Certificate of Higher Education in Theology, Ministry and Mission

This highly accessible and spiritually rewarding course is a brilliant way for students who are unfamiliar with university-level learning to begin their studies in earnest.

Key info

  • Duration: 1, 2 or 3 years

  • Location: West Malling campus, Southwark campus, and online

  • Entry requirements: Normally 2 A levels, but as most students are over 21, we take into account your experience and commitment to the course

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

  • Award/study level: Level 4

  • Cost: From £2,000 per year (depending on length of study)

  • Find out more: Sign up to a Q&A session

This course may suit you if...

  • you’re interested in studying theology and expanding your faith but you haven’t studied at university-level before
  • you’re in a diocesan programme and looking to explore your motivation and aptitude for theological study as part of your discernment process
  • you’re hoping to fit theological study around your life and attend classes at a non-residential college.

Tom wasn’t sure what to expect from his study experience, but seeing firsthand how students get to share their perspectives and learn from one another, he knew he was in the right place.

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. You’ll learn alongside fellow students, exchanging knowledge and insight to enrich your own study experience.

Alongside compelling classroom learning, there’s 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.

A further hands-on element of the course is the Foundations for Reflective Practice module and its accompanying placement. Taught via two Saturday study days in the Spring term (10 Feb and 16 March 2024), you’ll learn how to analyse specific situations from a theologically informed point of view.

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

If you prefer remote learning or are unable to commute to our campuses, you can now apply for an online-only version of the Certificate in Higher Education.

“All the students at St Augustine’s support and accept one another and the tutors help to nurture your growth. It feels as though everyone around you is rooting for you.”

Mark
St Augustine’s student

What are the modules?

You will take the following modules depending on the length of your programme of study.

Year 1

  • Autumn Term – Introduction to Biblical Studies
  • Winter Term – Introduction to Church History
  • Spring Term – N/A
  • Throughout the year – Reflective Practice and two study days (10 Feb & 16 March 2024)

Year 2

  • Autumn Term – Foundations in Christian Worship
  • Winter Term – N/A
  • Spring Term – Spirituality and Discipleship
  • Throughout the year – One study day (Feb date tbc)

Year 3

  • Autumn Term – N/A
  • Winter Term – Introduction to Christian Doctrine
  • Spring Term – Using the Bible Today
  • Throughout the year – One study day (March)

Read more about the modules you will be studying.

Year 1

  • Autumn Term – Introduction to Biblical Studies
  • Winter Term – Introduction to Church History
  • Spring Term – Introduction to Spirituality and Discipleship
  • Throughout the year – Reflective Practice and two study days (10 Feb & 16 March 2024).

Year 2

  • Autumn Term – Foundations in Christian Worship
  • Winter Term – Introduction to Christian Doctrine
  • Spring Term – Using the Bible Today
  • Throughout the year – Two study days (January and March).

Read more about the modules you will be studying.

If you’re a full-time student studying over a single year, you will take two or more modules per academic term.

Speak to our admissions team for more details about which modules you will undertake and when.

A student reads at St Augustine's

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.

Frequently asked questions

In order to best fit your studies around your life, you can choose between a one-year, two-year or three-year version of the Certificate of Higher Education.

  • Studying over two or three years (known as part-time study) covers the same modules, teaching calibre and subject matter, but with classes and assessments spread out over a longer period of time.
  • While the three year version is especially popular with those who are limited in terms of time, you are also welcome to study over a single year (known as full-time study).

Classes take place both in person and online; you are invited to choose an approach that best suits you.

Hybrid Study

For those who want to have the flexibility of attending classes both in person (at one or both of our campuses) and online via Zoom.

While you will be able to attend some or most of your classes online, you will still be required to attend in-person learning events at times.

Online study

For those who prefer remote learning, you can now study the Certificate exclusively online. Find out more about the new online-only version of the Certificate course.

This online-only option is taught over two years and is not available for students wishing to study over a single year.

If you have chosen to undertake the online study option, you will be undertaking all of your classes online on Wednesdays.

Part-time students

If you are a part-time student, you can attend:

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

Full-time students

If you are a full-time student, you will take double the number of modules within your single academic year and will, therefore, attend a combination of the options above.

Alongside your studies, all St Augustine’s students are invited to attend our annual Theological Symposium, held in Canterbury.

The amount of study time typically required depends on how you’ve chosen to undertake the course.

Part-time students (three years)

Part-time students studying over three years are expected to undertake at least 10 hours of private study per week, possibly more in the first year. You will typically complete two modules over a single academic year, plus Reflective Practice throughout your first year.

You will be required to complete two assignments per module, meaning you may need to complete four to six assignments each academic year.

Part-time students (two years)

Part-time students studying over two years are expected to undertake at least 10 hours of private study per week, possibly more in the first year. You will typically complete three modules (one per term) each academic year, plus Reflective Practice throughout your first year.

You will be required to complete two assignments per module, meaning you may need to complete six to eight assignments each academic year.

Full-time students (one year)

Full-time students studying over a single academic year should expect to need at least 25 hours of private study per week. You will typically complete seven modules in your single year of study and be required to complete two assignments per module.

This course is designed for those without prior or recent experience of academic study. However, we recommend that applicants have two A levels at grade E or higher, or equivalent qualifications.

If you wish to enrol for independent study but have studied theology previously, it may be possible to enter our undergraduate programme at Diploma or BA level.

Find out more about our entry requirements or alternatively, get in touch with our admissions team for advice and guidance.

Your course fees will depend on how you choose to engage in study. Take a look at the table below for more information.

Part-time
(3 years)		 Part-time
(2 years)		 Full-time
(1 year)
Hybrid study £6,000
(£2,000 per year)		 £5,800
(£2,900 per year)		 £5,400

As part of our commitment to making theological studies accessible to all, we have established the Tattersall Fund. This fund provides bursaries in support of students whose personal circumstances may mean that finance is a barrier to their studying.

Applying for a bursary to help towards the cost of fees, books or travel is simple and non-intrusive. Find out more about bursaries and how to apply.

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.