Photograph of students in a class
Course Title Diploma of Higher Education in Theology, Ministry and Mission (Common Awards)
Awarded by Durham University
Qualification Dip HE
Level 5
Credits 240 (minimum 90 credits at Level 5 and maximum 150 credits at Level 4)
Length of course 2 years full-time
3-4 years part-time
Entrance requirements Entry to this programme is flexible, depending on the student’s experience, employment and education. In general, applicants – especially those with little or no employment history – should have at least two A-levels or equivalent. However, for mature students, relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of formal academic qualifications. Applicants will need to demonstrate their potential to benefit from a Diploma (HE) in Theology, Ministry and Mission.

In general, up to a maximum of 80 credits (1/3 the total 240) of accredited prior learning (APL) may be granted to students who have evidence of, or can demonstrate learning that fulfils the relevant learning outcomes of the Diploma programme (by completing a portfolio of work, for example).

Students for whom English is a second language require an IELTS 6.5 (with no component under 6.0) or equivalent. Please note that TOEFL results are not accepted by Durham University.

Students who have successfully completed the Diploma are eligible to apply to continue to the BA (Hons) in Theology, Ministry and Mission programme.

Overview The Diploma provides an education in theology, ministry and mission in and for a variety of contexts. Many students prepare for professional ministry and mission within churches, including recognised lay and ordained ministries in the Anglican, Methodist, Baptist and United Reformed churches. The programmes serve institutions representing Anglican, Methodist, United Reformed, Baptist, Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches, as well as being open to students from other denominations.

The course prepares people for lay ministry and mission in the world, including those who wish to be more fully equipped for Christian life and service in the world, or simply more informed about the Christian faith. Some students will be preparing for ministry and mission among children and young people within and beyond ecclesial structures. Typically, students will be preparing for service in third sector and statutory organisations as well as in churches.

The Dip HE aims to offer education that is accessible to students with a wide range of educational backgrounds and professional and personal circumstances: many will be mature students, many will be employed and therefore studying part time, many will be in active ministry, while still others will be pursuing the programme as full time residential students.

Teaching The Dip HE offers a rich variety of subjects taught by a wide range of teachers. Many subjects are team-taught by teachers from across the Cambridge Theological Federation but some draw on the talents of people with expertise from outside the Federation. The course incorporates a variety of modes of learning and teaching, including traditional full-time residential learning, part-time and part-residential learning.
Assessment Summative assessment (coursework for credit) may take the form of essays, portfolios, presentations, independent learning projects and language examinations. In addition, formative assessment (in-course feedback which is unmarked and not for credit) is undertaken during the course of all modules to support student learning. The specific mode of formative assessments varies from module to module.
Suitable for Ordinands in combination with other qualifications
AND
Independent students
More details Cambridge Theological Federation Common Awards Programme Regulations (PDF File)
Durham University Common Awards website