This three year honours degree in Theology is offered in partnership with the University of Cumbria. The course has a strong ministry focus, and is designed to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to live, and help others live the life of faith in the contemporary world. The course includes a wide range of learning experiences including weekly ministry placements and international placement opportunities, as well as the opportunity to undertake independent research in an area of interest. 

The aim of this module is to explore the theological ideas that unite and divide the diverse expressions of contemporary Christianity. This module will explain how theological systems develop both theoretically and historically. It will consider the concept of 'orthodoxy' in early Christianity and the limited number of beliefs that all Christians share. It will consider the shape of several specific contemporary expressions of Christianity and enter into critical dialogue with them, questioning and evaluating their use of sources and their construction of systems. It will model certain procedures for constructing theological ideas and systems.

This module explores biblical and historical patterns of Discipleship with a view to identifying how they inform contemporary expressions of discipleship. After initial rooting of discipleship in a biblical and historical framework the student will then explore the significance of this in relational terms. The relational contexts are to God, other people and to the world in which we live. Themes addressed include spirituality, vocation, decision-making, change,   suffering, sexuality, self-esteem and stewardship.  Each week a theme will be considered from the perspective of biblical and theological foundations as well as practical application. Opportunity will be given to share insights through group discussions. 

This module aims to give students the opportunity to acquire knowledge and practice skills which will help them to interpret and communicate the Bible more effectively.This module will introduce the students first to the various major literary genres of the Old and New Testament and associated interpretive issues and then to the various factors which impact and facilitate effective communication of biblical interpretation. The remainder of the module will be devoted to the presentation and critique of student biblical interpretation and communication.

All students on the BA Theology programme must undertake a Ministry Placement as an integral part of their course.  The placement will be supervised by a professional ministry practitioner working in close co-operation and contact with the module tutor and the Practical Ministry Co-ordinator (PMC). The student will observe and engage in the ministry and identify and assess with the practitioner the challenges, approaches and outcomes of the ministry. 

This module aims to provide an opportunity for reflection on the integration of a practical ministry placement, the community life of the college and the students personal and spiritual development. This module is structured in a way that encourages students to become reflective practitioners in relation to their overall learning experience on the programme.  By application of acquired academic learning in a ministry placement, actively participating in the life of the College as an intentional spiritual community and pursuing a personal reflection (PDP) on the impact of these experiences the student will begin to develop self-awareness in relation to academic, practical and spiritual aspects of Christian ministry.   

The aim of this module is to introduce and overview the content, key themes, history and background of the Bible. The module will allow the student to gain a familiarity with the world of Biblical literature and provide a basic understanding of the material that will serve as the foundation for further study. As well as providing an overview of the history of the biblical periods, it will consider the different books in the Bible, and explore the principle beliefs of the Bible about God and humanity. 

The aim of this module is to provide a general overview of the history of the Christian Church. This module will enable students to acquire an introductory knowledge of the History of the Christian Church, concentrating largely on Western Christianity. Within three broad chronological periods (Early, Medieval and Modern) it will explore key themes particular to each period.  It will emphasise the need to contextualise Church history within the social/political/cultural framework of each period and stress that certain issues need to be explored in each era: for example, the relationship of the church to the state.  It will encourage students to apply their learning reflectively to their own spiritual heritage and identity in order to deal practically and more effectively with current issues.

This module will enable the student to acquire an introductory knowledge of the nature and purpose of theological reflection as part of both life and ministry.  Students will explore an understanding of theology as reflection on spiritual experience and identify major sources of theological reflection.  The inclusion of elements of practice will provide an opportunity to reinforce what is learnt and to develop their ability to become reflective practitioners.

This module will explore the relationship between children's ministry and practical theology through understanding the historical context as well as recent developments. Students will learn how to reflect theologically on the cultural, ecclesiological and missional influences on children's ministry. The module will also enable students to evaluate and apply theories developed through the social sciences in relation to child development.

The module seeks to provide an historically critical analysis of the major ethical theories propounded by some of the great minds throughout centuries. Students will have the opportunity to critique the theories of moral reasoning in relation to the ethics of the Bible and the implications of this for Christian responses to complex ethical issues of today. 

The module seeks to provide a historically critical analysis of the teachings of the major religions of the world so as to engage with the religious beliefs and practices in the socio-cultural contexts. Students will have the opportunity to analyse the convergences and divergences within the religions.  

