The Syllabus in Outline

Year One

Term I

Theology, Mission and Praxis
Ten evenings and three weekends on how we learn as adults, different approaches to doing theology and biblical studies, and reflection on Christian Mission in local and global contexts.

Term II

Liturgy and Pastoral Practice
Ten evenings and three weekend on the history and practice of Christian worship, preaching and sacraments, with visits to churches and synagogues and a 50-hour placement in a parish or circuit different from the student’s own.

Easter School

Communicating the Gospel Today
From Easter Sunday to Low Sunday.

Term III

Interpretation and Use of Scripture I
Ten evenings and one weekend on the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, covering historical and literary approaches and giving practice in leading Bible study.

Year Two

Term I

Interpretation and Use of Scripture II
Ten evenings and one weekend on the New Testament with study of the practice and principles of biblical hermeneutics; a Course weekend retreat is also held this term.

Term II

Pastoral and Practical Theology I
Ten evenings on the history and practice of pastoral ministry, with two weekends focussing on children and young people and on death, dying and resurrection; coupled with a substantial placement in a chaplaincy, sector ministry or other non-congregational setting.

Easter School

Relationships and Gender
From Easter Sunday to Low Sunday.

Term III

The Christian Tradition and Engagement in the World
Ten evenings on Christian history, doctrine and spirituality in the early and medieval periods, with related weekends on Religion and Politics and Theology and Science.

Year Three

Term I

Philosophy and Ethics
Ten evenings and two weekends covering philosophical and biblical background and selected in-depth ethical issues and case studies.

Term II

The Christian Tradition and Ways of Discipleship
Ten evenings on Christian history, doctrine and spirituality in the Reformation and modern periods, with weekends devoted to the Anglican and Methodist traditions.

Easter School

Christian Mission in a Plural World
From Easter Sunday to Low Sunday.

Term III

Pastoral and Practical Theology II
Eight evenings and two weekends on issues of collaborative ministry, pastoral practice and ordination.

Throughout the Course

In addition to the subjects listed above, the Spirituality programme runs throughout the Course during residential weekends. The option is available to learn Biblical Hebrew and/or New Testament Greek. There are also additional non-residential training days on IT Skills, Racism Awareness, Christianity and Art, Sacramental Theology, Church Structures and Research Methods.