Licensed Lay Ministry Training

Begin your licensed lay ministry training in earnest through engaging and spiritually stimulating study.

Key info

  • Duration: 2 or 3 years (part-time)

  • Location:

    • West Malling campus
    • Southwark campus
    • Online via Zoom

  • Entry requirements: Approved for training via the diocese of Canterbury, Chichester or Southwark

  • 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, Chichester 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 on a part-time basis over 2 or 3 years.

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

About the course

Accredited by Durham University, the Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) Theology, Ministry and Mission enables you to dive into the study of traditional theological disciplines.

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.

Alongside compelling classroom learning, there’s also a significant practical component to the course. This allows you to connect your ongoing class-based learning with activities in your church, your workplace, in the public arena, or elsewhere.

As a Licensed Lay Ministry student, you will attend three study days in your first year and one residential weekend. 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.

“I really liked the spirit of oneness and unity at St Augustine’s. I had been worried about not fitting in, but I was reassured by the many other mature students who were learning alongside me. I also liked the fact that we were able to pray in the Chapel before and after lectures.”

Folake
Ordinand at St Augustine’s

How and where will I be studying?

This course involves two years of study, completed on a part-time basis. Classes take place both in person and online; you are invited to choose an approach that best suits you.

You can choose from one of these three options:

  • Weekly evening classes at our Southwark campus, Trinity House (Mondays)
  • Weekly evening classes online via Zoom (Wednesdays)
  • Fortnightly teaching days at our West Malling campus, Malling Abbey (Fridays).

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

While you can attend classes online throughout your two years of study, all students will be required to attend the following in person:

First year

  • One day of ‘Saturday School’ (typically held at our Southwark campus)
  • Three study days (various locations in South East England)
  • One residential weekend (at a location in South East England, e.g. Leatherhead).

Second year

  • One day of ‘Saturday School’ (typically held at our Southwark campus)

At the end of their final academic year, many of our students undertaking lay ministry training choose to continue their studies, going on to complete their Diploma or their BA (Hons).

Discover what your St Augustine’s student experience might be like.

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 your two years of study, alongside 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 a week outside the classroom.

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

In order 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.

Your tuition fees will be paid directly to St Augustine’s College of Theology by your sponsoring diocese. This will cover all of your 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.

As part of your studies, 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 Foundations for Reflective Practice in Context module and its corresponding placement, which focuses on your church involvement.

To read more about the modules that you will be taking, take a look at the modules page.

If you are selected by your Diocese to train for Licensed Lay Ministry, then 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.