Christians looking for a way to increase their faith with understanding will find St John s Extension Studies flexible, stretching and transforming. Whether you want to get to grips with the Bible at your own pace, or think about mission strategy or faith in the world of work, there are modules that will help you. I warmly commend these courses wherever I go, confident that there is nothing quite like them.. DISTANCE LEARNING DIPLOMA OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THEOLOGY, MINISTRY AND MISSION CREATIVE CHRISTIAN LEARNING Christina Baxter CBE Former Principal of St John s College, Nottingham St John s College Chilwell Lane Bramcote Nottingham NG9 3DS Admissions 0115 968 3203 admissions@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk General Enquiries 0115 925 1114 enquiries@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk www.stjohns-nottm.ac.uk PROSPECTUS 2014-2015
Welcome to St John s distance learning community We offer a range of programmes of study which make theology accessible to all. As one of the more established providers of theological study by distance learning, we seek to build on our experience. We aim to help people today to engage in an academically rigorous programme of theological study which is designed to nurture them in faith and ministry. We are rooted in a vibrant Christian community which seeks to hear the Bible afresh in contemporary society. We hope that those who study with us will see the world differently, act with greater compassion and find their loving commitment to God strengthened. We trust that this prospectus provides you with all the information you need to work out whether we are right for you. If you do need more information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Revd Dr David Hilborn Principal Contents 03 Introduction 03 Mode of Study 05 Programme of Study 10 Assessment 12 Awards 13 Applications St John s is a lively, intelligent community where the message of the gospel is translated into real lives, real mission, real challenges to today s culture. The place to go if you want to be part of the fresh and unpredictable movements of God s Spirit. Rt Revd Tom Wright Former Bishop of Durham. Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity, University of St Andrews
Introduction We offer the Diploma of Higher Education in Theology, Ministry and Mission by distance learning as part of the Church of England Common Awards programme. The aim of this programme is to equip Christian disciples and ministers to develop as competent and faithful reflective practitioners. It provides an education in theology, ministry and mission that encompasses the development of character and the nurturing of virtues and spirituality alongside the acquisition of knowledge and understanding, and the development of cognitive and practical skills. The programme aims to enable students to engage more deeply with themselves, others, the church, the world and God. The Diploma of Higher Education in Theology, Ministry and Mission is validated by Durham University and is available on a part time basis (over four academic years) or on a full time basis (taking two academic years). Entry into the programme takes place in March and September. Mode of Study The programme is delivered by distance learning. On starting a module, students will be provided with tutor contact details and will access learning materials through the Virtual Learning Environment where learning materials and student forums are located. Students are supported by a tutor who is a subject specialist as they work through the learning materials and prepare assignments. I am excited about our community of students all over the world who are using our expertise in education to nurture their growth in ministry in the service of God and his gospel. Revd Dr David Hilborn Principal of St John s College, Nottingham Most communication with St John s College will be by email, or through the Virtual Learning Environment. Assignments are written and submitted electronically. Therefore students must be computer literate and have access to computer and internet facilities. 03
Level Four Modules Introduction to the New Testament This module provides an overview of the New Testament. The module examines the New Testament world, the life and message of Jesus and the early church exploring the four gospels, Acts and some of Paul s letters. The module enables these texts to be read against their broader historical, literary and cultural background and introduces students to the tools of modern biblical scholarship which enable them to do this. The module also introduces students to the interpretation of these texts for ministry and mission today. Creeds and Council This module introduces students to the early Christian community, including the issues that led to its formulation of creedal statements as part of its sense of identity. It outlines the theological issues facing the Church, with special attention to the accommodation of the early Christian message to other philosophies of the day. It describes the process of creedal affirmation in establishing both perceived truth and a sense of identity, especially in the context of persecution. There is a detailed examination of the Apostles and Nicene Creeds. Programme of Study The Diploma of Higher Education in Theology, Ministry and Mission consists of modules covering biblical studies, Christian doctrine and practical theology. Completion of all modules results in the successful attainment of 240 academic credits and the Diploma of Higher Education. The programme is studied across two academic levels level four and level five. Students will attain 120 credits at both academic levels. Modules will be studied in the order detailed opposite, usually taken in a three or four month period prior to assignment submission. Introduction to Old Testament Studies This module provides an overview of the Old Testament. It introduces students to the story of Israel as it is told in the Hebrew Scriptures exploring the Torah, prophetic and wisdom texts. The module enables these texts to be read against their broader historical, literary and cultural background and introduces students to the tools of modern biblical scholarship which enable them to do this. The module also introduces students to the interpretation of these texts for ministry and mission today. Using the Bible Today This module introduces students to various understandings of biblical