GDip
The Graduate Diploma in Theology is for those who already have a university degree and a good biblical foundation. It is equivalent to the final year of a BA, providing robust education in biblical, theological and pastoral studies to equip students for fruitful ministry. Delivered through local or online Learning Communities, students benefit from world-class teaching and resources in their own local context and study part-time in community, alongside current church, work or family commitments.
This highly flexible and innovative programme brings a world-class, robust theological education within reach, financially and in terms of time commitment.
If you have any questions about this course or the application process, please get in touch.
Overview
Validated by The Open University, this highly flexible and innovative programme brings a world-class, robust theological education within reach, financially and in terms of time commitment. Students are embedded in a spiritually formative Learning Community within a local church context or an online group, and so can apply their learning on the go. Teaching is delivered by our faculty, while students are supported by an experienced learning community Lead Mentor and receive resources including books, learning materials and academic tools through our Union Cloud platform.
Learning alongside others is vital to gospel-hearted theological education. Meeting weekly as a community either in person or online, GDip students not only grow together theologically but also personally and spiritually and so are equipped for all-round gospel ministry. The programme covers foundational aspects of biblical studies, church history, systematic theology and pastoral and preaching studies, and students can also choose to learn Hebrew or Greek.
The GDip corresponds to Level 6 in the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (equivalent to the final year of a BA (Hons) degree) and is usually completed in two years of part-time study, although students studying online may choose to join two online groups simultaneously to complete their studies in one year full-time, provided the groups are running on module rotations which allow the student to complete all six modules in that time. We encourage students looking at full-time study to get in touch with our Enquiries Officer to discuss time commitments and practicalities.
The GDip is designed 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. A significant number also choose to pursue further studies on our MTh programme (which the GDip feeds into) and have planted churches which have been supported by Union Mission.
“I really value Union’s approach to theological education - they don’t just want to raise up leaders with big minds, but leaders with a real heart for Christ and his people. That’s obvious in how well-rounded the GDip is: it’s in-depth theological study but it’s aimed at helping you personally pastor and point people to Christ”. - James, GDip graduate & MTh student
Faculty on the GDip
Faculty teaching on the GDip programme include internationally respected and pastorally experienced theologians. For more information on our faculty, visit this page.
Programme Details and Contents
The GDip is delivered through our network of both local and online Learning Communities, making them accessible to you wherever you are and whatever your circumstances.
Sample video
All the teaching and assessment is delivered by UST faculty through tailor-made video lectures as well as some video lectures given live. A Lead Mentor, typically an experienced church pastor, facilitates activity and discussion with resources supplied through our Union Cloud platform.
In-person Learning Communities meet for one day a week during two semesters each year, usually over two years. Online groups meet over Zoom once a week over two years for a shorter time and may watch some of the videos in their own time – the content, assessment and overall time commitment is the same for in-person and online groups.
The programme provides a solid grounding for fruitful ministry. Students study Scripture and have the option to learn biblical languages. They review 2,000 years of church history from Pentecost to the present day – understanding how and why the church has responded to the challenges it’s faced and how that applies to ministry in today’s world. They also study systematic theology as well as pastoral and preaching studies so they are equipped to pastor, teach and lead others.
On the GDip, biblical languages are delivered at a beginner level, though students will progress quickly. For example, in Greek a student can expect to read the letter of Philemon by the end of their first 11-week semester and any of John’s writings by the end of the second semester. Many GDip students choose to further their language skills by taking our MTh language modules, either as part of a complete MTh or as standalone modules.
The GDip is made up of six 20-credit modules which are usually delivered in alternate years (three modules one year and three the next) so that new students study the same modules as students in their second year. Successful completion of the six modules (totalling 120 credits (60 ECTS)) will lead to the award of the Graduate Diploma in Theology. One module from each area of biblical, theological and pastoral studies is delivered at once so that students see how each area of study feeds into the others (i.e., how biblical studies shapes theological studies, and how they together shape pastoral and preaching studies).
The schedule of modules being delivered in Learning Communities in any given year is available by contacting UST or the relevant Learning Community. You can also view more details about each individual group on our Where We Are page.
There are 11 teaching weeks in each semester, followed by revision weeks and exam weeks at the end of each semester. Students will typically need to study around 20-25 hours per week and should be able to commit this study time over 30 weeks per academic year. This includes one study day a week spent at an in-person Learning Community, and up to 3 hours per week together for online groups. It is up to students how they spread their remaining study time across a week.
The GDip can be taken as a standalone programme or as the foundation for our Masters degree. An average mark of 50% or above in the GDip is required for consideration for entry to the MTh.
Our network of Learning Communities is spread throughout the world, and there are options for joining online Learning Communities covering a variety of time zones. View our Learning Community locations and find out more about them on their individual profiles. If you’d like to discuss the options for starting a new group in your area, get in touch with our team who will try to help.
Admission Requirements
The entry point for study is September of each year.
Please do get your applications in as soon as possible, as it takes time to process applications.
To take the GDip on an accredited basis (i.e. toward a formal qualification), prospective students should already have a degree in any subject other than theology. Other qualifications and experience which demonstrate an applicant’s suitability may also be acceptable. Students who achieve an average mark of 50% can be considered for accredited study on our MTh.
The application deadline for September 2024 is 9th August 2024.
Essential Information
Taken part-time over two years (or 3 years in selected Learning Communities)
Students should be able to commit 20-25 hours per week over 30 weeks per academic year
Is delivered either through local Learning Communities or online via Zoom
Students study alongside one another and are supported by a local Lead Mentor
Corresponds to Level 6 in the Framework of High Education Qualifications
Regulations for Open University Awards at Union School of Theology
This award is validated by The Open University.
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.