This module will enable the student to acquire an introductory knowledge of the nature and practices of the Church and its ministry today.  Students will explore how church and ministry might be best defined, the role of ecclesiological imagery, understandings and practices of vocation, the use of scripture in ministry, the people at worship, spirituality for ministry, new ecclesiology and other related topics. The inclusion of a research project will provide an opportunity to engage in field-work and to develop one of these aspects at greater depth and their ability to become reflective practitioners.  

The module will provide students with the knowledge, skills, attitude and values to begin to establish effective relationships with families. It will challenge and expand the student's personal and theological understanding of families. It will support students to explore the impact of their own upbringing on their ideas about family. It will provide students with an integrated framework by bringing theology and current best practice research on family ministry together. It will provide students with the opportunity to develop a range of basic skills in communication and family ministry. 

The aim of this course is to trace the development of evangelicalism from its early forms to its present day varieties. Evangelicalism will also be related to other forms of Protestantism before it, and other Christian movements that have continued beside it, grown up with it, separated from it, or been influenced by it. The course will conclude with an examination of global evangelicalism.

This module will cover aspects of models and understanding of leadership in Christian ministry through exploration and evaluation of contemporary secular and theological sources. This will develop a student's ability to lead a discussion on a practical question arising from the lectures and recommended reading. Patterns of good research, effective reflection, presentation skills and leadership skills will be developed through lectures, discussion and student-based learning. 

This module explores how culture and the society people live in affects them and their response to the Gospel and also how we actively engage in mission. Students taking this module will have an introduction to anthropology. They will also examine the theory and practice of working in another culture and consider some of the issues involved in relief work, development and urban mission.

The module seeks to provide a historically critical analysis of the emergence of thinking on Christian mission as set out in different traditions of the Christian Church. Students will have an opportunity to analyse the creative elements and weaknesses in different approaches to Christian mission. 

Modules available include Jesus and the Gospels, Paul's Life and Letters, General Epistles and Revelation. Modules are usually offered on a rotational basis - please contact us for an up to date timetable of exactly what is currently available.

Modules available include the Pentateuch, Prophetic Books, Psalms, Historical Books Modules are usually offered on a rotational basis - please contact us for an up to date timetable of exactly what is currently available.

These modules will enable the student to acquire an introductory knowledge of the nature and practice of pastoral care as part of Christian life and ministry.  Students will explore an understanding of pastoral care as presented in the Bible, the Christian tradition and contemporary sources.  The inclusion of elements of experiential learning will provide an opportunity to reinforce what is learned in formal and student -based learning contexts and to develop skills for pastoral ministry.

This module will enable the student to acquire an introductory knowledge of the nature and purpose of preaching in Christian ministry contexts. Students will explore differing theologies of preaching, the impact of culture on preaching, the handling of differing biblical literature in sermon-making, the spirituality of preaching and connections between preaching other forms of ministry (such as worship and pastoral care). The inclusion of an element of practical assessment will provide an opportunity to practice what has been learnt and to develop the students' ability to become reflective practitioners.  

This module will introduce biblical and theological perspectives (historical and contemporary) on work from a variety of Christian traditions, including those of the Reformation. After exploring both the Lutheran understanding of vocation and more recent developments relating to ‘gifting’, the module will examine various missional movements in relation to the marketplace, evaluate and cultivate spiritual disciplines appropriate to the working world, and discuss ethical case studies drawn from various sectors of the marketplace.  Students will have the opportunity to intentionally reflect on their own experience of work and/or undertake practice–based learning in a working environment approved by the instructor.

In building an understanding of the relationship between faith and culture in the Western world, this module will cover a sound introductory knowledge of certain philosophical concepts, such as: the relationship between faith and reason in light of modern and post–modern thought; the meaning of religious language; the problem of suffering; the nature of public morality; issues surrounding gender, race and diversity. How these ideas are expressed through the arts, music, literature, film, print and broadcast media, politics, work and leisure will be discussed from the perspective of Christian faith.

This module will explore the relationship between youth ministry and practical theology through understanding the historical context as well as recent developments. Students will learn how to reflect theologically on the cultural, ecclesiological and missional influences on youth ministry. The module will also enable students to evaluate and apply theories developed through the social sciences in relation to adolescent development. The inclusion of practice-based learning will provide a context for students to apply learning and develop skills as reflective practitioners.