Program Overview

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MA in Chaplaincy Studies and Pastoral Work

Course Details

• Course Code: DC980 (FT and PT)
• Course Type: Postgraduate
• NFQ Level: 8
• Delivery Modes: Full-Time, Part-Time
• Duration: Full Time 1 Year; Part Time 2 Years
• Phone: +353 (0) 1
• Email: [insert email]

Overview

The faith and spirituality-based programme is open to anyone interested in a professional caring role. It focuses on ecumenism and interreligious worldviews in a secular environment.

During your study, you’ll develop pastoral counselling skills and competencies, and learn more about theology and educational and psychological disciplines. You’ll also study liturgy, prayer, community-building and faith development, and explore how chaplaincy studies and pastoral work can help you be supportive and non-judgemental to those who need it.

Careers & Further Options

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.

Entry Requirements

• 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)
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL
• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language

Programme Structure

This is the only programme of its type currently offered on the island of Ireland.

The programme is designed to meet the personal and professional needs of chaplains/pastoral workers and delivered by academic and practising experts in DCU Institute of Education.

We focus on creating a rich, collaborative and safe learning environment where the student voice is central.

Students can study this programme full-time for one year, or part-time over two years.

Fees and Funding

• Full time: €7,900 per annum (EU Status Fee), €15,400 per annum (Non EU Fee)
• Part time: €4,000 per annum (EU Status Fee Part-time), €8,300 per annum (Non EU Fee Part time)

How To Apply

To apply for this programme:

• 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))
• Provide an academic reference attesting to your suitability for this Postgraduate study
• Provide a Pastoral reference attesting to your suitability to work with vulnerable persons
• If applicable, evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements

Life On Campus

Life on Campus

At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.

DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.

They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.

Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.

Exceptional Facilities

DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.

These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.

We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.

Campus Life

Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.

There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.

For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.

The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.

On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.

Accommodation

Information about accommodation each of our three campuses can be accessed here.

Student Supports

We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.

Student Advice & Learning Skills Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice

The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year

Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules

Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.

Careers Service - work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.

Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.

DCU St Patrick's Campus

St Patrick's Campus

FAQs

Faculty FAQs

• What courses are offered by the DCU Institute of Education?

DCU Institute of Education brings together students of education and provides a rich menu of undergraduate courses across all sectors from early childhood, to primary and post-primary and further and higher education. We offer a range of taught and research postgraduate courses at doctoral, masters, diploma and certificate level and have a distinguished record in providing continuing professional development.

• Is there Garda vetting for students who study DCU Institute of Education courses?

Garda vetting is required for all students who have unsupervised access to children and vulnerable adults as part of their studies at DCU. Applicants must successfully pass the Garda vetting process in order to complete the registration process.

• What are the potential teaching pathways for primary, post-primary and further education and training offered by DCU?

Primary Teaching Pathways

• Undergraduate: Bachelor of Education - DC002 | DC003 | DC004
• Postgraduate: Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching) - DC970

Post-Primary Teaching Pathways

• Undergraduate: Bachelor of Religious Education & English or History or Music - DC010 | DC011 | DC012, Bachelor of Education in Gaeilge and French or German or Spanish - DC013, Bachelor of Education in Technology, Engineering and Graphics - DC015, Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Science Education - DC203, Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Physical Education with Biology - DC205, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with Mathematics - DC206
• Postgraduate: Professional Master of Education (Post-Primary Teaching) - DC905

Further Education and Training Teaching Pathways

• Undergraduate: BSc (Hons) in Education and Training (Further, Adult and Continuing Education) - DC235

Have You Considered?

DC996

Certificate in Religious Studies

CAO Code: DC996

Type: postgraduate

NFQ Level: 8

Duration: 1 year

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