Belfast School Of Theology
Graduate Certificate
in Theology (Level 6)
Graduate Certificate in Theology
Essential Information
STUDY
1 Year Full-time
2 Years Part-time
LOCATION
OF STUDY
Belfast School of Theology Campus
OVERSEAS
APPLICATIONS
This course is not suitable for those who need a visa to study in the UK.Â
ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS
A degree from a recognised university, at 2.2 level or a Professional Qualification at the same level, also 1 year of active engagement in some form of Christian Ministry.Â
OF COURSE
1 day a week per semester for classes.Â
1 week intensive teaching between semesters 1 and 2.Â
Please also allow time each week for your own reading and study.Â
INFORMATION
Fees
Fees for 2025 – 2026 are £2,440 plus £450 enrolment fee.
Apply Now
Applications open. Please contact us….
Introduction
to the course…
We feel it is important for those involved in Christian ministry to have some theological training. If you have studied another undergraduate subject (e.g., English, Law, Medicine etc.), you will have gained valuable training and experience in that area, but there are so many important skills and tools which Christian leaders need so that they lead from an informed Biblical perspective. Further study is a fantastic choice for getting off to a great start in ministry as it will help rapidly increase how effective you are at your role and potentially save you from making costly mistakes.
This course is ideal for those in the first few years of working in a church, mission or ministry context. It is also useful for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of theology. It is one year course, consisting of one day a week for 24 weeks with a 1 week intensive teaching block in January.It covers three core areas of Biblical Studies, Christian Leadership and either Preaching and Worship or Engaging the world.
It is designed to supply you with the knowledge and core theological tools to ‘propel’ your leadership and get it off to a great start.Â
Course
Information
Application Process
Those interested in completing the Graduate Certificate should apply on this website. It should take about an hour to fill out the form. We are looking for details of your education background, details of your experience of serving in a church or Christian Ministry, an email address for your two references, as well as some information about you and why you want to study this course.
Once we have received your references we will be in contact to arrange a 20 minute interview at the School, or by Teams if you are outside of Northern Ireland.
After the interview we would be able to offer you a place on the course either unconditionally or a conditional offer based on future exam results.
Student Learning Outcomes
To provide you with an understanding of the Biblical and theological foundations of Christian life and ministry.
To enable you to apply this understanding in the context of your own spiritual formation and in facilitating the spiritual formation of others.
To have an ability to engage with the various local and global cultures in which you will live and serve.
To equip you with key skills for ministry and ongoing personal development.
Lecturers
Your lecturers/ teachers have both an academic and a practical interest in the areas that they teach. You will be taught by a mixture of full time and external Associate lecturers who have academic qualifications and expertise in each subject.
You will also have both a Personal Tutor and an Advisor of Studies who will be available to discuss any issues you have relating to your studies.
Assessment
Students taking the programme are required to complete three undergraduate modules over one academic year.
The course has been praised for the wide variety of assessment options, the assignments for each module will be chosen to help you to interact more deeply with key elements of the subject, including written essays, journals, class quizzes and presentations.
Each assignment will be introduced by the class teacher, and you will receive detailed feedback on each to help you improve your skills in this area.
See individual modules for assessment required.Â
Validation
This course is delivered in partnership with the University of Cumbria. The teaching is designed and delivered by the School’s lecturers while the course is validated by the University of Cumbria to ensure it is of an appropriate standard.
You will graduate with a Graduate Certificate in Theology from the University of Cumbria www.cumbria.ac.uk.
Career Options
The Graduate Certificate allows students to work towards a recognised qualification that leaves students well placed to pursue further postgraduate study or to enter into a range of ministry situations.
The course is available as a stand-alone qualification or can lead to further study.
Further Study
Upon completion of the degree, students can apply to the Grad Dip, PG Cert, PG Dip or MA in Practical Theology, or for a range of postgraduate courses, including PGCE.
Learning & Teaching
As a student on the Graduate Certificate in Theology, you will receive on average 3 hours of timetabled teaching per week over the course of the year. And one of the modules will be a one week intensive week of teaching between semester 1 and 2. This will involve a combination of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, and skills classes. The contact time for a module will normally all take place over one morning or afternoon each week to give students flexibility in their use of time.
However learning is about more than contact time. Typically classroom teaching and learning will form nearly 20% of the time you will spend on your studies. In the other 80% you will be expected to be doing your own independent work to build upon what you have learned in class, prepare for the next class and complete your assignments.
Each tutor will provide you with detailed reading lists and other materials to guide you. All tutors are available upon appointment for one-to-one meetings, guidance and support.
See below for the modules available on the Grad Cert. The exact style of learning will vary from module to module depending upon how we can best help you to learn in this particular area. There will be interactive lectures introducing the main issues in the area. There will be also be small group work and discussions which will help you to articulate your own views and interact with the views of others in this interdenominational and multicultural environment.Â
BA (Hons)
Modules
You will take Challenging Biblical Texts and Christian Leadership. You will choose one out of Preaching and Worship and Engaging the World III
Engaging the World III: Trends and Movements
Aims of the ModuleÂ
This module provides a detailed examination of various trends and movements, both globally and in western culture. It provides models and methods for formulating biblically based Christian responses to the contemporary context.
