Training with qualifications
St Mellitus - Certificate in Theology, Ministry & Mission (Youth or Children’s ministry focus)
The full-time certificate programme is completed in one academic year, including one midweek teaching day per week (dependent on centre of study). The programme for Independent students includes two teaching week, each involving 5 consecutive days of taught input Monday-Friday at our London Centre. Ordinands are required to attend 5 residential weekends and one residential week. It is recommended that a minimum of one-two additional day(s) per week is undertaken for private study.
The Certificate consists of 120 credits and modules are undertaken at level 4. The Certificate lays the building blocks of Christian theology by introducing foundational subjects such as Christian Tradition, Evangelism, Church History, Biblical Studies, Spirituality & Discipleship, and Christian Worship. It also engages students in learning how to reflect theologically on practical aspects of mission and ministry.
For independent students choosing a focus on ministry to Emerging Generations, alternative modules that focus on this area will be undertaken. (Note, the option to select a focus in Youth Ministry is not currently offered as a Certificate)
from St Mellitus College
St Mellitus - Diploma in Theology, Ministry & Mission (Youth or Children’s Ministry focus)
The full-time diploma programme is completed in two years, including one midweek teaching day per week (dependent on centre of study). The programme for Independent students includes two teaching weeks per academic year, each involving 5 consecutive days of taught input Monday-Friday at our London Centre. Ordinands are required to attend 5 residential weekends and one residential week per academic year. It is recommended that a minimum of one-two additional day(s) per week is undertaken for private study.
The Diploma consists of 240 credits and modules are undertaken at level 4 and 5. The Diploma builds on Certificate level study, offering the opportunity to expand and deepen thinking in subjects such as: Doctrine, Ethics, Biblical Studies, Practical Theology, Ecclesiology, and Leadership.
The full-time diploma programme is offered at our East Midlands, London Monday and South West centres.
For independent students choosing a focus on Youth Ministry or Emerging Generations, alternative modules that focus on these areas will be undertaken. (Please note that the Youth Ministry focus is only available in our London Monday Centre)
A limited number of bursary places are available for students based in Church of England churches
from St Mellitus College
St Padarn’s ~ MA Specialism in Children, Young People & Families
The delivery method for this pathway concentrates all teaching into three intensive blocks (Monday to Wednesday) a year for two years. It has been designed specifically to meet the needs of those working with families, young people and children. In the standard programme, students will study three modules a year for two years, followed by a year of dissertation writing. Residentials take place at our site in Cardiff, where there is purpose built modern ensuite accommodation, catering, teaching rooms, common room and chapel. The latest Periodic External Review undertaken by the Church of England concluded, “St Padarn’s MA specialism in children, young people and families is probably the best such programmes in the UK – arguably as good as any in the world.” Our teaching team include Lisa Lyall (Glo!), George Lings (former Director of Research - Church Army), Lucy Moore (Growing Faith), Yvonne Morris (Oxford Diocese), Rick Otto (New Wine/Diocese of Manchester), Gary Smith (Message Trust), Rachel Turner (previous director of Parenting for Faith), Mark Griffiths (St Padarns), Chloe Richards (Alpha and Evangelical Alliance)
SWYM | BA (Hons) Applied Theology (Moorlands South West)
The BA (Hons) Applied Theology is delivered by Moorlands College in partnership with South West Youth Ministries and is validated by the University of Gloucestershire.
The Applied Theology degree has been designed to give you a robust, biblical foundation on which to build your life and ministry. Whether you are exploring a call to ministry, preparing for missional leadership, or wanting to grow as a children’s and families worker, this programme will equip you to serve God in practical and relevant ways in a fast-changing, turbulent world.
SWYM | BA (Hons) Applied Theology (Youth and Community Work) (Moorlands South West)
The BA (Hons) Applied Theology (Youth and Community Work) is delivered by Moorlands College at the Moorlands South West campus alongside South West Youth Ministries, and is validated by the University of Gloucestershire.\
The programme is validated by the National Youth Agency (NYA) which means that upon graduation you will also receive JNC accreditation as a professional youth worker. The Applied Theology, Youth and Community Work degree has been designed to give you a firm foundation and will equip you to serve God in practical and relevant ways in dynamic youth work contexts.
Course Overview
Your studies are orientated around four different strands. Full time students will study one module from each strand every year.
Strand 1: Biblical Studies
The Bible forms the basis of all of the College’s teaching and action. As a result, a large part of your academic study will involve robust engagement with Biblical texts. This strand equips you to handle Scripture appropriately, engaging with factors such as genre and cultural context, that inform interpretation. This strand will help you to explore the implications of the Biblical texts studied for contemporary Christian life and ministry.
Strand 2: Christian Foundations
This strand explores the foundations of the Christian faith through developing your knowledge and critical awareness of Christianity’s historical unfolding. You’ll explore the key themes and concepts within the biblical narrative, and the core beliefs and practices of Christian orthodoxy. This strand equips you to be effective in ministry in a variety of contexts by allowing you to engage with contemporary challenges and objections to Christianity and to address them effectively and appropriately.
Strand 3: Young People, Communities and Contexts
This strand enhances your ability to engage with the contemporary world of young people. It explores the contexts of youth and community work and considers social policy and frameworks for professional practice. You will use the experiences from your placement to engage with methods and principles of contextual theology and reflective practice within a value base of social justice and human rights. In Year 3, you’ll have the opportunity to choose between doing a longer piece of research-based work, or an immersive placement project with young people.
Strand 4: The Christian Youth Worker
This strand develops the skills, knowledge and attitudes that are central to formation in line with the National Occupational Standards for Youth and Community Work. You will use the insights gained from your placement experiences to grow in your personal development and in the management and leadership of others. In Year 3, your studies will have a particular focus on community development and transformation, examining key issues such as power, poverty, inequality and injustice.