Bachelor top up in Theology, Ministry and Mission

For those who have already been awarded the Durham Diploma at St John’s or elsewhere, we offer the opportunity to top-up to the Bachelor of Arts in theology, ministry, and mission, validated by Durham University as part of the Common Awards scheme. The top-up course is designed for all who want to take their theological studies further, including those active in ministry, both lay and ordained.

This part-time course normally takes two years to complete the distance learning programme. All study material is provided online, so some IT skill is necessary. You will work with your designated personal tutor and can converse with other students via Moodle, so it is possible to do this course anywhere in the world at a time and pace that suits you.

If you do not have a Durham Diploma in Theology you can still apply and we will suggest the modules that you will need to complete. In such cases, the course may take longer than two years.

BA top-up modules

To complement what you will have studied for the Diploma you will work on 5 level 6 modules over 2 years. In the first year, you will deepen your study of the New Testament, Christian Doctrine and your Theological Perspective on Christian Ministry. In the second year, you will reflect on your Christian Practice and research for your Dissertation, an opportunity to study in depth a theological topic of your own choice.

The assessment of work is varied, through the media of assignments, reflections, exegeses, book reviews, creating resources for practical use, and portfolios. Your personal tutor will help you prepare for these and offer advice on how to develop your learning. Each module will be marked, with an overall honors grade for the BA when completed.

How to apply

Students who already have a diploma in theology or an equivalent may apply for entry to this course at any time, but we enroll new students in the Autumn of each year. You will be allocated a tutor who will guide you through your studies. Also, you will have access to our online Moodle site with study material, forums, feedback forms and details about the assessment for each module. Simply complete the application form and return it by email to registry@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk.

The deadline for applications is 31st August to start in September.

As part of the application process overseas students will need to supply evidence that any previous overseas study / education is comparable to UK qualifications. This can be done through NARIC https://www.naric.org.uk/naric/Individuals/Default.aspx

NARIC can also provide evidence of English Language Assessment which is a Durham University requirement for anyone whose first language is not English. Requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes https://www.dur.ac.uk/learningandteaching.handbook/1/3/3/1/

Fees 2018/19

We keep our fees competitive because we want many to access all our courses. In 2018/19 the annual fee for the BA (top-up) is £1860. This covers your distance tutor, online materials, and the university validation. This fee may be subject to a small rise each year, and as BA (top-up) course takes two years the total fee may be around £3750.

We offer a 5% discount to all those who apply and pay the annual fee by the 31st August. This reduces the annual fee from £1860 to £1767.

For those on a tighter budget, we offer payment by installments. For the BA (top-up) you will pay £620 by 31st August, £620 by 31st December and £620 by 31st March.

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer a refund if you leave the course during the year. However, it is possible in special circumstances to take a break from your studies, subject to a deferral fee of £80, and return to your studies in the following year.

Welcome

Our vision here at St John’s is to equip Christians for mission in a world of change. For more than 150 years we’ve pioneered innovation in ministerial training, and we continue to form disciples for front-line leadership through programmes that are context-based, integrated and relevant.

We have been delivering distance learning programmes for over 40 years and have a suite of high quality programmes from level 4 to level 7 through Common Awards validated by Durham University which you can study in your own surroundings and at a time which suits you.

Our roots are Anglican but we welcome students from a wide range of denominations, Christian organisations and networks…We’ll help you discern God’s will as you explore his call on your life, discover all that God has in store for you, and grow as a disciple of Christ. Our programmes can be tailored to your own ministry while helping you deepen your understanding of the gospel through learning, working and worshipping in community. You’ll develop your appreciation of theology, ministry and mission so that you can inspire others in their faith and vocation - to the glory of God, for the sake of Jesus, and in the power of the Spirit.

Our website will help you understand our vision and values, and to give you an overview of the different opportunities there are to train and study with us here at St John’s. Do check the different sections of the website for more information on the programmes we have to offer.

Do get in touch with us, we’ll be glad to answer your questions. In the meantime, we wish you every blessing as you continue to explore your part in the mission of God.

Vision and values

Our core purpose is to inspire creative Christian learning marked by evangelical conviction, theological excellence, and Spirit-filled life, that those who train with us might be equipped for mission in the world of change...

To this end, we are:

Biblically Rooted

St John’s is an evangelical college, although students from other perspectives and traditions are welcome. We value thoughtful and responsible engagement with Scripture and believe that our lives and ministries should be shaped by biblical understanding as we follow the crucified and risen Jesus.

Spiritually Alive

We expect God to work today and seek to cultivate a praying, worshipping community in which there is openness to God and to one another. We are shaped by the charismatic stream of Christianity as we look to share in the transformative work of the Spirit, both individually and corporately. These emphases are intrinsic to the rhythms of our life together.

Missionally Active

We are committed to holistic proclamation of the good news of Jesus, and all our students are actively involved in ministry and mission in practice. From our beginnings, we have sought to rise to the challenges and opportunities presented by social and cultural change, and we continue to listen to the cultures in which we live and respond with prayer, creativity and energy. In these and other ways we seek to live out the biblical motto chosen by our founders: ‘Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel’ (1 Corinthians 9:16).

Academically Rigorous

While we adapt to meet the challenges of our fast-moving culture, we also maintain the theological excellence that has characterised St John’s since its inception. Our faculty are skilled and experienced educators who are also involved in research, writing and the practice of ministry in a variety of contexts beyond the college.

Relationally Committed

Community life is at the heart of St John’s and we value opportunities to connect with one another in College and in contexts beyond College, through worship, teaching and learning, as well as through eating together and socialising. We seek to create a hospitable culture and value the rich diversity of traditions, backgrounds, worship styles and experiences that characterise life at St John’s.

Actively Collaborative

We seek to work in partnership with churches, dioceses, denominations and networks as we serve God’s kingdom. These partnerships enhance students’ learning as we develop pioneering approaches to ministry and mission in the Midlands and further afield.