Belfast School Of Theology
Graduate Diploma
in Theology (Level 6)
Graduate Diploma 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 suitable for overseas applicants, if studied full-time.  See International admissions page for more information.
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
9 hours per week of lectures, plus personal reading, study and community participation.
INFORMATION
The deadline for Applications is 31st August 2024 however we highly recommend applying earlier to ensure that you get through the application process in good time. It normally takes around 3 weeks to complete.Â
 The deadline for International (non-UK) applications is 24th May 2024. Early application is advised.
Fees
Full Time fees for 2024 – 2025 are £4,580 plus £450 enrolment fee.Â
Part Time fees for 2024 – 2025 are £2,350 plus £250 enrolment fee.
Apply Now
Applications open. Please contact us….
Introduction
to the course…
The Graduate Diploma course is for anyone who has an undergraduate degree and wants to spend a year developing their knowledge of the Bible, learning relevant skills for Christian ministry and developing their own spiritual discipline and devotion.
The skills and knowledge acquired on this course are an excellent preparation to serve in Christian ministry, mission and leadership. It also gives you the confidence and skills to bring the Gospel into the workplace or lead in a church or community context. The academic teaching on the course also allows progression towards Masters level study and research.
You can study a range of theological topics and gain a breadth of understanding about biblical studies, ministry, mission, and investigate many contemporary religious issues. You have the flexibility on this course to choose the modules which best prepare you for your Christian Calling. See below for all the options.Â
The Graduate Diploma can be studied intensively in one year or part time over two years.
Course
Information
Application Process
Those interested in completing the Graduate Diploma 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 six 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 Diploma in Theology from the University of Cumbria. www.cumbria.ac.uk
Career Options
The Graduate Diploma 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 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 Diploma in Theology, you will receive on average 7.5 hours of timetabled teaching per week over the course of the year. 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.
You can cover a range of subjects in the Graduate Diploma, including church history, systematic theology, biblical theology, and practical theology. 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
Graduate Diploma in Theology
Module Options
These optional modules are indicative to show the possible choices which we hope to be able to run. AÂ selection of these will be offered each year taking into account student preferences for that year.
 Engaging the World III: Trends and Movements
Preaching & Worship
Biblical Hebrew
World Religions
Advanced Biblical Texts
Christian Leadership
Youth Ministry
Christians and Divisions in Society
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 Diploma in Theology from the University of Cumbria. www.cumbria.ac.uk
.
Fees
Full Time fees for 2024 – 2025 are £4,580 plus £450 enrolment fee.Â
Part Time fees for 2024 – 2025 are £2,350 plus £250 enrolment fee.
Apply Now
Applications open. Please contact us….
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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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