Key Information
For other programmes & levels, see below for more details.
The Undergraduate Theology, Ministry and Mission programme is validated by Durham University.
What is validation?
Undergraduate programmes at St Mellitus College offer a broad range of modules that provide a strong theological foundation alongside reflection on key topics in theology, ministry and mission. Whether you want to gain a strong grounding in Christian theology through a one-year Foundation course or build on that foundation with a degree offering deeper and richer exploration of the Christian tradition, we have a pathway for you.
Our undergraduate courses build on each other with the certificate giving an excellent foundational understanding, the diploma allowing the student to build on that foundation, and the BA giving the opportunity to engage in theology more deeply still. In addition to these programmes, we recommend the Graduate Diploma to give graduates in subjects other than theology the opportunity to study theology deeply over one year. We offer both full-time and part-time study options to suit different students and stages of learning.
Our standard option for undergraduate programmes at Foundation, Certificate, Diploma and BA level offers a broad range of modules providing a strong theological foundation as well as reflection on core topics related to ministry and mission.
For independent undergraduate students (those not training for ordained or licensed ministry in the Church of England), we also offer two options within the Theology, Ministry and Mission programme that provide a focus on ministry and mission to younger generations as we seek to equip the church for this vital task. Our Youth or Children's Ministry focus is only available at our London Centre and it is for those with a particular heart or developing sense of call to work with young people in a variety of contexts. This focus includes an additional core youth ministry specific module supplementing this in each academic year.
Students choosing a focus in Youth or Children's Ministry should be working or volunteering in a context involving a minimum number of contact hours with young people and regular supervision. The Youth or Children's Ministry focus is only offered full-time at our London Monday Centre, at diploma or BA level. Read more about the Future Generations Programme
Levels
Undergraduate Certificate in Theology, Ministry & Mission
Undergraduate Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission
Graduate Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission
BA (Hons) in Theology, Ministry and Mission
Foundation Award in Theology, Ministry and Mission
Undergraduate Certificate in Christian Ministry and Mission
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
The Foundation Award (60 credits at Level 4) introduces students to the essential building blocks of Christian theology. Through core subjects such as Biblical Studies, Mission, and Theological Reflection, students begin to explore how faith and practice inform one another.
The programme encourages theological reflection on practical aspects of theology, ministry and mission, providing an accessible entry point for those beginning formal theological study or exploring vocational discernment.
CENTRES
The Foundation Award is available at all our centres.
PROGRAMME DURATION
Part-time (1 year). We recommend a minimum of one to two additional day(s) of private study per week.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants will normally have one A Level (grade C / grade 4 or above) or equivalent for direct entry on the Foundation Award TMM (60 credits).
There is no full-time option for the Foundation Award.
Please see below for part-time study information:
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
The Foundation Award (60 credits at Level 4) introduces students to the essential building blocks of Christian theology. Through core subjects such as Biblical Studies, Mission, and Theological Reflection, students begin to explore how faith and practice inform one another.
The programme encourages theological reflection on practical aspects of theology, ministry and mission, providing an accessible entry point for those beginning formal theological study or exploring vocational discernment.
CENTRES
The Foundation Award is available at all our centres.
PROGRAMME DURATION
Part-time (1 year). We recommend a minimum of one to two additional day(s) of private study per week.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants will normally have one A Level (grade C / grade 4 or above) or equivalent for direct entry on the Foundation Award TMM (60 credits).
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
The BA (Hons) degree offers a broad and rigorous grounding in theological understanding and develops advanced skills for thoughtful application in practical ministry. Students engage with Advanced Biblical Studies, Advanced Topics in Doctrine, and Issues in Contemporary Culture, learning to apply theology thoughtfully within today’s Church and world. Those focusing on Youth and Children’s Ministry continue this specialism through modules that build on Diploma-level study.
Full-time BA ordinands also complete a Preparing for Ministry module, which includes reflection-based tasks designed to help them integrate learning from placements and to discern how they are being shaped for ordained ministry.
Independent degree students undertake a substantial piece of written research in theology, exploring a topic of personal interest and developing advanced skills in independent theological inquiry.
CENTRES
The BA Degree is offered full-time in our East Midlands, London Monday and South West centres. Youth and Children’s Ministry focus is available on London Mondays.
PROGRAMME DURATION
Full-time (3 years). We recommend a minimum of one-two additional day(s) of private study per week.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants will normally have three A Levels (grade C / grade 4 or above) or equivalent for direct entry on to the BA.
There is no Part-Time option for the BA in Theology, Ministry and Mission.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
The Diploma continues the progression from Certificate-level study, offering opportunities to expand and deepen theological understanding. Students engage with intermediate and applied topics such as Doctrine, Ethics, Biblical Studies, Ecclesiology, and Leadership.
The Diploma fosters integration between academic learning and ministry, preparing students for greater responsibility in ministry, or further academic study. Independent students specialising in Youth and Children’s Ministry undertake tailored modules focused on ministry within these contexts.
Full-time Diploma ordinands also complete a Preparing for Ministry module, which includes reflection-based tasks designed to help them integrate learning from placements and to discern how they are being shaped for ordained ministry.
CENTRES
The Diploma is offered full-time in our East Midlands, London Monday and South West centres and part-time in our East Midlands and South West centres. Youth and Children’s Ministry focus is available on London Mondays.
