Find out what theological study is all about with a taster term

A taster term allows you to sample a module and gives you the ideal opportunity to try out theological study without committing to a full programme.

Join your fellow St Augustine’s students and engage in exciting course content, taught by our experienced and passionate faculty over a single academic term.

“If you’re thinking about studying one of the Taster Terms at St Augustine’s, I encourage you to try one out because you won’t regret it!”

St Augustine’s Taster Term student, 2023

Next available theology taster terms

Check out the next available taster terms and sign up to study.

Theology Taster Topics

Get an authentic flavour of theological study and find out whether degree level study is right for you, whatever your academic experience.

Theology tasters for beginners

Suitable for anyone with an interest in studying theology – no previous academic experience required.

Theology Tasters at MA level

Ideal for those who’ve already studied theology (or a similar subject) at university level before.

Not sure which taster module might be for you? Get in touch with our friendly admissions team and we’ll help you find the best route forward for you.

Get a taste for St Augustine’s

What to know what it’s like to be a student at St Augustine’s? Join us on campus to meet the staff, chat with fellow students, sit in on classes, and worship together.

Frequently asked questions about taster modules

At St Augustine’s, we believe we should make theological learning as accessible as possible.

If you’re intrigued by theological study at university level but joining a full degree programme feels like a big step, taster modules are a great way of finding out whether academic study is for you.

All of our taster modules are lifted straight from our Durham University accredited degree programmes in Theology, Ministry and Mission.

Just because you’re studying a taster module, doesn’t mean you won’t get the full St Augustine’s student experience. You’ll learn alongside both taster module and current students, engaging in the same course material and taught by the same highly experienced St Augustine’s faculty.

Whether you choose to enrol in further study after completing a taster term or just take this an opportunity to learn something new, studying theology is an experience that’s always well worth undertaking.

The decision as to which taster module you choose to study may depend on a number of factors.

  • If you’re completely new to theological study at university level, the introductory taster modules (Biblical Studies and Spirituality and Discipleship) will be the best choice for you.
  • If you’re familiar with academic study, theology or otherwise, the MA level taster modules might be of more interest, these change every year, and you may want to decide via the term topic or when you are wanting to study.
  • You may wish to study a particular area of theology. For example, if you wish to study Scripture, the Biblical Studies taster module might be the best choice for you.
  • Want to engage in study sooner rather than later? You can find out which taster module is next available through the events section above.

If you’re at all unsure about which taster module might suit you best, speak to our admissions team who can offer you advice and guidance based on your unique interests and requirements.

There are no formal academic entry requirements to undertake a taster module.

For the two introductory taster modules (Biblical Studies and Spirituality and Discipleship), you do not need any academic experience to sign up. There are some admission criteria in place to ensure you get the most out of their study experience.

For the MA level taster modules, we usually require applicants to have academic experience of studying theology (or a relevant subject) at undergraduate level.

However, this is not a hard and fast rule and we encourage you to get in touch to discuss your interest if you’re concerned about meeting the entry requirements.

The introductory taster modules cost £250 to study, and the MA level taster modules are £500. The fee is payable upon sign-up to your taster module of choice.

You will not earn a formal degree or qualification by studying a taster module.

However, if you do choose to enrol in one of our degree programmes afterwards, the credits that you accrue through studying the taster module can be counted towards that qualification.

After completing your studies through the taster module, you are very welcome to continue your studies by applying to one of our theology degree programmes.

If you have completed an introductory taster module (Biblical Studies or Spirituality and Discipleship), you would be warmly welcomed onto our Certificate of Higher Education in Theology, Ministry and Mission programme.

If you have completed an MA taster module, you might like to consider enrolling in postgraduate study at MA level.

Of course, there’s always the option to engage in a Biblical Languages course, sign up for another taster module or if you’d like!

Taster modules are absolutely suitable for people who are thinking about answering a call to ministry – especially if you want to get a flavour for theology study as part of or before your discernment process.

If you are thinking about applying for ordination training now or in the future, we encourage you to get in touch with us and take advantage of the guidance and support we can offer you at this time.

Theology books on the shelves St Augustine's Trinity House library