Certificate in Higher Education in Theology, Ministry and Mission
Certificate in Higher Education in Theology, Ministry and Mission
Validated by the University of Durham as part of the Common Awards Suite of Degrees, this award provides an education in theology, ministry and mission in and for a variety of contexts. It is particularly suited to individuals who wish to be more fully equipped for Christian life and service in the world, or simply more informed about the Christian faith. Within this category, some students will be preparing for service in third sector and statutory organisations as well as in churches. Others will undertake study as part of their ongoing discipleship.
The Cert HE offers education that is accessible to students with a wide range of educational backgrounds and professional and personal circumstances: many will be mature students, many will be employed and therefore studying part time.
The certificate is typically completed over one year full-time or two to three years part-time, by undertaking one or two modules a term. Students can choose to undertake modules that are delivered one morning a week during university term-times (typically ten weeks long), or via block week delivery (one or two weeks teaching a term). Students can select any mix of Level 4 modules, up to the value of 120 credits:
Suggested Pathways:
Pathway 1: Foundations for Theology and Reflective Practice (20); Introduction to the New Testament (20); Introduction to the Old Testament (20); Introduction to Christian Doctrine and History (20); Introduction to Pastoral Care (20); Elements of Ministry and Mission (10); Creating New Christian Communities (10)
Pathway 2: Introduction to the New Testament (20); Introduction to the Old Testament (20); Introduction to Christian Doctrine and History (20); Introduction to Pastoral Care (20); Elements of Ministry and Mission (10); Creating New Christian Communities (10); Basic Playwork Skills in Children’s Work Practice (20) or Basic Youth Work Skills and Practice (20)
Pathway 3: Foundations for Theology and Reflective Practice (20); Introduction to the New Testament (20); Introduction to the Old Testament (20); Introduction to Christian Doctrine and History (20); Introduction to Pastoral Care (20); Basic Playwork Skills in Children’s Work Practice (20) or Basic Youth Work Skills and Practice (20)
Module descriptors
Complete descriptions of these modules are available here. All are taught by the teaching staff at Westminster or our colleagues in the wider Cambridge Theological Federation. Often we teach modules together, which creates an exciting ecumenical environment for learning. Class sizes typically vary between 5-25. There is always a wide range of age, backgrounds, and experience in the room, which makes for a very rich learning experience. Face-to-face sessions are a mixture of lecture-style content, seminar-style discussions and small group work. Independent study sessions usually involve watching a video or reading an article and then having the chance to reflect on it.
Progression:
One of the many strengths of the Common Awards is their modular structure. It enables students who feel so led to progress from Foundation award to Certificate to Diploma and even to Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in stages. Because these programmes build upon each other, a student can start with the Certificate and then decide whether to proceed to the Diploma and so forth.
Cost:
The cost of the certificate is £6,000. Bursaries are available. The Certificate is registered for Student Finance (England).
Apply:
Information about the Admissions process for our various awards is available here. For more information please contact the Tutorial Office (or on 01223 33 06 49).