Foundation Award in Theology, Ministry and Mission
Build foundations for faith and future ministry
Subject to validation
Try our Taster Module |
Curious about studying with us? Start with our Taster Module — no commitment required.
From September to December 2025, you can take our first module, Foundations of the Christian Life, at a special discounted rate of £300.
This stand-alone module offers a rich introduction to the course experience, with no difference in teaching, content, or support to our full programmes. If you successfully pass the module, you’ll have the option to progress seamlessly onto the full Foundation Award*.
Apply today through our online portal. Once we receive your application, we’ll be in touch to confirm whether you’re planning to take just the taster or the full award.
*Subject to successfully passing the first module and any required approval from Durham University.
Course description
The Foundation Award in Theology, Ministry and Mission is a validated, affordable and flexible course providing an introduction to theological study.
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 some credits counting towards future programmes.
But with its flexibility, it opens up theological education to anyone who simply wants to grow in their faith and learn more about how to teach and equip others.
How does it work?
Operating online, you can take it whenever it suits you, wherever you are, alongside your current work. You’ll have a mix of study by yourself and in community with others.
The course is studied using our online learning platform with courses taught by Oak Hill faculty through a mixture of videos, readings, discussions and assessments. Students will be part of a cohort of others, led by a tutor.
Studying three 10 week modules a year, we recommend 8-10 hours per week for each module, meaning you can study one day a week, over a weekend or a number of evenings.
The first cohort will begin in September 2025.
What will I learn?
You will take six 10-credit modules over the two years looking at topics like:
- Foundations for the Christian Life
- Foundations for Knowing God
- Foundations for Reading the Bible
- Foundations for Understanding an Old or New Testament Book
- Foundations for Mission and Evangelism
- Foundations for Discipling Others
Official module titles
- Introduction to Spirituality and Discipleship
- Methods of Reading the Bible
- Brief Introduction to Christian Doctrine
- Introduction to a New Testament book
- Introduction to Growing Faith
- Elements of Mission and Evangelism
Assessment
Each module has a variety of assessments which will include regular contributions to online discussion forums.
The award is a pass/fail and will be assessed by an Oak Hill tutor.
Who is it for?
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.
Academic requirements
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.
English Language requirements
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 here.
International Students
As this is an online course, international students are eligible to apply without needing a student visa.
Fees
2025/6 fees
The full cost of the award over 2 years is £3,000 with a possibility to pay in instalments.
In our first year we are offering a 40% discount on the first module. This means you will pay £2,800 if you begin in September 2025 and complete the award.
Significant discounts are available for groups/organisations. Please do get in touch with us if you would like to discuss this or if finance is a barrier to you applying.
Fees include the Durham registration fee, online library access and access to all the materials on the course through our virtual learning environment.
How do I apply?
Have a read of our 'Getting ready to apply' page and then:
1. Submit application
Use our application portal to apply. You can fill it all in at once or save your progress as you go.
Check all the key dates to ensure you apply in good time.
We require a reference for everyone on the Foundation Award, and at our discretion, may request an online interview.
The deadline for applications for a September start is 30 May for non standard (if you do not meet the entry requirements) and 30 June for standard applications.
2. Offer
Normally you would expect to hear from us within 5 working days of your reference being received (unless an interview is required) as to whether we are offering you a place.
3. Accept offer
Let us know whether you'd like to accept the offer.
4. Prepare to start
You'll be given access to your Oak Hill email account and our online learning environment at least a month before the first week of your course. Here you'll be able your new student welcome information.
This programme is subject to validation by Durham University as part of the Common Awards Framework.
The Foundation Award offers the quality and the depth of learning and teaching that we have here at Oak Hill, but in the comfort of your own study, home, dining room.
Robin Barfield
Lecturer in Practical Theology