Explore What It Means to Follow Jesus — Body, Mind, and Spirit

Taster Term for March 2026

Find out what studying theology is all about. Explore spiritual practises over a single academic term and study online or at our Kent or London campuses.

Key info

  • Next enrolment: March 2026 – Sign up now

  • Duration: March to June 2026 (Spring Term)

  • Location: Choose one or a combination of study locations:

  • Entry requirements: None
  • Cost: £250

This course may be for you if...

…you’re interested in trying out theological study at university level for yourself, regardless of previous learning experience.

Principal Revd Dr Alan Gregory introduces Spirituality & Discipleship, one of St Augustine’s Taster Term modules.

About the course

This module serves as a dynamic and engaging introduction to Christian Spirituality.

The classes will bring you back to basics, perhaps further back than you might expect. Our questions are not so much “How do I pray?” but rather “What sort of creature am I, if I am a creature called to pray?”.

As a student engaged in this Taster Term, you will be encouraged to think about what we, as Christians, mean by spirit. Together with your fellow students, you’ll explore what spirituality means for Christians who follow Jesus, in whom God ‘was made flesh’.

And to try to answer this question, you’ll examine not only theology, but contemporary science.

Alongside theoretical learning, you will also have the opportunity to try out hands-on spiritual practices.

This taster term is taught by Rev Dr Charlotte Sleigh and College Principal Alan Gregory.

“What does science have to say about us as embodied creatures dependent upon a complex world of social and ecological systems? How do we worship, pray, serve, and give glory to God as creatures ‘formed from the dust’?

These are some of the questions we’ll be exploring in the Spirituality and Discipleship Taster Module.”

Revd Dr Charlotte Sleigh
Lecturer for the Spirituality and Discipleship Taster Module

Where and when will I be attending classes?

Depending on what works for you, you can choose to attend classes in-person at our Kent or London campuses, or virtually via online evening classes.

However, please note there are practical elements to this module so you will not be able to study exclusively online.

Location: Central London campus (in the borough of Southwark)
Day: Mondays
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Please note that a number of Monday evening classes are being held on Tuesdays instead to accomodate for Bank holidays.

Location: West Malling Campus (in Kent)
Day: Fridays (Fortnightly)
Time: 10:30am – 4:00pm

Location: Online classes (via Zoom)
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Jen Besant reflects on how the Spirituality and Discipleship module shifted her focus from doing to being, introducing practices like contemplative prayer that she continues to integrate into her daily life.

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

At St Augustine’s, we believe we should make theological learning as accessible as possible. If you’re intrigued by studying theology at university level but joining a full undergraduate programme feels like too big a step right now, this taster term might be for you.

Taster terms (or “taster modules” as they’re sometimes referred to) give you an opportunity to whet your appetite and test your aptitude for studying theology without committing to a full programme. It allows you to take a single 20 credit module which is taught as part of St Augustine’s undergraduate programme in Theology, Ministry and Mission.

Many of our taster module students decide to enrol fully onto our undergraduate programme (i.e. with university accreditation) after successfully completing this module.

Are you considering ordained or licensed lay ministry? This module can be a great choice, especially if you are not yet on a church-sponsored ministerial programme or are unfamiliar with theological study.

There are no academic entry requirements to undertake this taster module.

However, there are some admission criteria in place to ensure applicants can get the most out of their study experience.

The fee for the taster module is £250, payable before you begin your studies.

You will be expected to attend either evening classes or teaching days. As part of your studies, you will be expected to complete two assignments.

You should expect to devote at least 10 hours of independent study per week to get the most out of your academic experience.

In order to complete the module, you will be expected to submit two written assignments:

  • An essay (2,500 words)
  • A reflection on the spiritual practices you’ve chosen to focus on (2,500 words)

Many of our students are unused to or unfamiliar with studying at university level. As a Taster Term student, you’ll supported by your tutor, Rev. Dr Stephen Laird. He will offer regular ‘drop-in’ sessions (via Zoom) to help you with any aspect of your studies.

Watch a selection of videos talk about the Spirituality & Diversity Taster Term

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.

Thoughts and posts about Spirituality

  • Week four spiritual practices: Consider the birds!

    Published On: February 24, 2025

  • Week three spiritual practices: Talk to strangers

    Published On: February 17, 2025

  • Week two spiritual practices: Study slugs or snails

    Published On: February 10, 2025