Christian faith and the environment taster term

Explore the relationship between Christian faith and the environmental crisis, and discover what it means to care for creation in this new taster term.

Key info

  • Duration: Autumn term (September to November 2026)

  • Location: St John’s Waterloo, London

  • Entry requirements: None
  • Cost: £250 (payable on application)

This course may suit you if...

….you’ve been wondering what your faith says about the environmental crisis, and you want to explore that question with others who are taking it seriously.

About the taster term

What does the Christian faith actually say about the climate crisis? What’s our responsibility as people of faith – and what might a faithful response look like in practice? These are the questions at the heart of this taster term.

You’ll explore how the church has engaged with the environment across history, what Scripture says about creation and human responsibility, and how congregations and mission agencies are already putting their faith into action.

Classes take place at St John’s Waterloo alongside theology students and trainee ordinands, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded people.

What you will study

  • Environmental issues and social issues
  • Christian environmental ethics in the context of church history
  • Biblical themes on creation and environmental responsibility
  • Ministry, social justice, lifestyle, and politics
  • Mission agencies and ecological ministry

‘Before this module, I’d never really connected my faith with how I treated the world and the environment around me. Finding that thread running through Scripture was really eye-opening, and it’s added a new depth to my faith that I wasn’t expecting.’

George,
Student at St Augustine’s College of Theology

Discover what it’s like to study at St Augustine’s

Come along to one of our open-day style taster events. Meet the staff, chat with fellow students, sit in on classes, and join us in worshipping together.

Where and when will I attend classes?

Classes take place at St John’s Waterloo, running fortnightly on Friday mornings from September to November.

Dates:
  • Friday 25 September 2026
  • Friday 9 October 2026
  • Friday 23 October 2026
  • Friday 7 November 2026
  • Friday 27 November 2026

Frequently asked questions

At St Augustine’s, we believe we should make theological learning as accessible as possible. If you’re intrigued by theological study at postgraduate level but you’re not yet ready to commit to a full MA programme, the taster term might be for you.

Taster terms give you an opportunity to test your appetite and aptitude for postgraduate academic study. It allows you to take a single 20-credit term from our MA programme in Theology, Ministry and Mission.

Completing the taster term alone doesn’t give you an academic qualification. However, if you pass the assignments for the term and decide to continue your studies, the credits that you achieve can be counted towards the MA, validated by Durham University.

As part of your studies, you will be expected to complete two assignments.

You should expect to devote at least 10 hours of independent study per week to get the most out of your academic experience.

There is support in place for those who may need help with adjusting to and learning how to engage in academic learning and writing.

There are no academic entry requirements to undertake this taster module.

However, there are some admission criteria in place to ensure you can get the most out of your study experience.

The fee for the taster module is £250, payable before you begin your studies.

Yes. This Taster Term option is often used by people who are considering ordained or licenced ministry. If you are going through the discernment process, but are not yet on a church-sponsored ministerial programme, it is an ideal way to familiarise yourself with theological study at undergraduate level. Sometimes, your DDO may recommend it.

We have two libraries that you can use and borrow from: one at our Southwark campus and one at West Malling campus. If you’d like to borrow a book from our library, you will have to do so in person.

If you are not intending to use our libraries, it is vital you find other sources to get the books you need.

You can chat to our admissions team about any concerns you might have and they may be able to help you identify appropriate resources.

Theology books on the shelves St Augustine's Trinity House library

Next steps

Take the next step on your journey into studying theology.

Need help or have a question? Contact our admissions team for further assistance.