authority and goes on to a detailed study of key texts. It introduces students to different ways of approaching the text and enables students to reflect on major issues facing Christians in the world today through a study of contemporary interpretations of the Bible. The following contexts are explored in detail: majority world poverty, consumerism, violence and peace and ecology. Foundations for Ministry and Mission in Context This module explores the understanding, nature and patterns of ministry and mission in the New Testament as well as patterns of Church life and growth today. Students can undertake projects where they discover different expressions of church for themselves. Important areas of Christian ministry (pastoral care/ service in the community, evangelism, leading worship and preaching/teaching) are examined in detail and students undertake a practical project on one of these, reflecting theologically on their experience. Foundations for Denominational Ministry This module enables students to understand Anglican traditions within the wider framework of the ecumenical movement, enhancing their knowledge and deepening their understanding of this tradition. It enables students to articulate their own relationship with their church tradition and how to minister within it. It explores the development of liturgy and worship, Anglican history, identity and organisation, and mission and evangelism. 05 06
Level Five Modules New Testament Studies This module offers students a focused study of the Topics in Christian Doctrine This module explores various topics in Christian book of Romans. It explores life in the Graeco-Roman world and includes a detailed examination of the text of the epistle, using various critical tools and paying attention to the genre of the material. Particular themes are explored in detail and connections made with other epistles of Paul. Students are encouraged to reflect on how Christian life today can be illuminated by study of Romans. doctrine, examining their biblical foundations and the theological sources in which they are found. It outlines key theological issues that have shaped Christian identity over the centuries. It examines our contemporary post-modern context and the diversity of theological responses to it and explores a number of controversial contemporary debates that have major implications on the mission of the church and pastoral ministry. Old Testament Studies This module offers students a focused study of the prophetic books of Amos and Micah. It explores them in the historical context of life in the eighth century BC and with attention to the different genres of material they present. Particular themes are explored in detail, using critical approaches to the study of the Old Testament. Students are encouraged to reflect on how Christian life today can be illuminated by their study of Amos and Micah. Christian Worship: Learning Through Tradition This module studies the background and contents of the Book of Common Prayer, tracing the history of liturgy in the Church of England (including changes made in the 20th century) to the development of Common Worship. The Common Worship resources are dealt with in depth, including their use in different settings. The module includes a discussion of the principles of worship planning and leadership, and gives opportunity for exploration of the spirituality of the tradition and evaluation of contemporary worship with this tradition. Pastoral Care This module introduces the student to a theological, anthropological and sociological understanding of human personhood. It outlines different models of pastoral care and challenges the student to reflect on their own approach. It explores the gifts, skills and attitudes required of the Christian helper, including the need to pay attention to their own personal resources. The module includes an in-depth exploration of some important issues including: change; loss and bereavement; learning disabilities; sexuality; power and abuse. Education for a Learning Church (10 credits) This module introduces students to different models of learning theory and practice, including learning styles and faith development theories. The practicalities of planning, advertising, conducting and evaluating educational events are introduced and students encouraged to put their learning into practice in a practical project. Students are enabled to reflect on their own experience and practice of education in churches. Reflective Practice in Context (10 credits) This module introduces different approaches to theological reflection. Students develop a Personal Development Portfolio and keep a spiritual journal. In discussion with their tutor, and arrangement with a local supervisor, students choose a context for a practical project and apply this to the theological tools gained throughout the module. On completion they reflect on this experience, drawing on biblical studies, doctrine and practical theology. 07 08
Assessment Assessment is by written assignments, with each module typically requiring a total of 5000 words of summative assessment or equivalent. Different modules require different kinds of assignment to be written and these are detailed below. Marks from the summative assignment count towards the overall mark for the module as detailed below. In addition to the summative assignment, all modules require completion of a formative assignment. This enables the student to write a practice academic assignment and to focus on issues of personal spiritual and ministerial importance without the mark counting towards their final grade. Level 4 Modules MODULE Introduction to the New Testament Introduction to the Old Testament Using the Bible Today SUMMATIVE ASSIGNMENTS Component 2: Resource for group activity, 50% Resource for a group activity (1,000 words) Written rationale/commentary (1,500 words) Component 2: Resource for others, 50% Resource for others (1,000 words) Written rationale/commentary (1,500 words) Component 2: Theological Reflection, 50% Theological Reflection Creeds and Council Component 2: Theological reflection, 50% Theological reflection Foundation for Ministry and Mission Component 1: Portfolio, 100% Portfolio (5,000-7,000 words) Foundations for Denominational Ministry Component 1: Portfolio, 100% Portfolio (5,000-7,000 words) 09 10
