The Certificate Programme in Theological Studies

StACCS developed the Certificate Programme in Theological Studies with The University of Cambridge's Institute of Continuing Education. StACCS is a Local Centre for Cambridge and is currently the only centre at which this certificate programme is taught. In order to gain the award from Cambridge, students are required to complete four core modules and two optional modules: a total of 60 credits (CATS points at level 4). Each module is taught over 20 hours (normally ten evening sessions of two hours each) and students are required to submit a written assignment for each module. Students who do not wish to submit assignments and gain credit are equally welcome.

There are several major changes to the way the Certificate Programme is organised and managed for 2010-2011 and students who have studied on the programme in past years are strongly advised to read the letter which can be downloaded here and which has been sent to each of you in the post. New students may also find this letter helpful in understanding the way in which the new system works.

The biggest change is in the level of the fees which must now be charged following the withdrawal of government subsidy for continuing education programmes. If you would like to take a course but find the fees prohibitive please consider applying to us for a bursary. Details of the bursary scheme are available here. An Application Form is available here.

Core Modules

There are four core modules, of which we offer two  each academic year. Core modules may be taken in any order.

1: Sources for Theology (The Bible)

Students are introduced to the structure, purpose and themes of the New Testament books. The module also introduces the Old Testament outlining the style, purpose and theologies of the books it contains.

2: Introduction to Christian Doctrine

Introduces students to the Christian understanding of God, creation and humanity as they examine the classical Christian creeds.

3: The Christian Understanding of Jesus

A more detailed and historically focused survey of the way in which Christians have understood Jesus, covering issues such as the incarnation, crucifixion and resurrection.

4: Being Christian Today

Just over half the course introduces the study of Christian ethics. In the rest students explore questions around the areas of mission, vocation, worship and spirituality.

Optional Modules

Each year we offer at least two optional modules on a variety of subjects under the general heading of theological studies. Modules may be offered in subjects such as Church history, faith and the arts, philosophy or psychology of religion, and other world faiths.

Who can enrol?

The simple answer is anyone: no previous educational qualification or experience is required (courses are taught at first year undergraduate level, but we offer StACCS registered students support with written work and study skills). Some students on the course use it as part of their initial Reader training, some for continued development studies as local preachers, some to equip themselves for various roles within their local churches, but most use it simply as an opportunity to think systematically about what they believe as Christians in today’s world. It caters for all sorts! Students from other or no faith background are equally welcome.

How do I enrol?

For courses beginning from September 2010, students can only enrol directly with Cambridge and course fees must be paid to Cambridge directly, and in full, before the beginning of the course. StACCS can provide you with more information and an enrolment form, or you can enrol directly via the Institute of Continuing Education’s web pages at www.cont-ed.cam.ac.uk from early June 2010.

Registering as a student with StACCS

People interested in studying on the certificate programme are invited to register with StACCS as a student. Although you can still take the courses without registering, there are several important benefits:

· We are able to offer qualifying students bursaries towards the cost of courses (please ask for more information);

· registered students are enrolled as members of the Hudson Library (the Abbey’s theological lending library) free for the first year and at a substantial discount in future years

· registered students will be invited to attend a number of annual events in St Albans which are not open to the public, and to apply for places at some other events before public booking is open;

· registered students have access to local support in the area of study skills and written work.

Registration is free and you can register as a certificate student before enrolling on any of the courses. To register email us with your details or download and return this form.

Venues and facilities

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. Some optional modules are taught in the Chapter House at St Albans Cathedral, which has limited free parking for students in Sumpter Yard.

Both venues are fully accessible, but people with mobility impairment may need assistance from the cathedral staff in the Chapter House. There are kitchen and toilet facilities at both venues.

Modules offered in the academic year 2010-2011

Module 1: Sources for Theology (The Bible)

Tuesdays from 21 September 2010

Students are introduced to the structure, purpose and themes of the New Testament books. The module also introduces the Old Testament outlining the style, purpose and theologies of the books it contains.

Tutors: Canon Dennis Stamps, Canon Kevin Walton

Venue: Marlborough Road Methodist Church

Dates: Tuesdays 21 September to 7 December (no sessions on 19 & 26 October),

Time: 8.00 pm       Cost: £150     Credits: 10 credits

Module 2: Introduction to Christian Doctrine

Tuesdays from 18 January 2011

Introduces students to the Christian understanding of God, creation and humanity as they examine the classical Christian creeds.

Tutor: Iain Lane

Venue: Marlborough Road Methodist Church

Dates: Tuesdays 18 January 2011 to 29 March (no session on 22 February)

Time: 8.00 pm Cost: £150     Credits: 10 credits

Option: Great Themes in Christian Doctrine & Literature

Wednesdays from 22 September 2010

Participants will examine some of Christian theology’s important themes through the lenses of some key writers of literature in English.

Tutor: Dr Dave Dickinson

Venue: Marlborough Road Methodist Church

Dates: Wednesdays 22 September to 1 December (no session on 27 October)

Time: 8.00 pm Cost: £150     Credits: 10 credits

Option: The World’s Great Religions: Ethics & Early Thought

Wednesdays from 19 January 2011

Focusing on Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity. and Islam. This course is an introduction to the foundations of ethics and to some of the early intellectual thought in each of these religions.

Tutor: Dr Karim Esmail, University of Cambridge Venue: The Education Centre, St Albans Abbey

Dates: Wednesdays 19 January 30 March (no session on 9 March, Ash Wednesday)

Time: 8.00 pm Cost: £150     Credits: 10 credits

Option: The Life & Teaching of St Paul

Tuesdays from 18 January 2011

A detailed study of the letters of Paul in the Bible, exploring his life and theology.

Tutor: Dr Dennis Stamps, Venue: The Chapter House, St Albans Abbey

Dates: Tuesdays 18 January 2011 to 29 March (no session on 22 February)

Time: 8.00 pm Cost: £150     Credits: 10 credits

Enrolment and further information