At the heart of our programme is a six-module St Albans Certificate in Theology which we launched in 2005 and are now offering in a revised form. The course is designed as a mixture of lectures, case studies, plenary discussions, individual study and small group work. It can be taken in full or you can opt to study the modules that interest you.

Each module is approved by NCFE and is offered under their Investing In Quality Licence which monitors the standards under which StACCS operates. Those who attend a module receive a certificate of attendance and participation, whilst those who successfully submit a short assignment receive a certificate of achievement. We welcome both levels of interest and commitment. On completion of all 6 modules the St Albans Certificate in Theology is awarded.

As an indication of the level of tutor support available on this programme, the entire programme begins with an introductory session to ease you into the experience of studying theology and developing study skills.

Module 1 - is an introduction to the books of the New Testament, their structure, purpose and themes.

Module 2 - introduces the Old Testament outlining the style, purpose and theologies of the books it contains.

Module 3 - Making sense of the Creeds: Christian Doctrine - introduces students to the Christian understanding of God, creation and humanity.

Module 4 - Being Christian Today: Praxis and Ethics- introduces the study of Christian Ethics and explores questions around the areas of mission, vocation, worship, prayer and spirituality.

Module 5 - The Story of Christianity: its history- offers an overview of Church history from its beginning to the present day.

In the first 5 modules the assignment will be an essay or report of between 1500 and 2000 words.

Module 6 - students have the opportunity to work on a project related to, or deriving from, the subjects previously introduced within the programme. The choice of topic and precise wording of the project essay will be negotiated and agreed between each student and the Director. Students will be encouraged, so far as is possible, to root the project in their own experience or church practice. There will be seminars and tutorials throughout the term. Students taking this module must have taken at least two of modules 1-5.

In this module the assignment will be an essay or report of up to 5000 words.

The simple answer is anyone: no previous educational qualification or experience is required (courses are taught at first year undergraduate level and we offer all students support with written work and study skills). Students from other or no faith background are equally welcome.

The course will run on Tuesday evenings at 8.OO p.m. with a half term break each term.

Marlborough Road Methodist Church is close to the centre of St Albans, only five minutes’ walk from St Albans City Station. While attending the course students are able to park their cars without charge in the private car park of AECOM (Faber Maunsell), Marlborough House, Upper Marlborough Road. The hall is fully accessible.

Our aim is to make the course as affordable and accessible as possible. We offer flexible payment options which can be tailored to suit your needs at no extra cost. We also have a small bursary fund to which you can apply for support, and you can find a bursary application form and further details by following these links.

If you wish to make a commitment to taking the whole certificate, you may pay a deposit (refundable if you have to withdraw at any point) of £50 and then pay a discounted fee for each module.

Fees for 2011-2012

Standard fee for each ten session module £85

Discounted fee for students committing to all 6 modules £75