Certificate in Chaplaincy
(NZQA Level 5)
A programme for people passionate about helping others through life’s ups and downs, providing training and upskilling for chaplaincy roles in a variety of settings.
Overview
The Certificate in Chaplaincy is for people passionate about helping others through life’s ups and downs. This programme provides training and upskilling for professionals and volunteers already supporting and pastoring others in their role, as well as students wanting to enter this field.
You will learn how to effectively minister to individuals and communities in a variety of contexts, across a spectrum of life events.
Chaplaincy skills are sought after in a range of settings, such as hospitals, schools, universities, the military, emergency services, prisons, and sports teams. Increasingly, employers and organisations recognise the need to provide wellbeing support to employees and associates, which provides further opportunities to Certificate in Chaplaincy graduates.
Course Details
Award upon completion: Certificate in Chaplaincy (Christian Ministry), leading to the New Zealand Certificate in Christian Studies (Level 5), Christian Ministry Strand (2771)
Intake Dates: Offered twice a year, usually late January and mid July
NZQF Level: 5 – About NZQF Levels
Credits: 60
Length: One year part time. (Approx. 15 study hours per week).
Accreditation: Approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority
Prerequisites: No prior study needed. Students will need to arrange a practical chaplaincy placement. (Talk to us if you need assistance with this.) Police vetting required. See SPBC’s standard admission requirements for all applicants.
Course costs: View and download the Fees Schedule here. Additional textbooks will need to be purchased. (All other compulsory readings will be provided online).
Delivery: Online only.
Apply
Submit your application and secure your place in this course.
Use the Chaplaincy Placement Agreement form as evidence of your practical placement.
Curriculum
This certificate is comprised of the following four courses:
Students will gain an understanding of the role of a chaplain, as distinct from other jobs such as minister, coach, or counsellor. Students will also explore chaplaincy environments in New Zealand, such as interfaith settings and agency work, and relevant implications for practice.
Avoiding burnout and achieving longevity needs a careful approach. This course provides a framework of ethics, boundaries, and life habits to assist chaplains in preserving their spiritual, emotional and mental health while serving others.
One of the most powerful skills of a good chaplain is their ability to listen effectively, and to be present with people in their time of need. In this course, students will gain the tools and techniques required to master these essential capabilities.
Participating in and reflecting on a real-world chaplaincy placement, students will integrate the knowledge and concepts taught in the above courses, and embed them into their practice. Guest practitioners will share further real-world perspectives from various chaplaincy settings, in online learning sessions.
Online Course Approach
You will complete self-directed study of online materials, and attend a weekly online session with your course facilitator and student cohort to discuss course content, chaplaincy practice, and receive guidance with assessments. Guest chaplaincy practitioners are also a regular feature of online sessions. In addition, you will complete a practical placement, including regular meetings with your placement supervisor. On average, this will total approximately 15 hours per week.
Interested in This Course?
If you’re considering this course and would like more information, we’d love to hear from you.
