GDip

Graduate Diploma in Theology

Grow in your love of God and prepare for ministry, while you stay in your local church

  • Take courses in Biblical, theological and pastoral studies

  • Study online or in a local Learning Community

  • For those who already have a university degree in any subject

  • Complete in 2 years part-time

This award is validated by the Open University

What will I learn?

The Graduate Diploma is equivalent to the final year of a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. The courses are designed to help you grow in your knowledge and love of God, and prepare you for fruitful ministry.

Students study the three compulsory courses, one Languages option and two Ministry Practice courses. Download the GDip Course Descriptors to find out more.

Biblical Studies

Studies in the Old & New Testaments (Compulsory)

One Languages option:

  • Hebrew Grammar

  • Greek Grammar

  • Biblical Texts - English Exegesis

Theological Studies

Studies in Systematic Theology (Compulsory)

Turning Points in Church History (Compulsory)

Ministry Practice

Studies in Preaching & Pastoral Theology

Church & Mission

Children’s, Youth and Family Ministry (delivered at our Ministry Centre or other central location)

Meet the lecturers

Daniel Hames, Lecturer in Systematic and Historical Theology, asks the question: What is the glory of God?

How does it work?

The GDip is delivered through local and online Learning Communities, meaning that you can study wherever you are.

Meet in-person or online once a week

In-person Learning Communities meet for up to one day a week during two semesters each year, usually over two years. Online groups meet over Zoom once a week over two years.

Study six 20-credit modules

The GDip is made up of six 20-credit courses which are usually delivered in alternate years (three courses one year and three the next).*

Apply your learning in the local church

Each in-person and online Learning Community is directed by a Lead Mentor, an experienced church leader who will help you apply your learning in your church context.

*From September 2025, we plan to change the format of the GDip to a trimester delivery plan. Students will take one course per trimester (over a period of 8–10 weeks), completing three courses over the academic year (i.e. three trimesters). This would mean that the same number of courses are completed over the academic year, but in a different mode of delivery.

Who is it for?

The GDip is for those who already have a degree in a subject other than theology, some basic theological knowledge and some ministry experience.

Many GDip students study alongside current ministry roles or work and family commitments, and graduates have gone on to serve as assistant pastors, church planters, youth and children’s workers, evangelists or women’s workers.

Many students choose to pursue further studies on our MTh programme and have planted churches with support from Union Mission.

Ready to apply?

Apply by 9th August 2024 to study with us this September.

Further information

UST reserves the right to make alterations to the contents or methods of delivery of programmes or assessment but only if such action is absolutely necessary for one or more of the following reasons: compliance with the validating university or regulatory bodies; in response to external examiner or stakeholder feedback; as part of periodic or annual review measures; in response to technological developments. When this occurs, UST will inform students as soon as feasible, and request feedback from and engage in dialogue with students to ensure that the changes are not disruptive to the student experience.

A student may not always be able to study a particular module when student demand is limited, and will be asked to take an alternative.

  • Find out more about Union School of Theology’s Policies and Procedures. Read more >

  • Find out about our fees and explore funding options. Find out more >

  • We’re here to support you throughout your time with us and beyond, whether that’s in your studies or your personal life. Read more >