoral care context, in order to practice the skills, you have learnt in the classroom. The placement is usually for 120 hours in a suitable context, and you will complete a reflective journal whilst on placement to measure and track your growth and progress.
Study Options
You can study at Attendee only where you attend at least 80% of the lectures. Or you can study at Level 2, 3 or Level 5 where as well as attending the lectures and completing your placement you will also complete written work (Level 2 multi choice) – supported by our team of tutors, this is ideal for those who wish to consider further study in either area, or progress in their ministry or vocational role.
The course consists of taught sessions (evening time) with breaks in teaching to allow time for practical placements to develop knowledge and practice. There is the option of simply attending the course without gaining a qualification or additionally completing coursework to pursue a Level 3 or a Level 5 qualification.
Students will be supported to develop a ‘best practice’ approach in their chosen placement settings and equipped to follow a personalised development plan.
Details of the Course
The course lasts for approx. 10 months from October 2024 through to August 2025. It contains several units with assessment tasks. This course is validated by AIM. There is an expectation that all students will fulfil all aspects of the course.
Finance
If for any reason a student begins the course but fails to complete it, monies paid towards the course will not be able to be refunded unless in exceptional circumstances at the Student Studies Coordinator’s discretion.
| LEVEL | COST | Placement Hours | Assessment Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attendance Only | £300.00 | None | None , certificate of Attendance |
| Level 2 | £350.00 | 60 Hours | Placement Log |
| Level 3 | £450.00 | 120 hours | Essays and Placement Log |
| Level 5 | £650.00 | 120 Hours | Essays and Placement Log |
Attendance and Absence
- Students are required to attend all the lectures. They are expected to do so punctually and to complete assignments, practical or other coursework on time. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the student being refused the credits assigned to the relevant unit and so fail to achieve the relevant qualification at the end of the year of study.
- A student unable to comply with this requirement, through illness or exceptional circumstance, must seek permission from the Principal, Registrar or the Student Studies Coordinator.
- Attendance at all teaching weeks is compulsory unless a student has been given specific permission to be absent.
- Even given the above reasons, the student must attend 80% of the taught course in order to qualify.
Withdrawals
If at any time a student wishes to consider withdrawing from the course, the Registrar should be consulted immediately. The Registrar may present an alternative perspective on the situation and will certainly be able to offer advice on how to proceed.
If after speaking with the Registrar a student still feels sure that withdrawing is the right course to take, a letter with the reasons for withdrawing should be provided to the Registrar as we need to keep a record of the circumstances of any withdrawal. Please note monies will not be refunded except in exceptional circumstances.
Learning Resources
All lectures will be recorded onto MP3/4 and will be available online.