These qualifications are open to applicants who have already gained a degree in an academic discipline other than theology. Applicants who have acquired theological/biblical knowledge and practical skills through personal study or professional experience (e.g., through exercising church leadership, ministry, teaching etc) are invited to apply for these awards which allow them to accumulate credits, mainly at level 6 (i.e., the final year of an undergraduate degree programme).
These qualifications may also offer a route into Master’s level study of theology for those without an undergraduate degree in the subject, either at Spurgeon’s College or elsewhere, depending on the entry requirements of the specific Master’s programme.
Units
Students pursuing the Graduate Diploma or Certificate in Theology can select freely from the units available in the BA programme except where they do not fulfil the stated pre-requisites, according to the table below. Students whose awards specify “with Ministerial Formation” or “with Chaplaincy” will need to take some compulsory units as specified here.
Unit choice may be guided by the need or desire to fill in gaps left by previous nonaccredited theological study, and/or the entry requirements of a specific Master’s programme. Students may also need to follow the direction of a denominational accrediting body. It is assumed that Level 4 ministerial units would not be required because of the ministerial experience already gained by candidates enrolling on these awards:
| Route | Options | Compulsory |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Diploma in Theology | 120 credits from these units: C601 Dissertation C602 Bible, Theology, Spirituality C604 Ethics and the Story of the Christian Church C606 World Religions and Ideologies C607B Theology and Disability O611 Enterprise and Innovation in Mission O612 Nomadic Faith O613 The Life and Influence of C H Spurgeon O614 Language Specialism – Hebrew O615 Language Specialism – Greek O616 Making Disciples Within and Beyond the Church O617 Science and Theology CHR619 Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care Up to two units offered at level 4 or 5 may be selected | |
| Graduate Certificate in Theology | 60 credits from these units: C601 Dissertation C602 Bible, Theology, Spirituality C604 Ethics and the Story of the Christian Church C606 World Religions and Ideologies C607B Theology and Disability O611 Enterprise and Innovation in Mission O612 Nomadic Faith O613 The Life and Influence of C H Spurgeon O614 Language Specialism – Hebrew O615 Language Specialism – Greek O616 Making Disciples Within and Beyond the Church O617 Science and Theology CHR619 Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care A maximum of 1 unit at either level 4 or level 5 may be selected | |
| Graduate Diploma in Theology with Ministerial Formation | 75 credits from these units: C601 Dissertation C602 Bible, Theology, Spirituality C604 Ethics and the Story of the Christian Church C606 World Religions and Ideologies O611 Enterprise and Innovation in Mission O612 Nomadic Faith O616 Making Disciples Within and Beyond the Church O617 Science and Theology CHR619 | MR509 Denominational and Ecumenical Studies MR510 Developing Skills for Missional Ministry C607a Practical Training Unit |
| Graduate Certificate in Theology with Ministerial Formation | 15 credits from these units: C601b Short Dissertation C602 Bible, Theology, Spirituality C604 Ethics and the Story of the Christian Church C606 World Religions and Ideologies O611 Enterprise and Innovation in Mission O612 Nomadic Faith O616 Making Disciples Within and Beyond the Church O617 Science and Theology CHR619 Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care | MR509 Denominational and Ecumenical Studies MR510 Developing Skills for Missional Ministry C607a Practical Training Unit |
| Graduate Diploma in Theology with Chaplaincy | 60 credits from these units: C601 Dissertation C602 Bible, Theology, Spirituality C604 Ethics and the Story of the Christian Church C606 World Religions and Ideologies O611 Enterprise and Innovation in Mission O612 Nomadic Faith O616 Making Disciples Within and Beyond the Church O617 Science and Theology One unit from level 4 or 5 may be selected. | CHR519 History Theology and Workplace Chaplaincy CHR619 Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care CHR620 Chaplaincy Skills C607a Practical Training Unit |
| Graduate Certificate in Theology with Chaplaincy | CHR519 History Theology and Workplace Chaplaincy CHR619 Chaplaincy and Pastoral CareCHR620 C607a |
|
Entry Requirements:
Applicants for the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Theology require a minimum qualification of a Diploma HE in another discipline together with experience in ministry or a good knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith. They will need to provide a CV with their application which includes a reading list. They will be invited for an interview to demonstrate they have sufficient grounding to begin Level 6 study.
How much does it cost?
You can find a breakdown of current fees by course type here.
A deposit of £300 and registration fee of £450 is payable when accepting an offer.
Visit our funding page for more information on funding your course and special bursaries.
How to apply
You can apply by completing an online application form using the link below.
Questions
Please contact the admissions department for more information.
Email: admissions@spurgeons.ac.uk
Telephone: 07425 716696
You will also find more details about this course in the programme specification.
