Graduate Certificate and Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission

Continue to build on existing theological knowledge or forge a new understanding in preparation for postgraduate study.

Key info

  • Duration: Between 1 and 2 years
  • Location: West Malling or Southwark campus

  • Entry requirements: Diploma of Higher Education or equivalent in theology and/or ministry, or a 2:1 degree in any subject.

  • Qualification level:

    • Graduate Certificate (GCert) in Theology, Ministry and Mission (worth 60 credits)
    • Graduate Diploma (GDip) in Theology, Ministry and Mission (worth 120 credits)

  • Cost: Contact us for details

This course may suit you if...

  • You wish to deepen and stretch your theological knowledge by building on previous academic study
  • You wish to prepare for postgraduate study (MA and beyond)
  • You’re an ordinand looking to pursue graduate-level theological learning
  • You’re hoping to fit theological study around your life and attend classes at a non-residential college

About the course

This course allows you to expand upon any existing theological learning. You will have the opportunity to explore theological study at Graduate level, engaging with the daily life and ongoing experience of the Body of Christ.

Validated and awarded by Durham University, the Graduate Certificate (GCert) and Diploma (GDip) degrees include both taught modules and guided research in a theological discipline of your choice.

The selection of modules you will study depend on your level of study and year-on-year availability, but may well include:

  • Christian Doctrine in Focus
  • The Bible and Christian Faith
  • Church History in Focus
  • Further Reflective Practice in Context (compulsory for GDip students)
  • Independent Learning Project
  • Dissertation in Theology, Ministry and Mission
  • Extended Project in Theology, Ministry and Mission.

While the modules listed above are Level 6, you can also take a certain amount of lower-level modules (typically Level 5) as part of your Graduate level studies.

How will I be studying?

Find out how the Graduate Certificate and Diploma are taught.

The Graduate Certificate degree can only be taken on a part-time basis. You will study three modules over a single academic year.

The Graduate Certificate degree can only be taken on both a part-time and full-time basis:

  • Part-time study involves studying six modules over two years.
  • Full-time study involves studying six modules over one year.

Please note that you may take five modules if you choose to do a longer dissertation or extended project.

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

You can choose to study at one of our two campuses:

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

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.

Graduate Certificate (GCert) students

Over your two academic years, you can expect to:

  • Take one module per term, each involving two written assignments
  • Attend weekly or fortnightly classes during term time (depending on which campus you’ve chosen)
  • Dedicate at least ten hours of study time a week outside the classroom.
Part-time Graduate Diploma (GDip) students

Over your single academic year, you can expect to:

  • Take one module per term, each involving two written assignments
  • Attend weekly or fortnightly classes during term time (depending on which campus you’ve chosen)
  • Dedicate at least ten hours of study time a week outside the classroom.
Full-time Graduate Diploma (GDip) students

Over your single academic year, you can expect to:

  • Take two modules per term, each involving two written assignments
  • Attend twice weekly or fortnightly classes during term time (depending on which campus you’ve chosen)
  • Dedicate at least 20 hours of study time a week outside the classroom.

If you wish to enrol for independent study you will need a Diploma of Higher Education or equivalent in theology and/or ministry, or a 2:1 degree in any subject.

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 external language test, as required by Durham University, e.g., IELTS score of 6.5 (see Common Awards programme specifications).

Further details on core entry requirements can be found in our admissions policy.

Speak to our admissions team via admissions@staugustinescollege.ac.uk or call 01732 252 656 for guidance.

Find out more about our entry requirements

While the programme provides opportunities to relate academic learning to contemporary church life, you don’t need to have any particular role or experience within the church.

Please get in touch with the admissions team to discuss course fees for these degree programmes.

Get in touch to enquire about application

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.