"Since I enrolled on this course I have been most impressed by the content, the setting and in particular the teaching.  I have been inspired but challenged in an appropriate way and have personally gained educationally and spiritually with the depth of teaching."

Level 4 Certificate Student

The Programme

The Certificate is validated and awarded by Durham University under the Common Awards Scheme. It aims to equip Christian disciples and ministers to develop as competent and faithful reflective practitioners and enables students to acquire competence in a range of subject areas at higher education level 4.

Running over two years, the programme is delivered via termly 20 credit modules, each comprising up to 12 taught sessions.

Students wishing to gain the Certificate must complete 120 credits. Successful completion of the Certificate enables students to continue to the Diploma Programme, which offers further opportunities to explore subjects in more depth and also introduces new topics.

YEAR A MODULES

Introduction to the
​New Testament

This module offers an introduction to the study of the New Testament books exploring their historical, social and literary contexts. We will examine the Gospels and selected Epistles in depth, as well as looking at the Acts of the Apostles and the Book of Revelation and exploring the relevance of the Bible for today's church.  

Christian Doctrine in History

This module explores how theology develops over time and within particular historical contexts.  Working through the history of the church this module focuses on some of the key theological ideas of the Christian faith including who is Jesus, what is the Trinity and questions around sin and salvation.

Mission & Evangelism

A new module for 2019 which will explore some of the key trends in mission and evangelism and finding ways in which we can engage in a relevant way to people that we currently don't reach effectively.  There will be some guest lecturers who will be able to share their experience and expertise with our students.

YEAR B MODULES

Introduction to the
​Old Testament

This module gives an introduction to the study of the books of the Old Testament and their historical, social and literary contexts.  The course explores different types of literature found in the Old Testament including poems, prophecy, narrative and the law (Torah).  The focus of the course is discovering how the Old Testament is relevant for mission and ministry today and how it can inform our theology.

Pastoral Care, Ethics & Ministry

This module roughly splits into two sections; ethics and pastoral care.  The ethics part of the course gives an introduction to some of the approaches that we use in deciding what the right action is to take.   The second part of the course looks at biblical models for pastoral care and how we can use these to theologically inform our response to contemporary pastoral issues today.

Foundations in Christian Worship

A practical module that looks at the different elements of the worship in our churches and the theology behind them.  There will be introductions to the two sacraments in the Anglican Church (Communion and Baptism) as well as exploring liturgy, all age worship and music.  This module includes a reflection of an element of worship in your own church context as well as a group act of worship during contact time.

Assessment

For those studying for credit each module includes written assessment, which can take a variety of forms (for example, essays, personal reflections, case studies) depending upon the specific module content, however, there are no written examinations.

Requirements

This course is accessible to a wide variety of people from those with no formal academic qualifications to post graduates.

Costs

For students currently active in a recognised ministry in the Diocese, or in discernment for a recognised ministry the fees are £200 per year, which includes up to 3 modules.  For more information contact Lynn Comer by email here.

For independent students the costs are as follows:
£100 per module for teaching only
£300 per module fully accredited

Contact us for more information...

York School of Ministry
The Diocese of York
Amy Johnson Way
Clifton Moor
York, YO30 4XT

Telephone: 01904 699500
Email: ysom@yorkdiocese.org