Taster Module in Spirituality & Discipleship

Find out what theological study is all about by undertaking a taster module. Learn alongside full-time students and explore spiritual practises for yourself first-hand.

Key info

  • Duration: Spring term (March to June) 2024

  • Location: Southwark campus, West Malling campus or online
  • 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.

Are you deciding whether theological study is for you? Chris Chapman explains what this introduction to Christian Spirituality module is all about.

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?’

You will be encouraged to think about what we mean by ‘spirit’. We explore what spirituality means as 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, there is plenty of opportunity to have a go at some hands-on spiritual practices. This will help you learn about yourself and the forms of spiritual practice that, at this stage in your life, draw into the presence of God.

“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 will I be studying?

You can choose to study this module either in person or online through evening classes, or via in-person teaching days. There are practical elements to this module so you will not be able to study exclusively online.

There will be an online orientation to the module and its practical elements on Wednesday 31 January (5:30pm – 7:00pm).

Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Day: Mondays

Location: Southwark campus

Dates:

  • 11 and 18 March
  • 15, 22 and 29 April
  • 7 (Tues), 13, 20 and 28 (Tues) May
  • 3 June

Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Day: Wednesday
Location: Online

Dates:

  • 13 and 20 March
  • 17 and 24 April
  • 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 May
  • 5 June

Time: 10:30am – 4:00pm
Day: Friday (fortnightly)
Location: West Malling campus

Dates:

  • 15 March
  • 19 April
  • 3, 17 and 31 May

Revd Dr Alan Gregory and Revd Prof Charlotte Sleigh from St Augustine’s College of Theology talk about their course on spirituality and how it engaged with diverse scientific disciplines.

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 theological study at university level but joining a full undergraduate programme feels like a big step, the taster module might be for you.

Taster modules give you an opportunity to test your appetite and aptitude for academic study without committing to a full programme. It allows you to take a single 20 credit module: ‘Spirituality and Discipleship: an Introduction to Christian Spirituality’, part of our 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.

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.

There is support in place for those who may need help with adjusting to and learning how to engage in academic learning and writing.

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.

Alongside the student support that is available to all students, you will also be 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.

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.

Revd Dr Charlotte Sleigh, one of the course lecturers, dives into what you can learn through the Spirituality & Discipleship module.

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.