University
University of OtagoMaster of Chaplaincy (MChap)
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Master's Degree
Duration
18 months
Next start date
Expected Mar 2027
Campus
Dunedin Campus
Summary
The aim of the Master of Chaplaincy (MChap) degree is to enhance chaplaincy in a whole range of contemporary settings, through engagement with current scholarship into the practice of chaplaincy.
The Master of Chaplaincy is designed as a professional qualification for those who serve as chaplains in a variety of settings and who seek advanced professional education to enhance their work, and for those who want to train to be chaplains.
The admission requirements are a degree or equivalent three-year qualification with satisfactory grades. In cases where a person's prior qualifications do not include theological study, he or she may be required to undertake one or more 300-level papers in theology in order to satisfy the prerequisites for specific 400-level papers in Biblical Studies (BIBS) and/or Christian Thought and History (CHTH).
The coursework component of the degree consists of six 20-point 400-level taught papers, of which three are core papers in the area of Chaplaincy and three are selected from a list of additional papers offered in the areas of Biblical Studies, Christian Thought and History and Ministry Studies.
The degree also involves the completion of a Research Project worth 60 points in some area of Chaplaincy of around 20,000 words, related to issues emerging from the contemporary practice of Chaplaincy. The Research Methods Workshops offered by the Theology Programme, PAST 212 Research Methods, or an equivalent paper, is required as a prerequisite for enrolment in the Research Project (MINS 590). The degree is designed to enhance a graduate's professional practice of Chaplaincy and to enable advanced reflection and research on the practice of Chaplaincy.
Please note: The majority of this programme of study is taught via Distance Learning. This means that an international student who wishes to enrol for this programme will almost certainly be unable to be granted a student visa to study in New Zealand. Such a visa requires the majority of study to be in-person learning, and this programme does not fulfil this requirement. However, international students can enrol for this programme, remain in their home country and undertake the programme via distance learning (mainly Zoom videoconferences). Conditions of a student visa in New Zealand are explained here:
Conditions of student visa, limited visa and interim visa for study purposes – Immigration New Zealand
Entry criteria
General entry requirementsA university entrance qualification is essential for admission to the University of Otago for all types of programmes. You must also be at least 16 years of age by the first day of classes in your period of study and meet English language requirements.
Domestic studentsYou need to have met the New Zealand University Entrance standard, based on your achievement in secondary school or other prior study. Learn about the different categories for achieving University Entrance and what information you may need to provide with your application.
International studentsCheck recognised entry qualifications by country, and find out what documents you need to provide for a successful application.
English language requirementsAll students must be proficient in the use of English. If your first language is not English, there are several ways you may provide evidence of English proficiency, including through prior secondary or tertiary study, internationally recognised English language tests, and foundation language programmes.
The level of English proficiency required for undergraduate study is equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0, with no individual band below 5.5.
For details about what is accepted as evidence of English proficiency, please refer to:
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