Foundation Award in Theology, Ministry and Mission

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 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. 

Students can start the course at three points in the year: September, January or April.

You will take six 10-credit modules over the two years looking at topics like:

• Prayer and discipleship (always studied first)
• How to read and teach the Bible
• The foundations of our faith
• Evangelism and mission
• An in-depth study of a New Testament book
• A focus on a particular people group such as children and youth, refugees or the elderly.

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 

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. 

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. 

2025/6 fees

The full cost of the award over 2 years is £3,000 with a possibility to pay in instalments.

Significant discounts are available for groups/organisations or for those where finance would be a significant barrier. Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss this with us.

Fees include the Durham registration fee, online library access and access to all the materials on the course through our virtual learning environment.

More details

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.