Diploma in Higher Education in Theology, Ministry and Mission
Diploma in Higher Education in Theology, Ministry and Mission
The Diploma is part of Durham’s Common Awards suite of degrees which have been designed primarily to provide training and formation for ordination candidates, accredited ministers and lay people from all denominations who are engaged in all forms of ministry. The Diploma is traditionally considered as the entry level qualification for mposts within ecclesiastical and lay contexts. I.e., chaplaincy. They are also appropriate for those who simply wish to earn a first undergraduate degree, regardless of age, as well as those who wish to deepen their learning and understanding of Christian discipleship, even if they have already earned an undergraduate degree.
The Diploma is typically completed over two years full-time, but can be completed over three to five 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 select 120 credits of Level 4 modules, and an additional 120 credits of Level 5 modules, within certain parameters.
Suggested Pathways:
Pathway 1:
Level 4: 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)
Level 5: Bible in Context (20); Christian Faith and Ethical Living (20); Leadership and Theology (20); Topics in Christian Doctrine (20); Mission & Apologetics (20); Independent Learning Project (20)
Pathway 2:
Level 4: 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)
Level 5: Bible in Context (20); Christian Faith and Ethical Living (20); Leadership and Theology (20); Topics in Christian Doctrine (20); Mission & Apologetics (20); Independent Learning Project (20)
Pathway 3:
Level 4: 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)
Level 5: Bible in Context (20); Christian Faith and Ethical Living (20); Leadership and Theology (20); Topics in Christian Doctrine (20); Mission & Apologetics (20); Independent Learning Project (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 to Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and even Postgraduate Study in stages. Because these programmes build upon each other, a student can start with the Diploma and then decide whether to proceed to the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and so forth.
Cost:
The cost of the Diploma is £12,000. Bursaries are available. The Diploma 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).