The Foundation Award in Theology, Ministry and Mission is a validated, affordable and flexible course providing an introduction to theological study. Students can use it as a stepping stone into further study, with credits counting towards future programmes.
All programmes are validated by Durham University as part of the Common Awards Scheme.
Operating online, you can take it whenever it suits you, wherever you are, alongside your current work. The course uses our innovative online learning platform with courses taught by Oak Hill faculty.
Students will be part of a learning cohort with others, led by a tutor. You’ll have a mix of study by yourself and in community with others.
Studying three 10 week modules a year, we recommend 8-10 hours per week for each module, which can be divided how you wish.
Over the duration of this course, you'll complete six 10-credit modules, designed to build a strong understanding of Christian life and ministry. These modules will equip you with essential skills for interpreting The Bible and understanding Old or New Testament books, alongside practical training in mission, evangelism, and effective discipleship.
Modules are taught in three terms each year with breaks within modules for half-terms and holidays:
September - December
January - March
April - June
Students are able to carry forward up to 30 credits as APL into the CertHE if they wish to continue their study, depending on their language module choices on the CertHE.
Foundations for the Christian Life (TMM1517 Introduction to Spirituality and Discipleship)
Foundations for Knowing God (TMM1107 Brief Introduction to Christian Doctrine)
Foundations for Reading the Bible (TMM1047 Methods of Reading the Bible)
Foundations for Understanding Isaiah (TMM1607 Introduction to an Old Testament Book)
Foundations for Mission (TMM1697 Elements of Mission and Evangelism)
Foundations for Discipling Others (TMM1717 Introduction to Growing Faith)
Taking in a wide breadth of Christian theology it’s the perfect place to start if you’ve not studied theology before or want to develop your thinking further following initial training courses. Students can use it as a stepping stone into further study, with credits counting towards future programmes.
Each student needs a reference from their church, then:
Normally a minimum of one A Level (grade E or above) or equivalent.
However for mature students (those aged 21 and over) relevant work experience may be considered as an alternative to formal academic qualifications.
Applicants whose first language is not English must satisfy the College that they have a sufficient command of spoken and written English to meet the demands of their chosen programme. IELTS Academic or equivalent is therefore required at 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any component.
You can find out more about equivalent qualifications, along with details about any exemptions, here.
As this is an online course, international students are eligible to apply without needing a student visa.
Applications for September 2026 entry will open in January.
Closing date applications - Friday 3 July 2026 (12 noon)
Other important dates - including interview days and bursary application dates can be found here.
The first module of the Foundation Award (Foundations of the Christian Life) costs £300 and can be treated as a Taster Module.
The full programme is £2,800 over the two years of the programme with a possibility to pay in instalments.
Fees include the Durham registration fee, online library access and access to all the materials on the course through our virtual learning environment.
We also have a bursary for those who attend smaller churches available for this programme.
I've loved the flexibility and depth of study of the Foundation Award. God has really been using it to work in my heart and I've enjoyed working with others in community to learn and grow together.
For Teresa, the Foundation Award has been a way to study theologically deeply without leaving home.
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