Introduction to Spirituality & Discipleship

Taster Term for March 2024

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 enrollment: March 2024 – Sign up now

  • Duration: March to June 2024 (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.

Course tutor Charlotte Sleigh chats with Principal Alan Gregory and course contributor Helen Billam about this exciting module, including assignments that encourage you to participate with your spirit as much as with your mind.

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: Southwark Campus (off Borough High Street)
Day: Mondays
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Dates:

  • Monday 11th March
  • Monday 18th March

Break for Easter

  • Monday 15th April
  • Monday 22nd April
  • Monday 29th April
  • Tuesday 7th May
  • Monday 13th May
  • Monday 20th May
  • Tuesday 28th May
  • Monday 3rd June

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

Dates:

  • Friday 15th March

Break for Easter

  • Friday 19th April
  • Friday 3rd May
  • Friday 17th May
  • Friday 31st May

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

Dates:

  • 13th March
  • 20th March

Break for Easter

  • 17th April
  • 24th April
  • 1st May
  • 8th May
  • 15th May
  • 22nd May
  • 29th May
  • 5th June

Revd Dr Alan Gregory explains how the course is designed to be accessibleand engaging to all, whether you’ve got a science background or not.

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.

Taster Term tutor Charlotte Sleigh goes into greater depth on what you can learn and engage with during this new 3-month course.

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.