University-validated awards (QDL)

Durham University Validated Programmes by Online Learning

For those who wish to get a solid grounding in theology, we offer a suite of Distance Learning programmes from levels 4 – 7 in Theology, Ministry and Mission validated by Durham University as part of the Common Awards scheme.

For further details on the various courses, and for application information, click on the particular programme options below.

Foundation Award

This one-year part-time course is especially designed for those who have not studied at a university level before. It is a level 4 introduction to study in theology, ministry and mission, and is composed of 3 x 20 credit modules.

For more details on this course, click here.

Certificate of Higher Education

This two-year part-time course is an entry level course those wanting to pursue theological study at University level.

It is a level 4 introduction to study of various aspects of theology, ministry and mission, and is composed of 6 x 20 credit modules. All study material is provided online, and it is possible to do this course anywhere in the world at a time and pace that suits you.

For more details on this course, click here.

Diploma of Higher Education

This three-year part-time course is a thorough grounding in theology, ministry and mission. It provides a solid foundation for active ministry in the Church, both lay and ordained, and satisfies those who want to take their theological studies further.

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.

It is possible after completion of the Diploma to progress to the BA (Hons) through the two-year top-up course.

For more details on this course, click here.

Bachelor of Arts

For those who have already been awarded the Durham Diploma of Higher Education at Queen’s or elsewhere, we offer the opportunity to top-up to the Bachelor of Arts in Theology, Ministry and Mission.

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 through the distance learning programme.

Click here for more details

Graduate Certificate

For those who wish to acquire an advanced study in theology through a short programme, we offer a Graduate Certificate in theology, ministry and mission. In this part-time course you will study level 5 and 6 modules, usually over one year, in a way that fits around your work and other commitments.

This is an accessible course designed for those who have a degree in another subject, and want to reflect on the Christian relevance of their professional & personal circumstances. Many have studied in the context of secular or church-related employment as a way to explore their vocation, and become better equipped for ministry and mission.

For more details on this course, click here.

Master of Arts

This postgraduate degree in theology, ministry and mission is an ideal opportunity for those engaged in any service in the Church, either lay or ordained, to develop their theological skills at a higher level. It is particularly suitable for those in the early years of ministry or later where sabbatical leave enables further study and reflection. It is a distance learning course designed to fit around your work and other commitments.

The MA is normally open to those with a good theology degree. Depending on your previous qualifications and experience the course can usually be completed in three years.

For more details on this course, click here.