Foundation Award in Theology, Ministry and Mission
Foundation Award 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 anyone who might be thinking seriously about their faith and would like to explore the theological disciplines on a deeper level. Those discerning a call to lay or ordained ministry will find it especially relevant. No prior study of theology is required.
The foundation award is typically completed over one year by undertaking one module a term, either residentially during university term-times 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 60 credits:
Suggested Pathways:
Pathway 1: Introduction to the New Testament (20); Introduction to the Old Testament (20); Introduction to Christian Doctrine and History (20)
Pathway 2: Two modules from pathway one and, Introduction to Pastoral Care (20)
Pathway 3: Two modules from pathway one and, Elements of Ministry and Mission (10); Creating New Christian Communities (10)
Pathway 4: Two modules from pathway one and, Foundations for Theology and Reflective Practice (20)
Pathway 5: One module from pathway one and, Foundations for Theology and Reflective Practice (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 Foundation award and then decide whether to proceed to the Certificate and so forth.
Cost:
The cost of the foundation award is £3,000. Bursaries are available.
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).