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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.

1 Year Online Chaplaincy Course

CERTIFICATE IN CONTEMPORARY CHAPLAINCY

Become a Contemporary Chaplain in one year—get trained with the skills, experience, and confidence to serve others in the church and beyond, combining practical training, apologetics, theology, and a supported 90-hour placement.

Apply Now Talk to the team Webinars Open days
ModeCohortApply By
Tutor-Led OnlineJan 20273 Jan 2027Apply Now
  • Train as a Contemporary Chaplain in one year, part-time
  • Flexible study — 100% online, or talk to us about bespoke team training options
  • Practice what you learn in a Contemporary Chaplaincy placement
  • Develop practical skills, theological understanding, and self-awareness
  • No prior training required
ModeCourse LengthLecturesEntry Requirements
Online1 year part-time1 x induction plus 30 sessionsNone
Tutor-Led Course Structure Minimum Time NeededYou attend either the lunchtime or evening session each week for the duration of the programme.
6-week blocks × 5 modules
  • 2 hour weekly lecture
  • 3 hour weekly placement (90 hours total)
  • 1–2 hours weekly homework
  • 5 assignments
 4–5 days a month
(8–10 hours a week)
CohortDatesDay TimeYou attend either the lunchtime or evening session each week for the duration of the programme.
January 202721 Jan 2027 – 9 Dec 2027Thursdays12–2pm or 7–9pm

Key Features

A foundation for different contexts

Gain skills and confidence for real-world contexts. This programme equips you for Contemporary Chaplaincy in many non-regulated contexts, while also providing a foundation for regulated sectors (such as healthcare, prisons, or the armed forces), which have additional requirements.

Apply your learning through a Contemporary Chaplaincy placement

During the course, you’ll complete a 90-hour placement, applying what you learn in a real setting.

Study alongside your existing commitments

Delivered fully online with flexible study options, allowing you to train while continuing your current work or ministry.

Integrate theology, context, and practice

Explore Contemporary Chaplaincy through three key lenses—your theology, the context you serve in, and your own personal formation.

Learn within a cohort

Our live weekly cohort sessions are the foundation of learning from others, with guidance from our expert tutors. Or enquire about bespoke team training for your organisation.

I want to grow my mission to people who are grieving. I think that sums up the whole mission and ministry of Waverley Abbey… it’s all about bringing Jesus into broken lives.

Rosie

Course Description

Course Overview

This one-year programme equips you to train as a chaplain, combining theological understanding, practical skills, and real-world experience through a supported placement.

Course Content

Many people feel called to be present with others beyond the walls of the church, but aren’t always sure how to do that well in practice. Informal support can only go so far, and Contemporary Chaplaincy offers a way to serve people meaningfully in everyday and professional contexts—whether that’s in your workplace, school, church, or local community.

This programme brings together three core areas: theology, context, and self-reflection. Alongside weekly teaching, you will complete a Contemporary Chaplaincy placement, developing practical skills in real-life settings while reflecting on your experience.

You’ll learn how Contemporary Chaplaincy works across different environments—both faith-based and non-faith settings—while developing key skills such as listening, presence, communication, and self-awareness. Throughout the course, you will also reflect on your own identity, calling, and approach to ministry.

By the end of the programme, you will be equipped with the understanding, experience, and confidence to step into Contemporary Chaplaincy roles or explore further pathways in ministry, training, or accreditation.

Tutor-Led Learning

Tutor-led is a live, weekly cohort of usually up to 15 students, with a facilitator guiding you through the material, homework, and assignments.

Bespoke Team Training

Our highly-regarded Contemporary Chaplaincy training can be tailored to your team, network, or organisation—equipping people to serve effectively in your specific context. Successful participants are awarded the Waverley Abbey College Certificate in Contemporary Chaplaincy, with bespoke training shaped to support the impact you want to see.

Start a conversation about training at your organisation:
Email contemporary@waverleyabbeycollege.ac.uk

Modules & Outcomes

The modules fall into three main areas of study and practice:

  1. Theology and Theory
  2. Contemporary Practice
  3. Self-Reflection
ModuleModule Name
Module 1

Students will become familiar with the Waverley Integrative Framework, which underpins all of our learning and courses here at Waverley Abbey College. Additionally, this module will consider the various Chaplaincy and local mission contexts that students might find themselves in.

Module 2

This bible-based module considers 'God as Chaplain' and 'Incarnation as Divine Strategy', in addition to looking at biblical and contextual theological aspects for the modern-day Chaplain.

