MA with Canon Law Specialism*

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.

To meet the needs of working professionals, teaching is delivered in three intensive blocks each year. Residentials take place from Sunday evening to midday Wednesday at our site in Cardiff where we enjoy an extensive library and well-equipped teaching rooms. Our en-suite accommodation is modern and purpose-built. Meals are freshly cooked onsite, and we cater for special dietary requirements.

For those who wish to avail themselves of the opportunity, public worship is offered daily at Llandaff Cathedral, less than five minutes’ walk from St Padarn’s. In addition to our comfortable common room, you may wish to explore the nearby shops, cafes, pubs, and riverside walks.

In the master’s programme, students study three modules a year for two years, followed by a years’ dissertation writing. In year three, students are encouraged to attend the residentials as members of our learning community and work on their dissertations with access to the library, teaching staff.

To obtain the MA, students must complete six taught modules, six 6,000-word essays, and a 15,000‑word dissertation.

*Subject to approval

**Plans for year 2 are currently in development. It is hoped to offer modules on “Doctrine and Liturgy”, “Ecclesiastical Governance” and “Church and State"

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.