Course structure
The first (certificate) year is a 120-credit course of study. Students complete 100 core credits and again a further 20 credits from optional elective units.
Our Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE) in Theology and Mission (available to study onsite or online) provides a solid grounding and helps deepen your knowledge of the Bible, theology and mission.
Core units:
| Approaching the Bible | 10 credits |
| New Testament 1: Gospels and Acts | 10 credits |
| Old Testament 1: Narrative | 10 credits |
| Integrating Theology and Practice | 10 credits |
| Christian Theology in Outline | 10 credits |
| Church History 1: Introduction to World Christianity | 10 credits |
| Evangelism and Christian Mission | 10 credits |
| Understanding Contemporary Culture | 10 credits |
| Mission and Evangelism Placement 1 | 20 credits |
| |
| Introduction to Children, Youth and Family Ministry * | 10 credits |
| Issues Facing Children, Youth and Families * | 10 credits |
| Introduction to Ministry Among Older People + | 10 credits |
| Issues Facing Older People + | 10 credits |
| Introduction to Christian Leadership | 10 credits |
| Pastoral Practice | 10 credits |
| Communicating the Gospel: Introduction to Preaching and Apologetics | 10 credits |
| Christian Spirituality | 10 credits |
* core units for students on the Children, Youth and Family Ministry pathway
+ core units for students on the Ministry Among Older People pathway
During your induction, your programme lead will help you choose units most suited to your goals and interests.
Cliff College reserves the right to offer alternative options to those listed here, according to availability.
Placements
The year includes a mandatory 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
Full-time students will attend eight intensive teaching weeks per year; part-time students will attend four intensive weeks per year. All students will have further tutorials and supervision outside of these weeks. Teaching hours will be made up of a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, discussions, and supervised individual or group work. The Mission Placement unit involves practical mission work at a placement chosen by the student in cooperation with the College. Each student will produce a learning schedule with their personal tutor to guide their independent study time. Tutors are available for individual consultation outside class time.
Completion and progression
On successful completion of the first year, students may progress to the second year (Level 5) of the BA Theology and Mission degree at Cliff College. They can also exit with a Certificate of Higher Education in Theology and Mission, or a Certificate of Higher Education in Theology and Mission (Children, Youth and Family Ministry) / (Ministry Among Older People) if students have completed these pathways, awarded by the University of Manchester (subject to approval).