Intended Learning Outcomes Â
On successful completion, you will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of changes in global and western cultures
2. Critically evaluate and analyse selected trends and movements in global and western society
3. Reflect critically and analytically on various Christian responses to a contemporary trend or movement
4. Develop a robust theological response to an issue or trend
5. Communicate effectively the results of research on an issue or trend
Indicative Module Content Â
· survey of trends and movements in global and western cultures
· analysis of selected issues and trends, which may include populism, nationalism, globalisation, naturalism, secular humanism, postmodernism, expressive individualism, neoliberalism, Postcolonialism, etc.
· development and application of theological methods to engage with these trends and movements, based on appropriate biblical exegesis and hermeneutics
· evaluation of Christian responses to the movements and trends analysed above
AssessmentÂ
Written assignment 2000 words 40%
Portfolio 3000 words 60%
Preaching and Worship
Aims of the ModuleÂ
To explore and evaluate theological thinking on preaching and worship and to critically assess the traditions and practices within Christian communities.
Intended Learning OutcomesÂ
On successful completion, you will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate insights from different theologies of preaching and critically assess their impact on practice
2. Demonstrate critical understanding and ability to analyse different approaches to sermon structure and delivery in terms of relevance and effectiveness for varied cultures and individuals
3. Critically analyse the nature and complexities of Christian worship and its expression in different traditions
4. Demonstrate critical understanding and ability to analyse current trends and practices in Christian worship
5. Integrate perspectives on preaching and worship with related theological, ecclesiological and ministerial issues
Indicative Module ContentÂ
The practices of preaching and worship can be formative of the theology of Christian communities. This module explores the nature, purpose and practice of preaching and worship in the Christian community. Attention is given to biblical foundations, the theologies of various Christian traditions, the impact of culture, and connections between preaching and worship with other forms of ministry (e.g. discipleship, leadership, pastoral care).
AssessmentÂ
Portfolio 2500 words 50%
Written assignment 2500 words 50%
Challenging Biblical Texts
Aims of the ModuleÂ
To examine a specific text or group of texts within the Bible, and ways in which they are read
in the contemporary context.
Intended Learning OutcomesÂ
On successful completion, you will be able to:
1. use critical exegetical tools to understand a biblical text/texts
2. display critical hermeneutical skills in interpreting biblical texts
3. engage with a range of scholarly literature and work in a critical and constructive manner
4. critique differing contemporary readings of a biblical text
5. devise strategies for reading specific texts in light of contemporary situations or issues
Indicative Module ContentÂ
This module will build on Biblical Interpretation by engaging with a selected text or texts from the Bible, considering both exegetical issues and also different ways in which the text and issues therein are read in the contemporary context.
AssessmentÂ
Portfolio 3000 words 60%
Written Assignment 2000 words 40%
Christian Leadership
Aims of the ModuleÂ
To develop systematic understanding and critical evaluation of contemporary leadership structures, patterns and practices in light of the Bible and Christian tradition and to develop students’ self-awareness in becoming effective leaders.
Intended Learning OutcomesÂ
On successful completion, you will be able to:
1. Reflect critically on biblical material related to leadership
2. Evaluate secular leadership theories in light of ideas from the Bible and diverse Christian traditions
3. Perform a critical analysis of leadership models in ministry contexts
4. Critically evaluate and apply the skills and attitudes needed for effective Christian leadership
5. Reflect critically on the practice of leadership in specific settings
Indicative Module ContentÂ
This module will explore the meaning of leadership through consideration of the Bible, Christian traditions and contemporary secular and theological sources. It will consider core aspects of the tasks and skills of leadership including teamwork and the process of leading change. Students will also have the opportunity to reflect on the personal attributes and attitudes of effective Christian leaders, and begin to reflect on their own leadership development.
AssessmentÂ
Written assignment 3000 words 60%
Portfolio 2000 words 40%
Modules – Subject to validation – May 2025
Validation
University of Cumbria
This course is delivered in partnership with the University of Cumbria. The teaching is designed and delivered by the School lecturers while the course is validated by the University of Cumbria to ensure it is of an appropriate standard.
You will graduate with a Graduate Certificate in Theology from the University of Cumbria www.cumbria.ac.uk.
.
Fees
Fees for 2025 – 2026 are £2,440 plus £450 enrolment fee.
Apply Now
Applications open. Please contact us….
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Digital Prospectus
Belfast School of Theology is a vibrant, inter-denominationational community in the heart of Northern Ireland. Building on an 80year legacy, BST has a bright future ahead. Our flagship BA (Hons) in Theology, range of part-time Catalyst courses and new MA in Practical Theology could start your transformative journey into studying theology.Â
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