Graduate Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission

Course Description

The Graduate Diploma is a programme of study in theology, ministry and mission that enables students with a degree in another subject (or with a Higher Education Diploma in a theological discipline) to acquire competence in theology, ministry and mission. It is a vocational award offered by the Cambridge Theological Federation in partnership with the University of Durham (Common Awards). The course can be taken full-time (one year) or part-time (two years).

Further information about this award is available from the Cambridge Theological Federation.

Entrance Requirements

Graduates in other subjects and students who have completed a Diploma (HE) in theology successfully may enter the Graduate Diploma programme. For non-theology graduates, students should normally have an upper second-class honours degree. However, especially for mature students, prior professional experience will be taken into account as well as educational qualifications. Students for whom English is their second language should have achieved a score of 6.5 in an IELTS examination, or equivalent.

Teaching and Learning

The Graduate Diploma offers a variety of subjects in theology and ministerial practice taught by a wide range of teachers through lectures, classes, and structured asynchronous learning. Many subjects are team-taught by teachers from across the Cambridge Theological Federation, including Westcott House, but some draw on the talents of people with expertise from outside the Federation. The programme is made up of modules across core areas of theology and ministry to a total of 120 credits.

Assessment

Summative assessment (coursework for credit) may take the form of essays, portfolios, presentations, independent learning projects and language examinations. Formative assessment (in-course feedback which is unmarked and not for credit) is undertaken as well during the course of all modules to support student learning. The specific mode of formative assessments varies from module to module.

Integration with Training for Ministry

Independent students participate in the wider life of the House as far as they are reasonably able. Candidates for licensed ministry are required by the House to participate in the formational life of Westcott House, attend Ministry for Life and Short Intensive Courses, and complete contextual training through attachments and placements. Typically, ordinands will take further qualifications in addition to the Graduate Diploma as part of their training, agreed with their Diocese and Ministry.