Course structure
The second (diploma) year is a 120-credit course of study which represents a further year of full-time study (or its equivalent). Entry is normally through the completion of the first year. Students complete 20 core credits and gain a further 100 credits from optional elective units.
Core units:
| Mission and Evangelism | 20 credits |
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| New Testament Exegesis | 10 credits |
| Old Testament Exegesis | 10 credits |
| Introduction to Major World Faiths | 10 credits |
| Holy Spirit, Spiritual Gifts and Pentecostalism | 10 credits |
| Contemporary Issues in Philosophy | 10 credits |
| Explorations in Biblical Languages: Greek | 10 credits |
| Explorations in Biblical Languages: Hebrew | 10 credits |
| Theology in the Contemporary World | 10 credits |
| Biblical Hermeneutics | 10 credits |
| Apologetics | 10 credits |
| Principles in Christian Mentoring | 20 credits |
| Mission Placement | 20 credits |
Cliff College reserves the right to offer alternative options to those listed here, according to availability.
Placements
The year includes opportunities to engage in mission placement. Students work with the College to choose placements that relate to their particular interests or career objectives. Placements involve taking a reflective approach to Christian ministry, evidenced in the journalling and assessments required for this unit.
Teaching and assessment
Students in the second year of the BA course (Level 5) are challenged to explore theology, biblical studies, mission and practice in greater depth through lectures, mission and simply being part of the Cliff community. This leads to lots of time spent thinking, grappling with proposals and concepts, trying out ideas in practice – and ultimately growing as disciples, practitioners and leaders.
The majority of the teaching in the second year is done by permanent faculty members, complemented by adjunct lecturers who bring particular expertise either for a single session or for a course unit. Teaching styles vary, but most sessions include opportunities for discussion and questions, reflection and group work.
Units are assessed in a variety of ways: essays, presentations and portfolios. For 10-credit units, written work of 2,500 words is required and marking is done anonymously. Attendance is required at all lectures.
Completion and progression
On successful completion of the second year, students may progress to the third and final year (Level 6) of the BA Theology and Ministry degree at Cliff College or exit with a Diploma of Higher Education in Theology and Ministry, awarded by the University of Manchester.
