MA in Chaplaincy Studies and 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.

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

DC980: one year full time programme, Monday evenings and Tuesday lectures and a placement of 18-20 hours per week of the academic year.
DC 981; two year 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.

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.

For more information, see: https://www.dcu.ie/courses/postgraduate/institute-education/ma-chaplaincy-studies-and-pastoral-work