Postgraduate Certificate in Paediatric and Maternity Chaplaincy

Entry requirements

A relevant honours degree, 2:2 or above.

You will normally need to be working as a chaplain or similar in a paid or voluntary capacity for the equivalent of 2 sessions a week for each of the modules. One of your referees will need to be a person with direct experience of your practice, ideally also a chaplain. We will discuss your experience at interview.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Discover how reflective practice, applied knowledge and self-awareness prepare you to support others through chaplaincy in today’s diverse world. The Postgraduate Certificate in Paediatric and Maternity Chaplaincy at Birmingham Newman University is a flexible, part-time, work-based programme designed for those engaged in specialist chaplaincy with children, families and maternity units. Delivered over two years in partnership with the Centre for Paediatric Spiritual Care, the course integrates interdisciplinary learning from sociology, psychology, philosophy and, where relevant, theology. Through experiential learning and reflective practice, you will connect academic theory with the realities of chaplaincy in sensitive and complex settings. The programme welcomes individuals from all faith and belief backgrounds, fostering a diverse and inclusive learning community.

What You’ll Study and How You’ll Learn.

You will explore chaplaincy roles, values and models of pastoral care, alongside modules focused on contemporary spirituality and faith formation, with a consistent emphasis on the needs of those in paediatric and maternity contexts. A reflective practice module supports you in integrating experiential learning with professional standards. You will engage with topics such as bereavement, neonatal care and family support, drawing on sociology, psychology, philosophy and theology to understand the emotional, ethical and pastoral dimensions of spiritual care. Teaching is delivered through weekend campus sessions and via online activities, tutorials and resources that support your learning between sessions.

Fees and funding

For the most up-to-date course information please visit the course page on the Birmingham Newman University website.