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.

• Since the course will be related to work in a placement, the full-time mode of the course will last for two years.   Work for the first part 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 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.
• Those students who have qualified for the second part of the course by passing the first part 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 will be three calendar years.

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

The contents of the first part of the course will be decided by the College's Director of Training and Academic Dean.  They will consider what the student achieved in their Degree course and what is still required to complete their ministerial training.  There will normally be six taught modules with a total value of 120 credits.  Students can be asked to audit further modules.

The second part of the degree will consist 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. Dissertation titles will be approved by the Academic Dean.

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 normally be graduates in Theology with at least a second class honours degree from an approved institution.
• Non-graduates may also be considered, provided that the applicant has held a position of responsibility relevant to the course for at least two years. However, non-graduates who want to train for ministry will normally be expected to opt for the BD or BTh course at Spurgeon’s College.
• All 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

If you are a graduate in theology and wish to apply for accreditation as a Baptist minister, then you 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).