Level 5 Modules MODULE New Testament Studies Old Testament Studies Topics in Christian Doctrine Christian Worship: Learning Through Tradition Pastoral Care Education for a Learning Church (Level 5, 10 credits) Reflective Practice in Context (Short) (Level 5, 10 credits) SUMMATIVE ASSIGNMENTS Component 2: Written assignment, 50% Written assignment Component 2: Written assignment, 50% Written assignment Component 2: Theological reflection, 50% Theological reflection Component 2: Resource for others, 50% Resource for others (1,000 words) Written rationale/commentary (1,500 words) Component 2: Theological reflection, 50% Theological reflection Component 1: Creating resources for others, 60% Creating resources for others (1,500 words) Component 2: Written rationale/ commentary, 40% Written rationale/commentary (1,000 words) Component 1: Theological reflection, 100% Theological reflection Awards On successful completion of all modules, students will be awarded the Diploma of Higher Education in Theology, Ministry and Mission following an assessment board overseen by Durham University. Students will receive the certificate for this award following the assessment board at timings set by the University. START DATE DURATION OF STUDY AWARD PERIOD September 2014 2 years full time Summer to Autumn 2016 September 2014 4 years part time Summer to Autumn 2018 March 2015 2 years full time Summer to Autumn 2017 March 2015 4 years part time Summer to Autumn 2019 Students may withdraw at any time from the programme. Doing so on successful completion of 120 academic credits will result in students being awarded a Certificate of Higher Education. The award period is subject to confirmation by Durham University. 11 12
Applications Entrance Requirements Applicants for the Diploma of Higher Education in Theology, Ministry and Mission are normally required to have at least one UK level 3 qualification, such as an A-level or equivalent. Overseas qualifications will need to be supported by documentation asserting comparative equivalence. Where students are unable to provide this evidence, they will be asked to complete an initial module prior to registration on the programme. programme. If you wish to enquire as to whether you might be eligible, please contact admissions@ stjohns-nottm.ac.uk in the first instance. We are keen to facilitate study to as many people as possible. Where students have a specific learning need we are happy to discuss the best ways to accommodate this. UK nationals may also be eligible for financial support through the Student Loan Disabled Student Allowance. Please note that fees may have increased in relation to inflation by the time you come to study the level five stage of the Diploma programme. There are four modes of fee payment for the level four stage of the programme and candidates will be required to specify which mode of payment they will use on application: (a) Payment by lump sum: of 2895 on application. (b) Payment by instalments over one year: students make an initial payment of 895, Students pay for postage costs where appropriate such as posting books from the ES library or shop. Please note that we do not offer refunds where students decide to leave their programme of study. UK nationals may be eligible for support through Student Finance England and should enquire with their local council on application with St John s. Students for whom English is their second language should have achieved a score of 6.5 in an IELTS examination, or equivalent. Accredited Prior Learning Some applicants may be eligible for exemption from certain modules on the grounds of prior study elsewhere. University regulations do not allow for more than 33% (80 credits) of the programme to be taken through prior learning. In order to be eligible for exemption from a module, applicants must demonstrate that they have gained credits for an equivalent module in another Higher Education Institute which is recognised by the Higher Education sector in the UK. Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of formal academic qualifications with the provision of sufficient evidence in support of the claim. Where claims are processed on the grounds of experiential learning, no more than 30 credits worth of modules can be taken. If an application for prior learning is declined, applicants must complete all modules on the Fee Some applicants pay their own fee whereas other applicants have their fee paid on their behalf by a sponsoring body. We require all applicants to indicate on the application form whether they are paying their own fee or whether they are being sponsored. Applicants who are being sponsored must provide the details of their sponsor on the application form so that we can contact them concerning fee payment. Applicants paying the fee themselves will be asked to indicate on the application form how they are paying the fee and they must be ready to demonstrate that they are able to pay the fee. The fee for the Diploma of Higher Education in Theology, Ministry and Mission is 2895 for applicants intending to register in September 2014 or March 2015. This fee covers the level four stage of study regardless of how long a student takes to complete this stage of the Diploma programme. There will be further payments to make for the level five stage of the Diploma programme. followed by two further payments of 1000 during the academic year (1 January 2015, 1 May 2015 or for March entrants 1 September 2015, 1 January 2016). (c) Payment by instalments over two years: students make an initial payment of 895, followed by five further payments of 400 during the two academic years (1 January 2015, 1 May 2015, 1 September 2015, 1 January 2016, 1 May 2016 or for March entrants 1 September 2015, 1 January 2016, 1 May 2016, 1 September 2016, 1 January 2017.) Payments may be made by standing order or by a series of credit card payments. Applications will normally only be processed once the application payment has been made. Fees will be raised across one or more invoices one per year of registered year of study. All fees must be paid prior to the validation of students marks by Durham University at the assessment board in the year when a student intends to complete their programme of study. All details given above were correct at the time of publication. St John s College reserves the right to make changes to the information given above. Further Information If you require any further information about the course, please contact our Admissions department on 0115 968 3203 or email admissions@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk 13 14