MA Church Law

The Master’s Degree is validated by Durham University as an MA in Theology, Mission & Ministry. This course is a focus within that programme and all modules are specifically designed for Canon Law Practitioners. St Padarn’s Canon Law specialism is the only postgraduate canon law programme with an Anglican focus currently on offer anywhere in the world. The course is validated by Durham University through the Common Awards Partnership (Common Awards (Theology, Ministry and Mission) - Durham University) The programme is suitable for clergy, lawyers, church administrators and others wishing to develop their ministry or professional practice in the field of canon law, or to deepen their understanding of the way in which church communities are regulated. Although the main focus of the teaching is Anglican canon law, this is delivered alongside a comparative element, and students wishing to write on the law of churches in their assessed essays and dissertation are encouraged to do so.

We are part of St Padarn’s Institute, the training arm of the Church in Wales. Under its statement ‘formation in community for mission,’ St Padarn’s equips and empowers God’s people across the world to communicate God’s transformative love. St Padarn’s as a site has hosted the teaching of canon law for over three decades, and is now able to offer canon law as an in-house speciality. We welcome students of any faith or belief or none.

Our residentials are all face to face. There are proven formational advantages that face-to-face teaching and residentials give. We have seen first hand the value of the conversations our students have together both in the lectures, and over meals and during evening social activities. The learning that takes place at residentials outside the lectures is an essential part of learning with St Padarn's.

Learning Outcomes

Our Learning Outcomes for each module rely on a combination of lectures, seminars (discussion based), engagement with tutors and debates with other students and tutors. That interaction between tutors and other students performs an invaluable role in helping you explore the subject matter, by challenging and developing your thinking to deepen understanding. This is when formation happens, and that’s why we teach face to face. Our goal is to craft an experience, rather than simply delivering a set of lectures, but we do that against a solid structure.

Method of delivery

3 modules a year for two years

Followed by 1 year of added input and dissertation writing.

Delivered in three intensive blocks a year (Monday to Wednesday) for three years ( 9 days onsite each year).

Residentials are all held at St Padarn’s Cardiff site which boasts en-suite accommodation, modern catering facilities, well equipped teaching rooms and a comfortable student common room.

Accommodation charges are additional to your fees and charged fully inclusive at £180 per residential, full-board.

The closing date for applications is the end of July. The usual entry criteria are a 2:1 degree in theology, or a related subject or a 2:2 degree with substantial professional experience. If you do not meet these criteria, please get in touch to discuss your available options. Please contact us for an application form.

You can view a brochure here

Applications from Overseas Students

St Padarn’s does not have a Tier 4 license which enables us to sponsor students from overseas to move to the UK to study. However, as face to face teaching on MA programmes consists of just 3 short residentials per year, if students from outside the UK are able to attend these on a visitor’s visa, they will be considered for admission to the MA programmes. Overseas students do involve more administration for St Padarn’s, so there is an additional £500 a year charge for any student without right to remain in the UK.