The 2-year part-time Graduate Diploma is designed to equip those who already hold degrees in subjects other than theology for Spirit-empowered life, leadership, and mission.
See below for the 3 GradDip track options.
A Graduate Diploma is equivalent to the final year of a first degree (NOT postgraduate level) and acts as an entry qualification for postgraduate study in the MA programme.
Our 3 GradDip Track Options:
Students may register on any of these 3 tracks from the beginning of their studies or at the end of their first year.
All three these programmes are validated by the University of Chester.
This programme is validated by Newman University (subject to final validation).
PROGRAMME CONTENT (3 SPECIALIST TRACKS):
Modules for YEAR 1 are identical on all 3 tracks of the Graduate Diploma programme:
Do you want to go on a transformational journey in which your little life story is caught up in the Story of the Ages? Then welcome to a course on going deeper into the study of the Old Testament, a Story which begins with Creation and ends with the prophecies of a new world in which everything has been transformed! Here is a place where you will obtain a better compass for your own journey as you see more clearly your way in the light of the Torah, the calls for justice from the prophets, the insights of the sages, and the praises and lament of the psalms. Welcome to a journey of transformation!
This module introduces students to the historical, theological and literary content of the New Testament. It will focus especially on the challenges of reading various and distinctive styles and themes across New Testament genres and authors. Attention is paid to the practices and beliefs of Christianity in the context of Second Temple Judaism and the first century Church. Selected texts provide case studies that illustrate the historically conditioned character of early Christianity. There is a consideration of both the exegetical value and the critical challenges that an historical examination of the New Testament produces. Particular attention is paid to questions of Christology, eschatology, soteriology, Jesus’ Spirituality, the ‘Kingdom of God’, the meaning of Jesus’ death and the relationship between these themes and the shape of Christian discipleship and ministry.
This module gives students the opportunity to delve into the fascinating questions around the person and work of Jesus Christ. Who do people think Jesus is? What does it mean for God to have become man and dwelt among us? What are the implications of the Incarnation for the church and the world? In this module we focus on the biblical and early church portraits of Jesus, questions around how one person can be the God-man, and the debates around orthodox views of Christ with a particular focus on the development of ideas around the identity of Jesus in the first few hundred years of the church.
This module covers biblical, theological, and historical foundations for spiritual formation and leadership, equipping students with different perspectives on discipleship and models of formation through the ages. The module covers fundamental doctrines of Christian identity through the idea of humanity made in the image of God, as well as discussion on how those ideas shape us as followers of Christ and leaders in any sphere. Students are encouraged to explore models of spiritual formation and leadership in relation to concepts of the kingdom, community, creation care, and the poor and to apply their learning to their own contexts.
*WTC reserves the right to change modules as appropriate.
Modules for YEAR 2 are unique to each track of the Graduate Diploma programme:
There are so many books and so much material now on leadership it makes your head spin. Perhaps that’s strange when you consider that Jesus didn’t encourage us so much to lead as to follow! This module will teach how it’s in following more closely you’ll find you lead better. The lectures will focus mainly on Old Testament characters and how God turned their weakness to strength. We will see how each of us can develop their leadership potential to enable flourishing in every sphere of influence to occur. References are drawn from both influential Christian leaders and the best that the business world has to offer.
This module aims to explore how the Gospel writers read the scriptures of the Hebrew Bible and its respective Greek counterparts. The goal is to aid students in how to access the scriptures of the Old and New Testament in the light of Christ. To this end, we will closely observe how the writers of the Gospels themselves “read” their own scriptures.
Christian spirituality is not simply a private, contemplative affair; it is a dynamic and creative outworking of Christian belief in culture. Its history is not merely a record of the past, but a powerful testimony of living faith down through the ages. As such, this course is about breathing new life into old bones. We will stand alongside the martyrs Felicitas and Perpetua on the dusty arena floor of ancient Carthage, join Francis of Assisi’s ragtag poor in the hills of medieval Umbria, and hear the heart of William Wilberforce’s insistent calls for liberation in English Parliament. And as we come to learn more about the living faith of our brothers and sisters in Christ, we will seek to learn more about ourselves and the way in which our faith might be lived out in the present.
