At the core of our Postgraduate Certificate lies the desire to integrate theology and ministry in a way that enriches both. This integration is the hallmark of all of our modules and is exemplified in our programme’s core module, Theological and Practical Reflection on Mission & Ministry. Here students explore Practical Theology, an approach to theology that seeks to take practice and experience seriously, both as a context for the development of new insight and faithful response in light of Scripture and tradition, and as a source of new questions to bring to Scripture and tradition.
This approach engages the whole range of theological sub-disciplines and is also interdisciplinary in its use of social scientific or other academic disciplines. Above all, it reflects a desire to live faithfully in the light of rigorous and prayerful thinking.
You will gain the Postgraduate Certificate in Theology and Ministry by completing two taught modules (60 credits). The following modules are validated for the MA in Theology and Ministry but, as modules are usually taught on a bi-annual basis, we cannot guarantee the running of certain modules during a course of study.
Course structure
Year 1 modules
Core modules:
· Theological and Practical Reflection on Mission & Ministry (core module)
Optional modules:
In recent years optional modules have included:
Preaching from the Old Testament
The History and Theology of the Charismatic Movement
Intellect and Imagination: Apologetics in the Mass Media
Preaching from the New Testament
Leadership in Christian Ministry
Theological Approaches to Spiritual Direction
Mission and Ecclesiology: Critical Frameworks for Pioneering
Modules are delivered either in weekly lectures across Michaelmas or Epiphany term, or in residential blocks of two and a half days each, Monday – Wednesday morning or Wednesday afternoon – Friday. The timetable changes from year to year, so please contact us if you’d like to know the schedule for the upcoming academic year.
In 2025 - 2026, Cranmer is committed to enabling online access for all MA modules. We work with students to establish a pathway that works best for them.
Assessment
All modules on this course are assessed with formative and summative assignments in a range of forms – some written, some verbal, and all determined in part by the module’s specific subject.
Entry requirements
You will be expected to have at least a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree, or international equivalent, in Theology, Religious Studies or a related discipline. We will also consider candidates with a degree in another subject, provided they have relevant experience or study in Theology or Religious Studies to at least Higher Education Certificate level.
Your application must include a personal statement with a maximum of 500 words which may include the following:
Why have you chosen the Postgraduate Certificate in Theology & Ministry at Durham University?
What are your specific theological interests and how do they relate to your chosen programme?
Which specific theological texts interest you and why?
How do your prior qualifications prepare you for your chosen programme?
What do you hope to get out of the course?
Additional requirements
We also request an academic reference when applying.
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.
Home students who do not meet our direct entry requirements, may be eligible for our Foundation Programme which offers multidisciplinary programmes to prepare you for a range of specified degree programmes.
The fees for this academic year have not been confirmed yet.
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase and are expected to rise throughout the programme of study. The fee listed above is for the first year of the course only.
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