21 May 2026 | St Albans, UK [Joe Philpott]
Newbold College of Higher Education is offering a two-year, part-time Clinical Pastoral Education (Chaplaincy) course designed to prepare aspiring professional chaplains, pastors, seminary students and lay members to provide compassionate spiritual care in churches, hospitals, prisons, military settings and care homes.
The part-time programme, which begins on 1 July 2026, combines in-person orientation with weekly online supervision, providing participants with structured training in pastoral care, self-reflection, ethical awareness and ministry practice. Applications close on 15 June 2026.
Newbold describes Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) as a specialised form of training that helps participants develop empathetic connections with others and strengthen their pastoral skills under the guidance of qualified CPE educators. The course emphasises holistic care, respect and empathy, equipping participants to offer spiritual care that is sensitive to each person’s circumstances.
The programme consists of four units completed between Summer 2026 and autumn 2027. Each unit includes a two-week orientation, a 15-week placement and three hours of weekly supervision, with each unit requiring 400 hours of intensive education.
Participants will gain practical chaplaincy experience in a multidisciplinary clinical setting while developing skills in observation, communication, networking, role-modelling and self-assessment. The course also encourages participants to shape a personal approach to ministry that reflects their experience, goals and calling.
Reflective practice is a central part of the course. Participants will reflect individually and in groups on their ministry identity, pastoral encounters and ethical challenges, creating space for personal growth and professional development.
“The CPE Unit equips pastors and lay participants to excel in pastoral care, enhancing their church leadership and compassionate visits to parishioners, prisoners, hospital patients, the military, and nursing home residents, guiding them to become the fullest, most impactful version of themselves as pastoral caregivers,” said Theodore Stewart, ACPE Certified Educator at Texas Health Huguley and Newbold College adjunct professor.
The course is validated by the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). Newbold College is currently a placement site for Texas Health Huguley Hospital in the United States, which is an ACPE-accredited centre.
David Neal, Chaplaincy Director for the Trans-European Division, believes the growing need for chaplaincy ministry reflects the deep emotional and spiritual challenges facing society across Europe today. He notes that while fewer people are connecting with traditional church structures, questions surrounding meaning, suffering, identity, hope, and belonging have not disappeared.
“Chaplaincy ministry is about meeting people where they are,” Neal said. “In an increasingly secular and complex society, chaplaincy has become one of the most credible and Christlike expressions of pastoral ministry and mission through presence, listening, and compassionate spiritual care. I am delighted that Newbold is offering the Clinical Pastoral Education course at this time, responding to the critical mission needs of Europe today.
“If reading this article stirs something within you about chaplaincy ministry, I would encourage you not to hesitate in exploring whether the Clinical Pastoral Education course may be part of God’s calling for your life and ministry.”
More information about the Clinical Pastoral Education course is available on the Newbold College of Higher Education website. Enquiries can be sent to [email protected].
[Photos: Newbold College of Higher Education]
