Student Ministry
Consideration is given to applicants who are not graduates of a Bachelor’s programme but who have significant experience in student ministry and who wish to study on the programme.
"Whilst I felt slightly apprehensive about the 2 years of study with essays to write, I was excited to begin a new season of life where I found a great place to learn and grow in my faith personally, as well as to develop my ministry. It’s been a blessing to be part of this community to dream big, seek God together and encourage one another as we join in the mission of Jesus in our different contexts. If you’re considering joining the Student Ministry GradDip, I would 100% say - go for it!"
The Graduate Diploma in Kingdom Theology
with Student Ministry
- – Designed for individuals currently involved in student ministry
- – Integrating a strong emphasis on Spirit-filled ministry
- – Providing a chance to learn from a variety of experts in the field within a dynamic learning environment
Giving you the opportunity to:
- – Join with others involved in ministering to university students and who share a vision for preparing and inspiring students for a life of mission and discipleship at university and beyond
- – Study and reflect on the unique challenges and opportunities of student ministry with an excellent teaching team of academics and practitioners
- – Establish a community with other student ministers
This programme is validated by the University of Chester.
This programme is validated by Birmingham Newman University.
Applications are open from 15th January 2024.
Please contact us if you are interested or have any queries: 0300 040 6200 / info@wtctheology.org.uk.
Watch our Student Ministry videos:
PROGRAMME CONTENT*
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.
Modules for YEAR 2:
This module (included in all 3 tracks of the GradDip) 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.
*WTC reserves the right to change modules as appropriate.
For full programme delivery details, please visit the Programme Delivery page.
More about the Student Ministry GradDip track:
This two year part-time programme offers foundational modules in Biblical Studies, Church History, Spirituality, and Christian Beliefs. Students then build on these foundations with modules in spiritual formation and mission, church and student culture, maturing a student ministry, and professional formation. This Graduate Diploma is designed for men and women involved in student ministry through the local church.
The Student Ministry GradDip track is for graduates (in subjects other than theology) and also acts as an entry qualification for the MA in Kingdom Theology.
Developed and delivered in collaboration with:
STUDENT MINISTRY ADVISORS
Ed Earnshaw
Student Ministry
Programme Director
Programme Director
Ed's faith came alive at University and he now loves seeing Students discover Jesus and get stuck into church. He is excited about equipping people to participate in student mission and helping them thrive as practitioners in this field. He works as a Student Mission Coach for Fusion and has several years experience as a Church Student Worker in Nottingham. He also completed the Grad Dip in Kingdom Theology with Student Ministry in 2023.
Pippa Elmes
Fusion Ministry Training Leader
Pippa has worked for Fusion since 2010 and is Fusion’s Ministry Training Leader, overseeing Fusion’s training and support for student workers and their teams. She is passionate about seeing people grow in confidence and maturity in their student ministry calling and practice. She loves musical theatre and good food and lives in York with her husband Al.
Rich Wilson
Fusion Movement Leader
Rich is the Fusion Movement Leader and has been involved with student ministry for over 20 years. Inspired by the great student-led revivals of the past, Rich has a vision to see all students discipled, equipped and released as prophetic, missional, world-changing firebrands. He supports Man-City, is a serious BBQer and lives in Loughborough with his wife Ness and two daughters.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
This programme is designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than theology, and who can demonstrate experience in student ministry (paid or voluntary). If you do not yet have any experience in student ministry, but would like to explore the possibility of studying this programme, please do contact us.
As part of the application process, applicants will have up to two interviews: an initial interview with the Programme Director which will help the applicant understand the programme’s aims and outcomes, and to check that the programme is a good fit for their ministerial needs. If necessary, a second interview will take place with the Dean of Studies to determine the applicant’s ability to complete the course successfully.
- – 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 Study With Us page.
Consideration is given to applicants who are not graduates of a Bachelor’s programme but who have significant experience in student ministry and who wish to study on the programme. In these cases, applicants would be interviewed by both the Programme Director and the Dean of Studies to establish their ability to complete the course successfully. All students have access to the study skills resources and learning development support we provide at this level.
FEES
The cost of this programme is £4,400 per year, which includes a £400 non-refundable deposit to confirm your place after receiving an offer.
Applications are open from 15th January 2024.
Please contact us if you are interested or have any queries: 0300 040 6200 / info@wtctheology.org.uk.
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.