Overview
The Professional MA in Healthcare Chaplaincy, is a three semester programme which will facilitate experiential learning through intensive clinical exposure and reflective practice. The programme is designed to offer those interested in pursuing a career in healthcare chaplaincy an opportunity to acquire the theological and professional competencies required for effective ministry within intensive clinical environments and complex healthcare systems.
This is currently the only level 9 masters programme offered in an Irish university which combines both the academic and clinical practice elements required to apply for certification as a hospital chaplain.
DCU People
Careers & Further Options
Careers
The programme is designed for those wishing to pursue a career in Healthcare Chaplaincy in a variety of approved healthcare contexts including: Hospitals Hospices Rehabilitation Facilities Nursing Homes & Care Facilities
Entry Requirements
- A good honours primary degree, minimum H2.2 in Theology or Religious Studies (with a minimum 80 ECTs in Theology/Religious Studies).
- There is a minimum age requirement of 23 years at the time of application. Applicants must have secured a suitable first placement prior to application
- Applicants must be successful at a pre-admission interview
International Applications
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.
Student Visas
Applicants who require a student visa for entry to Ireland are encouraged to seek clarification from the relevant Irish embassy regarding the closing date for application for such visas. Applicants who do not secure a study visa in time will be unable to take up their offer of a place on any DCU programme.
Programme Structure
Upon successful completion of this programme the Graduate will be able to:
- Demonstrate an ability to engage in a holistic manner with the Chaplaincy needs of patients, residents, family, staff and wider community
- Exhibit self knowledge to a degree that permits pastoral care to be offered within the contexts of his/her strengths and limitations
- Be aware of and articulate how their feelings and attitudes, values and assumptions affect their ministry
- Be competent in reflecting theologically and facilitating that process in others; Give evidence of understanding current theological, spiritual and ethical issues that confront chaplains
- Demonstrate an ability to articulate and empathise around spiritual, moral and medical issues; Demonstrate an ability to understand and help others discover the meaning in the experience of suffering, grief and loss
- Demonstrate the facility to integrate theology of ministry and pastoral practice
- Understand the operational systems in the healthcare setting
- Engage sensitively in faith conversation and faith development initiatives in an invitational and inclusive manner
- Exhibit competence as a reflective practitioner and openness to continuing spiritual, theological, professional and personal development
- Demonstrate the ability to manage his/her own work as a Chaplain and to integrate this with the work of others in order to provide an effective Chaplaincy Team Service in a healthcare setting.
Fees and Funding
How To Apply
Dates for Submission of Applications
All applicants are required to submit the following;
1. Placement Form (confirming offer of required placement hours)
3. Reference (Pastoral/Profesional)
*All 3 documents should be submitted before interviews are scheduled
EU Applicants
This programme will not have an intake in September 2019, and DCU is not currently accepting applications for this programme.
Non-EU Applicants
This programme will not have an intake in September 2019, and DCU is not currently accepting applications for this programme.
Applying through the Postgraduate Applications Centre
When applying for this programme use the following PAC code DC982
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.
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.
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.
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
Student Advice 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 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.
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*
Postgraduate**
- Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching) - DC970
* Please ensure that you consult minimum entry requirements and CAO points for all undergraduate programmes
** Please ensure that you consult minimum entry requirements for all postgraduate programmes
Post-Primary Teaching Pathways
Undergraduate*
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Bachelor of Religious Education & English or History or Music - DC010 | DC011 | DC012
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Bachelor of Education in Gaeilge and French or German or Spanish - DC013
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Bachelor of Education in Technology, Engineering and Graphics - DC015
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Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Science Education - DC203
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Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Physical Education with Biology - DC205
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Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with Mathematics - DC206
Postgraduate**
- Professional Master of Education (Post-Primary Teaching) - DC905
* Please ensure that you consult minimum entry requirements and CAO points for all undergraduate programmes
** Please ensure that you consult minimum entry requirements for all postgraduate programmes
Further Education and Training Teaching Pathways
Undergraduate*
- BSc (Hons) in Education and Training (Further, Adult and Continuing Education) - DC235
* Please ensure that you consult minimum entry requirements and CAO points for all undergraduate programmes