St Albans Certificate in Theology

At the heart of our work is the Certificate Programme in Theological Studies which we have developed with Cambridge University Institute of Continuing Education. The St Albans Certificate comprises two modules (core modules 1 and 2 of the overall scheme), each providing 15 credits towards the Cambridge Certificate of Continuing Education in Theological Studies, for which 60 credits are required. At this half way point students who successfully complete the modules are eligible to receive the local centre certificate to recognise their achievement. The course is presented as a mixture of lectures, case studies, small groups and plenary discussions.

In Module 1 students are introduced to the study of theology and to the structure, purpose and themes of the New Testament books. They consider how Christians use the Bible and examine the origin, development and current forms of worship in the Church as well as Christian spirituality. The module also introduces the Old Testament outlining the style, purpose and theologies of the books it contains.

Module 2 introduces students to the Christian understanding of God, creation and humanity as they examine the classical Christian creeds. The module focuses on a range of current contextual concerns in theological studies including interfaith relations, medical ethics, politics and human relationships. Students also consider matters such as baptism, Eucharist, mission and vocation.

The course is taught on Tuesday evenings at Marlborough Road Methodist Church in the centre of St Albans. Full credit depends on the submission of a written assignment in each module, for which we give advice and support. Some students on the course use it as part of their initial Reader training, some use it for continued development studies as local preachers, some use it to equip themselves for various roles within their local churches such as teaching in Junior Church or pastoral visiting and many use it simply as an opportunity to think systematically about what they believe as Christians in today’s world. It caters for all sorts!

We also offer core Module 3, The Christian understanding of Jesus, as well as a range of optional 10 credit modules each year which can be taken as part of the certificate programme or as stand-alone courses. Thus we can help you achieve the 60 credits required for a Cambridge Certificate of Continuing Education in Theological Studies. Modules can be taken in any order, but the three core modules are required for the full Cambridge Certificate. We strongly recommend taking modules 1 and 2 before module 3.

In line with University policy, all credit-bearing programmes beginning in the academic year 2009-10 are offered subject to Faculty Board endorsement and General Board approval. The University of Cambridge reserves the right to amend, postpone or withdraw courses or programmes should circumstances demand.

Modules and credit bearing courses offered in the academic year 2009-2010

Core Module 1: Sources for Theology (The Bible)
Tuesdays from 8 September 2009

Students are introduced to the study of theology and to the structure, purpose and themes of the New Testament books. They consider how Christians use the Bible and examine the origin, development and current forms of worship in the Church as well as Christian spirituality. The module also introduces the Old Testament outlining the style, purpose and theologies of the books it contains.

Tutors: Revd Dr Dave Dickinson, Canon Dennis Stamps, Canon Kevin Walton
Venue: Marlborough Road Methodist Church
Dates: Tuesdays 8 September to 20 October, 3 November to 1 December, 12 January 2010 to 2 February
Time: 8.00 pm
Cost: £110 ( we regret that due to a decision by the University of Cambridge and the withdrawal of public funding for much adult continuing education, concessionary rates are no longer available)

Credits: 15 credits (subject to attendance and assignment)

Core Module 2: Being Christian Today
Tuesdays from 23 February 2010

Introduces students to the Christian understanding of God, creation and humanity as they examine the classical Christian creeds. The module focuses on a range of current contextual concerns in theological studies including interfaith relations, medical ethics, politics and human relationships. Students also consider matters such as baptism, Eucharist, mission and vocation.

Tutors: Revd Dr Dave Dickinson, Iain Lane
Venue: Marlborough Road Methodist Church
Dates: Tuesdays 23 February 2010 to 23 March, 20 April to 25 May, 8 June to 29 June
Time: 8.00 pm
Cost: £110 ( we regret that due to a decision by the University of Cambridge and the withdrawal of public funding for much adult continuing education, concessionary rates are no longer available)

Credits: 15 credits (subject to attendance and assignment)

Core Module 3: The Christian Understanding of Jesus
Tuesdays from 15 September 2009

This course will focus on the central figure of Christian theology, Jesus Christ. Taking a thematic approach, the course will explore questions raised by the repeated 'quests' for the historical Jesus and will consider the core doctrinal elements of any Christology: the Incarnation, the Crucifixion, Resurrection and teachings of Jesus. The final sessions will look at the figure of Christ in the arts, the many faces of Christ in different cultures, including Islam, Jesus in 21st century and modern liberal and post-liberal Christologies.

Tutor: Revd Dr Roger Greeves, University of Cambridge
Venue: The Chapter House, St Albans Cathedral
Dates: Tuesdays 15 September 2009 to 20 October, 3 November to 24 November
Time: 8.00 pm
Cost: £85 ( we regret that due to a decision by the University of Cambridge and the withdrawal of public funding for much adult continuing education, concessionary rates are no longer available)

Credits: 10 credits (subject to attendance and assignment)

Optional Module: The Problem of Evil
Wednesdays from 13 January 2010

The existence of evil in the world provides the most important grounds (in philosophy) to doubt God's existence. This course will consider the problem of evil, the varieties of the problem which have emerged in the course of its consideration by philosophers and some of the solutions which have been proposed.

Tutor: Dr Karim Esmail, University of Cambridge
Venue: Marlborough Road Methodist Church
Dates: Wednesdays 13 January 2010 to 24 March (no session on 17 February)
Time: 8.00 pm
Cost: £85 ( we regret that due to a decision by the University of Cambridge and the withdrawal of public funding for much adult continuing education, concessionary rates are no longer available)

Credits: 10 credits (subject to attendance and assignment)

Booking and further information

You can book for 2009-2010 certificate courses using this form. Please do contact us if you require any further help or advice.