Applications are open now for our autumn taster term. Reserve your place before the nights draw in!
Students are enrolling now for our Biblical Studies Taster Term at St Augustine’s College of Theology, so why not join them this September?
Study the Bible in London, Kent or online
Over three months, and for just £250, you can take a part-time theology course, one that fits around your work, family and existing commitments.
The course runs September to November 2026, and you can study in West Malling (Kent), London Bridge (Southwark) or online. No academic experience needed.
Bible study that gently challenges you
Melissa Lavin was a former independent student at St Augustine’s. The Introduction to Biblical Studies taster term was one of her first experiences studying and questioning the Bible.
“If anything came up that tested people’s faith, the tutor would bring them back. He would show people and enlighten people in a new way of thinking without contradicting the Bible. It was very biblical, and just wonderful to experience.”
From taster student to ordinand
Many of our independent students and ordinands sample theology first through a taster term.
Amanda Monk Peak is an English teacher who started with our Introduction to Biblical Studies taster. She enjoyed it so much that after three years studying as an independent student, she’s now a St Augustine’s ordinand.
“During COVID, I got very interested in Bible study, and St Augustine’s was running a taster module on Biblical Studies. I thought it would be interesting and something I could do relatively easily – then I couldn’t stop!
“It was so rewarding. Through that, I’ve gone through the discernment process. And now, after three years of studying as an independent student, I’m a first-year ordinand.”
You’ll learn to question your faith
Former student Raymond also took the course.
“As I started my discernment process, my DDO recommended that I take a taster course at St Augustine’s College of Theology. My background growing up in a Muslim-majority country is that you don’t question your faith, just believe in every word it says.
“In Biblical Studies, I found it’s important to critique what you believe in to get a better understanding.”
Theology study that helps you understand Scripture
Vicki is a theology student at St Augustine’s.
“Studying the Introduction to Biblical Studies module opened up a whole new world of understanding Scripture. I compare it to being like a sponge put into a warm bath and soaking up the knowledge that now enables me to explain my faith!”
You don’t need any experience to start
Alan Gregory, our principal, explains why Biblical Studies is where every student begins.
“The Biblical Studies module invites students to begin exploring the Bible, showing them some of the ways people read the Bible today. It also shows how they can approach it in terms of the history that produced it and the history in which its characters and writers were set.
“We start our programmes for people who haven’t studied theology before with Biblical Studies. If people think about studying theology, perhaps the first thing they think about is the Bible and how they might get a better understanding.”
Whether you’re curious about your faith or you simply want to understand the Bible better, this taster term is a warm, welcoming place to start.
