Licensed Lay Ministry Training

Begin your licensed lay ministry training with engaging and spiritually stimulating study.

Looking for Licensed Lay Pioneer Ministry Training? Click here

Key info

  • Next enrolment: Applications now open for September 2026

  • Duration: 2 years (part-time)

  • Location:

  • Entry requirements: Approved for training via the diocese of Canterbury or Southwark. Also see requirements below.

  • Award/study level: Level 4

  • Qualification level: Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Theology, Ministry and Mission

  • Cost:  All course fees covered by diocese

This course may suit you if...

  • you have been approved for Licensed Lay Ministry training via the diocese of Canterbury or Southwark
  • you’re looking for a diverse theological learning community to study alongside
  • you’re interested in a non-residential programme of energised learning and placement-based training
  • you’re interested in studying part-time over 2 years.

Susan Patterson talks about why she chose St Augustine’s for her Reader training.

About the course

As part of your Lay Ministry training, you’ll complete the Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) Theology, Ministry and Mission.

Validated by Durham University, this course enables you to dive into the exciting world of theological study with a focus on Lay Ministry training.

The programme will provide you with opportunities to establish your skills in theological reflection as you discover and develop your own faith-based perspective on all aspects of daily life.

As a Licensed Lay Ministry student, you will attend four study days per academic year. Depending on the year of study, you will also take part in a placement where you will join a church that differs in some way from your own typical style of worship.

During these periods, you will engage in modules specific to your training pathway, developing your theoretical knowledge and your skills in Christian ministry and worship.

“Over the course of my lay readership training at St Augustine’s, there was not one single day – not even in the depths of winter – when I woke up thinking ‘I really don’t want to be going into college this morning’.

Alongside a rewarding study experience, I was able to meet people from all walks of life with varying life experience and worship styles. Studying alongside everyone was such a stimulating experience and I made some very good friends during my two years of study.”

Graham
Lay Reader at St Augustine’s College of Theology

Learn more about flexible study at St Augustine’s, and how it fits around your life.

How and where will I study?

This course involves two years of part-time study. Classes take place both in person and online, allowing you to choose the approach that works best for you.

You can choose from one of these three options:

  • Weekly Monday evening classes at our central London campus in the borough of Southwark (6:30 pm to 9:00 pm)
  • Fortnightly teaching days at our West Malling campus in Kent (10:30 am to 4:00 pm)
  • Weekly evening classes online via Zoom every Wednesday (6:30 pm to 9:00 pm).

We understand that life can sometimes get in the way of study. If you are unable to attend your normal class, you can arrange to attend at an alternative teaching centre.

“My placement as a Lay Reader has not only enhanced my learning, it’s also been spiritually uplifting.

I was amazed at how much I managed to cram into my six-week placement, from attending leadership meetings, talking with the pastoral team and leading intercessions, to hearing some very moving testaments from the congregation.

Having attended the same church for the past 17 years, it was a bit of a shock to the system to be worshiping in such a different style. But my placement experience has made me think very differently about what makes a church a vibrant and engaging place to worship God.”

Rona
Lay Reader at St Augustine’s College of Theology

Required learning sessions for Lay Readers

While you can attend classes online, all Lay Ministry students must attend the following sessions in person:

First year

In the first year, you will take part in four study days focused on Lay Ministry, introducing topics such as Theological Reflection and Teamwork & Collaboration. They will take place on:

  • Saturday 4th October 2025 – London campus
  • Saturday 17th January 2026 – London campus
  • Saturday 14th March 2026 – West Malling campus
  • Saturday 8th November 2025 – West Malling campus

Second year

There are also 4 study days in your second year (dates tbc)

“For anyone called by God to preach the good news – I would thoroughly recommend Lay Reader training at St Augustine’s. You meet and learn from the most amazing people. I’m in my second year of training and I am sure that I’m making friendships that will last a lifetime.”

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 it on classes, and join us in worshipping together.

Frequently asked questions

You will take six modules over two years, plus an additional module focusing on practical skills.

  • You will typically take one module per term.
  • Each module involves two written assignments.
  • You can expect to dedicate at least ten hours of study time per week outside the classroom.

You will also attend pathway-specific teaching events. The teaching during these events focuses on basic skills for lay ministry, with an emphasis on your personal formation as a Christian disciple and lay minister.

To be accepted on this pathway, you will need to have been approved for Licensed Lay Ministry training through the diocese of Chichester or Southwark.

This course is designed for people without prior experience of academic or university-level study.

Applicants whose first language is not English will be asked to provide evidence of English Language ability, as follows:

  • i. Successful completion of a comprehension and writing assessment, conducted by St Augustine’s College of Theology; and
  • ii. successful completion of an external language test, as required by Durham University, e.g., IELTS score of 6.5 (see Common Awards programme specifications).

For further details on core entry requirements, please refer to our admissions policy.

Your tuition fees are paid directly to St Augustine’s College of Theology by your sponsoring diocese. The fees cover all training, teaching sessions and attendance at residential events.

There are some costs that you may need to cover yourself, including travel to and from your home to your place of study, textbooks, and other study materials. You may wish to claim reimbursement of travel costs and apply for book grants through Ministry Division.

You will take the following modules:

  • Introduction to Biblical Studies
  • Introduction to Church History
  • Introduction to Spirituality and Discipleship
  • Introduction to Christian Worship
  • Introduction to Christian Doctrine (Brief)
  • Using the Bible Today

Alongside these modules, you will also take the Foundations for Reflective Practice in Context module and its corresponding placement, which focuses on your church involvement.

To learn more about the modules you will be taking, please visit the Modules page.

If your Diocese selects you to train for Licensed Lay Ministry, you will receive instructions from them regarding enrolment with the College.

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.