Diploma of Higher Education in Theology, Ministry and Mission

Studying

Full-time or Part-time

Credits

240 credits

The Diploma is available through two years’ full-time or four years’ part-time study in Durham, and constitutes, in effect, the first two years of the BA in Theology, Ministry and Mission. After successful completion of the Diploma, it is possible to take courses equivalent to the third-year degree course to convert the Diploma to the BA Degree.


Candidates for the Diploma study modules from Levels 1 and 2 (Common Awards Level 4 and 5) of the Theology, Ministry and Mission course, up to the value of 120 credits per Level. The course is appropriate for anyone who is keen to explore Theology, Ministry and Mission through a course of systematic study leading to a University-validated qualification. Students of the Diploma are members of St John’s College and have access to a wide range of College and University facilities.

Learning outcomes


Students who take the Diploma will first need to complete level 4 modules. The programme level Learning Outcomes for level 4 appear in the information for the Certificate. At level 5 or year two, students will need to satisfy these programme level Learning Outcomes. 

Subject Specific Knowledge (SSK)

  • Engage in detail with selected texts of the Old and New Testaments in their cultural and religious contexts, analysing and using a range of approaches to interpretation, leading to an ability to articulate the texts’ significance for the church and world and of the questions to which they give rise; 
  • Research and give a detailed account of aspects of Christian doctrine, ethics and church history in a range of historical and contemporary contexts, analysing significant developments and concepts; 
  • Describe practices of Christian discipleship, including mission and worship, analysing theological, ecclesial and contextual understandings of such practices and of the nature of discipleship, in relation to specific contexts in and beyond the church. 

Subject Specific Skills (SSS)

  • Apply different approaches to reading and interpreting biblical texts, communicating these with relevance and sensitivity to specialist and non-specialist audiences and contexts; 
  • Develop existing skills and acquire new competences and modes of inquiry in practices of Christian discipleship, mission and ministry, in the light of theological and, where appropriate, other disciplines, in new contexts; 
  • Draw on key aspects of relevant disciplines to begin developing a critical analysis of contemporary situations, reflecting on practice and experience, in the context of discipleship, mission and ministry, recognising the importance of knowing the limits of their knowledge. 

Key Skills (KS)

  • Identify, gather, analyse and evaluate textual source materials for a range of purposes; 
  • Undertake a critical analysis of information and arguments, communicating these effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences, showing critical self-awareness of their own beliefs, commitments and prejudices; 
  • Take responsibility for a task that involves independent inquiry; the management of time, resources and use of IT; meeting deadlines; evaluating the task and learning from it; 
  • Plan their own personal and professional development.

Entry Requirements 


The entry requirement is two Cs at A level or equivalent level qualifications. 

Structure and Modules 


During your first year (Certificate level 4), you will take 120 credits worth of modules including four core modules (Introduction to the Bible, Introduction to Christian Doctrine and History, Mission and Evangelism and Introducing Theological Reflection) and various optional modules. More information about these can be found in the entry for the Certificate.


At level 5 or Diploma level, you will take the following core modules:

  • Old Testament Studies (20 credits). This module explores one or more of the major parts of the Old Testament such as the Wisdom Literature (Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes), the Psalms, the Prophets or the Pentateuch with the aim of developing a critical appreciation of the Old Testament and showing how Old Testament texts can be used appropriately in a variety of ministerial / vocational settings.
  • New Testament Studies (20 credits). In this module, students explore in depth one of the gospels as well as the letters of the Apostle Paul. The module seeks to enable students to understand modern critical approaches to New Testament texts and make appropriate use of New Testament texts in different settings.
  • Topics in Christian Doctrine (20 credits) which explores the Christian doctrines of God, the Trinity, Christology and the Holy Spirit as well as Salvation and other core doctrines. As is the case with all the modules, this course aims to show how doctrines relate to ministry, discipleship and spirituality today.
  • Death, Dying and the Christian Hope (10 credits) offers an opportunity to reflect on deep questions of death, grief and funeral ministry. 


In addition, you will need to take modules relating to mission and ministry as well as various optional modules which may include courses on such subjects as Ethics, Sacraments, Disability Theologies, Children and Youth Ministry and Worship. 

Cranmer Hall is a place where academic rigour is carefully married with formational excellence.

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