Belfast School Of Theology
Postgraduate Diploma Practical Theology
Postgraduate Courses in Practical Theology
Essential Information
STUDY
Part Time
LOCATION
OF STUDY
Online
OVERSEAS
APPLICATIONS
This course is suitable for applicants worldwide and is fully online.
OF COURSE
PG Cert- 3 taught modules
PG Dip- 6 taught modules
MA- 6 taught modules and a dissertation or project
For each taught module:
- 4 hours of live sessions with a tutor.
- 20 hours guided online learning activities which can be done at any time that suits you.
- Further reading and study in preparation for assignments.
INFORMATION
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must normally hold a 2.1 honours degree in any subject; from a recognised university or comparable institution.
Applicants must have a reasonable amount of experience (at least 5 years) in serving in Christian Ministry, either employed or voluntary; Mature applicants who do not have formal qualifications but have considerable leadership experience will be considered through an alternative entry route.Â
For postgraduate applicants who do not have a 2.1 degree or have no formal qualifications an alternative entry route is available.
The alternative route for non-standard entrants will be considered on an individual basis but, as a guide, we will apply the following criteria:
- For applicants with no undergraduate degree, a minimum of 10 years in a significant role in Christian ministry is required. In addition, 2 assignments must also be submitted to be assessed by the Postgraduate Programme Lead to assess if the applicant has the required academic standard.
- For applicants who have a 2.2 degree: a minimum of 5 years of ministry experience is required. In addition, one assignment must be submitted.
For recently graduated students from BST, transcripts and assignments from the final semester of their degree can be considered.
So,what is Practical Theology?Â
Dr Alistair Bates
(Programme Lead)
Our Postgraduate Diploma in Practical Theology is for people who want to contribute to the better practice of ministry in their context. Practical Theology seeks to develop and apply methods and tools to think practically and theology about our mission and ministry. It is about ensuring that what we do as individuals, churches and para-church organisations is faithful and consistant with God’s redemptive purposes in the world.
Therefore, when we speak of ministry, we mean any form of Christian service or engagement in church or society. It can include the activities of churches and para-church organisations. It can include individuals working in paid roles or as volunteers in churches. It can include people working in secular environments.
The methods and skills developed on this course will help you to think critically about mission and ministry in your context. You will learn how to question and challenge accepted ways of doing things when appropriate and to develop alternatives.
This is a fully online part-time course, so students do not have to visit or be resident at BST at any point during the course. Delivery of the course has been designed recognising that students will have a range of professional, church and family commitments. The ‘What will you study?’ and ‘How will you study’ videos explain this in more detail.
A word from our PrincipalÂ
Rev James Burnett
What you will study: Postgraduate Diploma in Practical Theology
Dr William Ford
(Lecturer)
The Postgraduate Diploma in Practical Theology at BST is a two-year part-time course. Further study can be added to the PG Dip to complete the MA in Practical Theology.
MODULE 1 – Foundations of Practical Theology
Introduces key concepts and models of Practical Theology.
MODULE 2 – Biblical and Theological Perspectives in Praxis
Provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills in theological thinking and biblical interpretation necessary for PT.
MODULE 3 – Reflective Practice in PT
Develops the essential skill of thinking critically and theologically about your own, your church’s, or an organisation’s experience in mission and ministry.
Module 4: Trends and Debates in Contemporary Mission
Helps students connect their experience with the latest thinking and research on mission.
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MODULE 5 – Ministry in Practice
Explores how applying the methods and tools of Practical Theology can be applied to a wide range of ministry in a variety of contexts.Â
MODULE 6 – Leadership in Faith-related Contexts
Explores how Christians in leadership, in faith-based and secular contexts, can apply the best insights from theological and non-theological leadership theory.
How you will study: Course layout, structure and info
Elizabeth Moffett
(Academic Registrar)
Modules will be taught in 6 week blocks, which will include:
• 4 hours of live sessions with a tutor.
• 20 hours guided online learning activities which can be done at any time that suits you.
• Further reading and study in preparation for assignments.
In keeping with the perspective of Practical Theology many of the assessments will encourage students to critically engage with and reflect on their own practice and experience and/or that of churches and Christians in their context
Assessment is by various forms of assignment including written assignments, reports and recorded presentations. BST provides MS Office and online learning resources.
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Course Structure Diagram
The route to completing the MA in stages is as follows:
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Postgraduate Certificate in Practical Theology
Postgraduate Diploma in Practical Theology
MA in Practical Theology
Technology Required
Students should have a basic level of IT competence. Students at BST will have access to MS Office applications as well as a very comprehensive selection of books through Perlego and academic journal articles through EBSCO.
Students will require:
Access to broadband connection capable of live-streaming teaching sessions and seminars as well as streaming videos and accessing the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Access to a laptop or computer is strongly recommended for writing and submitting assignments.
Some assignments will require students to present and record a presentation. A smart phone is sufficient for this purpose.
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 an Postgraduate Diploma in Practical Theology from the University of Cumbria. www.cumbria.ac.uk
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FeesÂ
Apply Today
Application Deadlines:
PG Cert, PG Dip and MA
International applicants: 8th June 2026
Local Applicants: 10 August 2026