If you are a graduate in theology and are looking to fulfil the requirements of accreditation within the Baptist Union, this course will provide you with the formation and means of study you need.

Course content

Part one of the course consists of six taught modules. The candidate's modules will be chosen by the College's Director of Training and the Academic Dean who will consider what the student achieved in their Degree course and what is still required to complete their ministerial training. The six taught modules carry a total value of 120 credits.  Students can be asked to audit further modules.

The second part of the course consists of a dissertation of not more than 20,000 words. (Students must complete the first part of the course before proceeding to the dissertation.) The dissertation will be the result of the student's own research and is expected to provide evidence of a person's analytical, evaluative and creative abilities. The subject of the dissertation will reflect the topics covered by part one of the course.

In addition to the other course modules, ministerial students can study modules such as:

• 400 Professional Ministry and Practice
• 448 Baptist History and Principles
• 456 Theory and Practice of Worship and Pastoral Care
• 459 Theory and Practice of Preaching
• 462 Spirituality

Structure of the full-time version

• The course is related to work in a placement so the full-time mode of study will last for two years. Work for part one of the course will be completed by February of the second year. Full-time students will attempt modules to the value of 120 credits over the first three semesters, attending College for two days per week. Exceptionally the module Professional Ministry and Practice will be taught over all four semesters of the course because it is related to the vocational placements.
• Students who have qualified for part two of the course by passing part one may complete their dissertation during the remaining months of the second year. The earliest date for submission of the dissertation is 1st September.
• The maximum period of registration for full-time candidates is three calendar years.

• The part-time mode of the course will last for three or four years. Part-time students attempt modules to the value of 120 credits over six semesters, attending College for one day per week. Work for part one will be completed by the end of May in the third year. Students who have completed part one may begin to write their dissertation during the remaining months of the year. 
• The maximum period of registration for part-time candidates is five calendar years.

Entry requirements and contact information

Qualifications for entry conform to the Regulations of the University of Wales for Master's Degrees by Examination and Dissertation (Modular Structure).

• Applicants will be graduates in Theology with at least a second class honours degree from an approved institution. (Non-graduates who want to train for ministry are expected to opt for the BD or BTh course at Spurgeon’s College.)
• Applicants should note that irrespective of a person's qualifications, Spurgeon's College will need to be satisfied that a candidate has achieved the necessary academic standard to complete the course satisfactorily.
• Without prejudice to academic qualifications and potential, applicants seeking Baptist Union accreditation will need to satisfy the College of the validity of their vocation and the appropriateness of this course as a means specifically for them of preparing to fulfil this vocation.

English language entry requirements

Graduates in Theology who wish to apply for accreditation as a Baptist minister should contact our Admissions Department and ask for an application form together with a copy of the course document. Don’t forget, you can always seek information about the course by attending one of our Open Days (click here for information).