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Counselling Qualify as a counsellor in three years with our part-time, BACP & ACC-accredited training in Farnham, Surrey. Contemporary Chaplaincy Part-time, online training for those called to serve in or beyond the walls of the church—in everyday and professional contexts. View all courses We offer programmes through blended learning, 100% online delivery, and different study patterns depending on the course.
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Introduction to Christian Care and Counselling (ICCC) A 5-day introduction to Christian care and counselling, designed to help you develop counselling skills for ministry, pastoral care, or everyday life. Waverley Abbey Certificate of Christian Counselling Build a strong foundation in counselling through this 1-year, Level 4 equivalent course, grounded in a Christian worldview. Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling Qualify as a professional counsellor in 3 years through this part-time, Level 5 diploma programme, grounded in a Christian worldview. BA (Hons) Counselling Qualify as a professional counsellor in 4–5 years through this part-time, Level 6 degree programme, grounded in a Christian worldview. MA Professional Counselling: Theory and Practice For those with a degree, become a professionally qualified counsellor in 3 years through this part-time, Level 7 Master's programme.
BA (Hons) Counselling Top-Up For those already practising, gain a Level 6 degree in 1–2 years with a direct route to ACC accreditation (SCoPEd Column B) as a graduate outcome. MA in Therapeutic Counselling, Psychotherapy and Supervision For those already practising, gain a Level 7 Master's degree online in 3 years alongside your existing practice. Certificate in Integrating Christian Faith with Counselling (ICFC) For qualified counsellors and psychotherapists who want to ethically integrate faith, religion, and spirituality within a clinical context. Counselling Young People: Skills and Competences For counsellors and trainees looking to begin working safely and competently with children and young people (ages 4–18).
Introduction to Contemporary Chaplaincy A 6-week online introduction to chaplaincy for those who sense a pull to be a Christian presence outside the church. Certificate in Contemporary Chaplaincy Become a chaplain in one year. Gain the skills, experience, and confidence to serve in the church and beyond. Chaplaincy Skills for Schools A 15-week online foundational course for those who want to understand and develop chaplaincy skills for school settings.

Online Chaplaincy Course

CHAPLAINCY SKILLS FOR SCHOOLS

A 15-week online foundational course for those who want to understand and develop chaplaincy skills for school settings. Equip yourself to offer pastoral care, spiritual support and a Gospel presence in school life.

Apply Now Talk to the team Webinars Open days
DatesApply By
January - May 202731 December 2026Apply now
  • 100% online, part-time over 15 weeks
  • No prior experience or training required
  • Explore whether School Chaplaincy could be right for you
  • Grow in your confidence in supporting others in a school setting
  • Grounded in a Christian understanding of identity, care and mission
LocationCourse LengthCostEntry Req.
Online15 weeks£999 *
None
* Pay in full or in four monthly instalments (non-refundable deposit of £199)
CohortDatesDay TimeYou attend either the lunchtime or evening session each week for the duration of the programme.
January 202720 Jan 2027 – 19 May 2027Wednesdays9:30am-11:30am, 12-2pm or 7-9pm
Book early to secure your preferred cohort session

Key Features

Develop practical chaplaincy skills for schools
Build confidence in offering pastoral care, spiritual support, active listening and Gospel presence within the unique context of school life.

Learn through real school experience
Put learning into practice through a 30-hour placement in a school setting, helping you develop confidence, awareness and school-specific chaplaincy skills.

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Reflect on your practice
Grow through guided reflection and assessment, developing the self-awareness, resilience and professional boundaries needed to serve well.

Study alongside others
Learn within a supportive online cohort, with facilitated teaching, discussion and shared reflection that enrich your learning journey.

Accessible and flexible
Complete the 15-week course through part-time online study, designed to fit alongside your existing work, ministry and family commitments.

Course Description

Course Overview
This 15-week course introduces the principles and practice of school chaplaincy, equipping you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to offer pastoral care, spiritual support and a Gospel presence within school communities.

Course Content
This course is ideal for anyone:

  • Seeking to have an impact on the next generation in schools
  • Exploring school chaplaincy as a ministry or volunteer opportunity
  • Serving in a school, church or community setting and wanting to develop their pastoral skills
  • Looking to support children and young people with greater confidence and understanding
  • Desiring practical training that combines learning with real-world experience

Schools are places of learning, but they are also places where children, young people and staff experience anxiety, loss, questions of identity and everyday challenges. Many Christians feel drawn to support school communities but are unsure how to offer care that is both compassionate and appropriate within the unique context of education.

This course is designed to help you build the foundations of effective school chaplaincy. Through facilitated online learning, guided reflection and a school-based placement, you will explore the role of chaplaincy, develop practical pastoral skills, and learn how to engage sensitively with pupils, staff and the wider school community.

Throughout the course, you will consider how Christian faith informs compassionate presence, ethical practice and spiritual care, while developing greater confidence in listening well, building healthy relationships and serving with appropriate boundaries.

Each week combines teaching, discussion and reflective practice with real-life application through your school placement, helping you grow in confidence and prepare for chaplaincy within today's educational settings.

Location, Fees & Requirements

Location

Online

Course Timing

15 weeks. 20 Jan 2027 - 19 May 2027

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry qualifications for this programme. Open to all Christians age 18 or older.

Please enquire at hello@waverleyabbeycollege.ac.uk

Cost

LocationCourse LengthCostEntry Req.
Online15 weeks£999 *
None
* Pay in full or in four monthly instalments (non-refundable deposit of £199)
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Chaplaincy Skills for Schools Fees and Dates January 2027 | 100.48 KB
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Full payment is required at the time of booking.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel, we offer the following refunds:

  • 4 weeks prior to the start date — Refund of fees paid, excluding deposit
  • 0–4 weeks — 50% refund, excluding deposit
  • Once course begins — No refund

See our full cancellation policy

Further Details

Award
Waverley Abbey Certificate of Participation

Application guidance
You can start your application straight away. During the process, you may be asked to upload a few documents. It can be helpful to have these ready:

  • Passport or driving licence
  • Passport-style photo
  • Name and email address of a referee

You can also begin your application and return later with the documents.

If a cohort is full, you will be offered a place on a future date.

If you have further questions

You have two options:

  1. Book a 20-min call with our team to explore the next step for you based on your current experience level, capacity, and goals.
  2. See our Frequently Asked Questions page for some of the most common questions we get about studying at Waverley Abbey College.