This module builds on the foundations of the On the Incarnation module, as we go deeper into questions of the identity of Jesus and what it means to be ‘saved.’ We study some of the developments through history in thinking about Jesus, as well as the biblical perspective on the incarnation, salvation, atonement, and the second coming. Students have the chance to think through what all of this means for modern day discipleship, life, and engagement with the world in mission.
This module explores the scriptural and historical foundations of mission, church planting, and church multiplication. It focuses on the identity and implications of the church as a missional people sent in the power of the Spirit. There will be a strong practical focus on leadership and gender, following the leading of the Spirit, processes of church multiplication, building a local economy, laying apostolic foundations, fruitful evangelistic ministry, and engaging with society.
This module explores different perspectives on the nature and identity of church in relation to historical and contemporary doctrinal and missional developments. In addition to an appreciation of historical developments, students will study new forms of church and possible developments in the future. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on particular pastoral and devotional practices, approaches to church leadership and church multiplication, and to kingdom theology and ministry. This module will also include reflection on non-conformist and non-denominational models of church, charismatic approaches to church, and new monasticism. There will be a practical focus on questions of leadership, power dynamics, and gender.
This module will help students to reflect upon the call to develop excellence for church planters and those involved in student ministry and what this looks like in practice. Drawing on a servant leadership framework, this module will equip you to strengthen your ministry practice through diligence and confidence in self-awareness, communication, team and people-management, and conflict resolution while helping you consider these things from a biblical perspective.
This module builds on the foundations of the On the Incarnation module, as we go deeper into questions of the identity of Jesus and what it means to be ‘saved.’ We study some of the developments through history in thinking about Jesus, as well as the biblical perspective on the incarnation, salvation, atonement, and the second coming. Students have the chance to think through what all of this means for modern day discipleship, life, and engagement with the world in mission.
We all know when it comes to clothes one size or style does not fit all, and yet we so often think that one way of doing ministry will! Students from different generations, backgrounds and disciplines see the world in different ways. The cities and churches they study and worship in are all different too. That means we need to develop student ministry that fits our context. This module will help you understand how student ministry fits within the local church, evaluate the opportunities and needs of your context, and develop a vision for ministry in that.
This module outlines the importance of, and approaches to student mission, as well as the essential spiritual formation principles that are key to effective mission among students. All of the teaching in this module includes and is founded upon theological and ministerial ideas and principles.
This module is focused on three key questions: What is the Church? What does it do? And how does reflecting on these questions help us to mature our own student ministries? The objective is to give students a theological understanding of ministry, reflect on principles for growing in maturity, and to help students practically implement these principles in their own ministry.
This module will help students to reflect upon the call to develop excellence for church planters and those involved in student ministry and what this looks like in practice. Drawing on a servant leadership framework, this module will equip you to strengthen your ministry practice through diligence and confidence in self-awareness, communication, team and people-management, and conflict resolution while helping you consider these things from a biblical perspective.
This module builds on the foundations of the On the Incarnation module, as we go deeper into questions of the identity of Jesus and what it means to be ‘saved.’ We study some of the developments through history in thinking about Jesus, as well as the biblical perspective on the incarnation, salvation, atonement, and the second coming. Students have the chance to think through what all of this means for modern day discipleship, life, and engagement with the world in mission.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The GradDip programme is suitable for anyone who wants to go deeper in their faith but is particularly geared towards those who have previously studied at University level.
- Generally, a Bachelor’s degree is required.
- For those without a Bachelor’s degree, but with professional qualifications or relevant experience, please contact us to discuss your eligibility for the Graduate Diploma.
- If English is not your first language, please see the English Language requirements on the Admissions page.
FEES
The cost of this programme is £4,250 per year, which includes a £400 non-refundable deposit to confirm your place after receiving an offer.
Concerned about finance?
Our friends Stewardship may be able to help you to raise your financial support. The Partner Account for Individuals will help you manage your financial support for living costs and personal ministry expenses in one place. You’ll get a range of tools to manage your support, connect with your supporters and develop a team of ministry partners. Find out more here.