Module 3

Explore the various ways in which our impact as Chaplains can be measured, within the range of settings in which we serve.

Module 4

This module explores the challenges of faith and non-faith contexts. Further we look at ministry opportunities in third place environments, while also equipping the student to develop their own seeker course content appropriate to their context.

Module 5

Burn out and self-neglect are very real dangers in Christian ministry. This module will equip students to develop methods of self-reflection that assess their spiritual health.

Module 6

This module runs throughout the course. Students collate a portfolio of work and self-reflection based upon the five principles of the Waverley Integrative Framework.

Course Outcomes

You will gain:

  • Ability to assess challenges and opportunities in a Contemporary Chaplaincy context
  • An understanding of mission – who owns it and how you can join in
  • An awareness of the importance of culture and context
  • A range of models of Contemporary Chaplaincy to use and apply to your context
  • Strategies for developing an environment of faith enquiry
  • Tools for engaging with and using apologetics within atheistic and multi-faith environments
  • A self-care assessment toolkit

Path to Contemporary Chaplaincy

The Certificate provides a foundation for exploring opportunities in:

  1. Non-regulated Contemporary Chaplaincy: Explore Contemporary Chaplaincy roles in non-regulated sectors, such as schools, retail, sport, private organisations, community work, etc. 
  2. Regulated Contemporary Chaplaincy: Explore Contemporary Chaplaincy roles in regulated sectors, subject to the specific requirements of those environments. These include the NHS, Prisons, and the Armed Forces. Each regulated sector has its own specific assessment requirements. This can range from further qualifications (i.e. a diploma in Theology or ordination) to age limits (i.e. The Armed Forces).

For some, the course becomes a stepping stone towards further training, accreditation, or ordination pathways.

If you would like help understanding how our training can help you become a Contemporary Chaplain within a specific field, please do book a Next Steps call to discuss.

Location, Fees & Requirements

Location

Online via Zoom (tutor-led).

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry qualifications for this programme.

Students must be:

  • Christian
  • Aged 18 or older

Additional Requirements

  • Students must have access to a computer and the internet throughout the course.
  • Students need to complete 90 hours of placement across the duration of the course. Often, students have their own local contacts or are already involved in a church or community-based project which might be perfectly suitable as a Chaplaincy placement. Alternatively, the college can offer placement assistance where needed.

    Cost

    ModeOne-OffPayment Plan
    Tutor-led Online
    Includes £220 non-refundable deposit    		£2,20010 months
    £220/mo

    Other Fees & Info

    • Deposit is due upon acceptance and counts towards tuition.
    • Students need only buy one essential book (around £15). Other academic resources are made available free of charge via our Virtual Learning Environment. There are other recommended books you may wish to purchase but are not mandatory.
    • The cost of a DBS certificate may be required by your placement as well as other placement or professional membership costs.
    • Costs as given are for 2026/27 only. Fees increase periodically in line with inflation.

    Cancellation Policy

    If you withdraw from study, we offer the following refunds:

    • Prior to start date of course — Refund of fees paid, excluding deposit
    • Within 2 weeks of course start date — Refund of fees paid, excluding deposit. Requires submission of Withdrawal or Interruption form.
    • Between 2–12 weeks of course start date — you are liable for 50% of annual tuition fees plus any other costs incurred. Requires submission of Withdrawal or Interruption form.
    • After 12 weeks of course start date — No refund available.

    See our full policy under the “Withdrawal And Interruption Of Studies” heading in Terms and Conditions of Enrolment 2026/27

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    Contemporary Chaplaincy Dates & Fees September 2026 | 70.29 KB
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    Contemporary Chaplaincy Dates & Fees January 2027 | 69.58 KB
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    Further Details

    Award

    Waverley Abbey College Certificate in Contemporary Chaplaincy

    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
    • A passport-style photo (with a clear image)
    • Certificates or diplomas showing your highest academic qualification so far
    • Details of two referees who know you well. They can be a current or former employer, a person of good standing in the community, a pastor, vicar or church leader or a current or former teacher/tutor (it should not be a family member or friend).
    • A short personal statement (300–800 words on why you would like to undertake the course)

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

     If there’s no space on a cohort, you will be offered an alternative cohort time

    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.

    Step Into Chaplaincy

    If you’re ready to move from interest to action, this programme equips you with the skills, experience, and confidence to begin serving as a chaplain.

     

    Places are limited, so apply early.

    ModeCohortApply By
    Tutor-Led OnlineJan 20273 Jan 2027Apply Now