PROGRAMME DURATION
Full-time Independent Students (2 years); Part-time Independent Students (4 years). Ordinands may undertake the Diploma over two- or three-years, dependent on the training pathway agreed by their diocese. We recommend a minimum of one-two additional day(s) of private study per week.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants will normally have two A Levels (grade C / grade 4 or above) or equivalent for direct entry on to the Diploma.
The part-time diploma programme is completed in four years, including one midweek teaching day per week (dependent on centre of study). The programme for Independent students includes one teaching week per academic year, 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 additional day 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 part-time diploma programme is offered at our East Midlands and South West centres.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
The Certificate (120 credits at Level 4) gives an excellent foundation across the major disciplines of theology. Alongside Biblical Studies, Mission, and Theological Reflection, students engage with Christian Doctrine and Church History, gaining a broader grasp of how theology has shaped, and continues to shape, the life of the Church. The Certificate strengthens both understanding and practice, helping students integrate theology with the realities of ministry and mission today.
For independent students choosing a focus on Youth and Children’s Ministry, alternative modules that focus on this area will be undertaken.
CENTRES
The Diploma is offered full-time in our East Midlands, London Monday and South West centres and part-time in our East Midlands and South West centres. Youth and Children’s Ministry focus is available on London Mondays.
PROGRAMME DURATION
Full-time (1 year) Part-time (2 years). We recommend a minimum of one to two additional day(s) of private study per week.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants will normally have one A Level (grade C / grade 4 or above) or equivalent for direct entry on to the Certificate TMM (120 credits).
The part-time certificate programme is completed in two years, including one midweek teaching day per week (dependent on centre of study). The programme for Independent students includes one teaching week per academic year, involving 5 consecutive days of taught input Monday-Friday at our London Centre. It is recommended that a minimum of one additional day 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.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
The Certificate in Christian Ministry and Mission (180 credits at Levels 4 and 5) builds on the foundational learning of the Level 4 Certificate by introducing more advanced study at Level 5. Students deepen their engagement with Christian Doctrine, Biblical Studies, and Theological Reflection, while also exploring new areas such as Bible in Context, Ethics, and Ecclesiology.
This programme provides a bridge between introductory study and more advanced theological reflection, equipping students with both the theological depth and practical insight needed for ministry and mission in varied contexts.
CENTRES
The Certificate in Christian Ministry and Mission i s offered on London Tuesdays.
PROGRAMME DURATION
Part-time (2 years). We recommend a minimum of one to two additional day(s) of private study per week.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants will normally have two A Level (grade C / grade 4 or above) or equivalent for direct entry on to the Certificate CMM (180 credits).
There is no full-time option for The Certificate in Christian Ministry and Mission.
Please see part-time information below:
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
The Certificate in Christian Ministry and Mission (180 credits at Levels 4 and 5) builds on the foundational learning of the Level 4 Certificate by introducing more advanced study at Level 5. Students deepen their engagement with Christian Doctrine, Biblical Studies, and Theological Reflection, while also exploring new areas such as Bible in Context, Ethics, and Ecclesiology.
This programme provides a bridge between introductory study and more advanced theological reflection, equipping students with both the theological depth and practical insight needed for ministry and mission in varied contexts.
CENTRES
The Certificate in Christian Ministry and Mission i s offered on London Tuesdays.
PROGRAMME DURATION
Part-time (2 years). We recommend a minimum of one to two additional day(s) of private study per week.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants will normally have two A Level (grade C / grade 4 or above) or equivalent for direct entry on to the Certificate CMM (180 credits).
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
The Graduate Diploma offers students who already hold a degree and some understanding of theological basics the opportunity to undertake advanced-level theological study, equivalent to the final year of the BA (Hons). Students explore Advanced Biblical Studies, Advanced Topics in Doctrine, and Issues in Contemporary Culture, alongside a major independent research project in theology.
This programme is ideal for those with prior academic experience who wish to gain in-depth, rigorous theological study and to engage critically with contemporary issues in faith and ministry.
CENTRES
The Graduate Diploma is offered full-time in our East Midlands, London Monday and South West centres and part-time in EM and SW (subject to viability).
PROGRAMME DURATION
Full-time (1 year); Part-time (2 years)
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must normally have a 2:1 Honours Degree in a humanities-based subject or a Diploma (HE) in Theology with a substantial proportion of their graded credit at Merit/2:1 level.
The part-time Graduate Diploma programme is offered at our East Midlands & South West centres and is completed in two years, including one midweek teaching day per week (dependent on centre of study). The programme for Independent students includes one teaching week per academic year, 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 additional day per week is undertaken for private study.
The Graduate Diploma programme consists of 120 credits and offers students the opportunity to undertake the final year of the BA Hons programme, taking modules such as: Mission and Apologetics, Advanced Biblical Studies, Advanced Topics in Doctrine, and Issues in Contemporary Culture, and a longer piece of written independent research in theology.
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Assessments
Written assignments comprise the majority of assessments for the Certificate, Diploma and BA Theology, Ministry and Mission, and most of these are essays, but they also include other written assessments like reflective journals and book reviews. Students also have some oral presentations.
Further Documents
This sample module list provides an idea of modules that a student might engage in during their studies at St Mellitus College
If you require further information about this programme, or anything related to studying at St Mellitus College please get in touch.