Postgraduate study in Theology, Ministry and Mission
Our postgraduate programme is the ideal next step for graduates, with pathways that will deepen your engagement with the Lord and his word, stretch you academically, and lead you into profound areas of application to life and ministry. It also provides a foundation for those looking to head into more academic research and work in the future.
Each course can be taken either full-time or part-time.
All programmes are subject to validation by Durham University as part of the Common Awards Framework.
Programmes
| 1 semester full time | 1 year part time | 60 credits |
The PGCert is a short course primarily aimed at theology graduates in the UK or overseas serving in ministry who are thinking about further study or looking for continuing professional development.
There is no research/dissertation requirement for the PGCert.
Students choose three modules from a range including topics such as:
- Advanced hermeneutics
- Old Testament and New Testament
- The doctrine of justification
- Leadership and ministry
- Complex issues in pastoral care
- There's also the option to continue or begin study of a biblical language
Availability of these modules if studying in one semester is dependent on timetabling. You can begin the PgCert in either September or January if taking in one semester.
What modules will I take?
The PGCert consists of 60 credits. Students must take a minimum of 40 credits at Level 7 and can take a maximum of 20 credits at Level 6 (or biblical language modules at levels 4 and 5).
You can view a sample module list which gives an idea of other modules you may study at Oak Hill. This document outlines what are compulsory and elective modules.
| 1 year full time | 2 years part time | 120 credits |
The PGDip is taught over one year full-time and two years part-time.
Unlike the MA it does not require a research component although all students will study a module looking at Research and Reflection.
Students choose five modules from a range including topics such as:
- Advanced hermeneutics
- Old Testament and New Testament
- The doctrine of justification
- Leadership and ministry
- Complex issues in pastoral care
- There's also the option to continue or begin study of a biblical language
What modules will I take?
The PGDip consists of 120 credits. Students must take a minimum of 90 credits at Level 7, and can take a maximum of 30 credits at Level 6 (or biblical language modules at levels 4 and 5).
You can view a sample module list which gives an idea of other modules you may study at Oak Hill. This document outlines what are compulsory and elective modules.
| 1 year full time | 2 years part time | 180 credits |
The MA allows students to study a range of biblical, theological and practical topics at an advanced level, and to undertake an extended piece of research on a topic of their choosing.
It is taught over one year full-time and two years part-time. The full-time programme is a 12 month period of study running from September to August. The part-time programme is over 22-24 months.
All students complete a module in Research and Reflection and a Dissertation of 15,000 words.
In addition students elect to study modules from a range of topics such as:
- Advanced hermeneutics
- Old Testament and New Testament
- The doctrine of justification
- Leadership and ministry
- Complex issues in pastoral care
- There's also the option to continue or begin study of a biblical language
Church of England ordinands can take this course over two years due to the additional modules required for their studies. Read more about how the MA ordination pathway works here.
What modules will I take?
The MA consists of 180 credits. Students must take 150 credits at Level 7 and can take a maximum of 30 credits at Level 6, or biblical language modules at levels 4 and 5.
You can view a sample module list which gives an idea of other modules you may study at Oak Hill. This document outlines what are compulsory and elective modules.
Part-time study
Part time study allows students to remain more rooted in their existing churches, communities or jobs whilst training at Oak Hill.
Lectures take place on various days throughout the week. We recommend 2-3 days are set aside each week for study.
In-class learning involves lectures, seminars, discussions, worked examples and presentations. Out-of-class study involves reading, reflecting, researching, writing assignments, group projects and revision for exams.
Assessment
Written assignments comprise the majority of assessments for the Certificate, Diploma and MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission, and most of these are essays, but they also include other written assessments like reflective journals and book reviews. Students may also have some oral presentations.
Who are our courses for?
Entry Requirements
For all postgraduate courses:
- Normally a 2:1 honours degree in a subject relevant to the proposed course of study.
- Normally students will need a good degree (or other Level 6 qualification, such as a Graduate Diploma) in Theology.
- Graduates (classed as first-class or 2:1 honours) in other disciplines with experience of Theology or Religious Studies to at least FHEQ Level 4 (undergraduate Certificate level, awarded with credit or distinction, or with an overall mark of at least 60%) may also be admitted to the programme.
- However especially for mature students (those aged 25 and over) prior professional experience will be taken into account as well as educational qualifications.
- Given its professional development orientation, students are likely to be preparing for a ministerial or related vocation or be actively engaged in such a ministry.
Click here to look at equivalent entry requirements.
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 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any component.
You can find out more about equivalent qualifications here.
International Students
Students need the right to study in the UK for our postgraduate programmes.
Oak Hill College is not on the UK government’s Register of Licensed Sponsors and so is unable to sponsor migrants under the Student route of the points-based immigration system. The College therefore cannot accept applications from individuals who need a student visa in order to study in the UK.
Students may potentially study the PGCert in one semester on a visitor visa.
Find out more here or within our Admissions Policy.
How much will it cost?
Full time: £10,350
Part time: £4,980 (payable for each of two years)
See our fee sheet for more information.
Full time: £10,850
Part time: £5,200 (payable for each of two years)
See our fee sheet for more information.
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. Check all the key dates to ensure you apply in good time; and see what's involved to ensure you give yourself enough time to complete the application. We interview all applicants who meet the basic admissions criteria.
Please note interviews will only be arranged once a sending minister reference has been completed.
Standard applications close on Friday 30 May 2025 (12noon) and non standard and APL applications close on Wednesday 7 May 2025 (12noon).
2. Interview day
An interview day includes an interview with a faculty member, an opportunity to hear more about our programmes and ethos, to discuss your accommodation needs and financial situation, and to chat with current students. You can also join in chapel when it's on. We offer a mixture of in-person interview dates and Zoom interview dates.
3. Offer
Normally you should expect to hear from us within five working days of your interview day as to whether we are offering you a place.
4. Accept offer and apply for accommodation and bursary
Let us know by the agreed date whether you’d like to accept the offer.
When applications open for accommodation and bursaries we will be in touch. These can be applied for when you have accepted the offer.
5. Meet conditions
We may place certain conditions on your offer and you will need to respond appropriately if this is the case.
6. Assured place
Once you’ve accepted an offer and met any conditions, you’ll be given an assured place. This means you can then be formally considered for College accommodation when applications open.
7. Preparing for arrival
From late June/early July we'll give you your Oak Hill email account details so that you can access online a wealth of new student welcome information. At that point you will be asked to complete various forms.
"Whether in the classroom, your study, the library, or when you're just relaxing: Jesus is with us in every moment. Every aspect of our lives is training and equipping us for his glory.
Benson Lai, current student