Undergraduate study in Theology, Ministry and Mission
Our core undergraduate programmes give you a broad and deep understanding of Christian theology applied for ministry and mission.
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 year full time | 2 years part time | 120 credits |
The CertHE provides a strong foundation for theological study and spiritual growth. The CertHE is year one of our full-time undergraduate degree (or years 1-2 of the part-time degree), and can also be taken as a stand-alone qualification.
Students will study topics such as:
- Christian doctrine
- Old and New Testaments
- Biblical languages (optional)
- Church history
- Global mission in the world today
- Culture and worldview
All our undergraduate courses involve placement and reflection within a local church context. Read more about how they work here.
What modules will I take?
The CertHE consists of 120 credits with all modules taught at Level 4.
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.
Biblical Languages
The CertHE is very flexible. Students can choose to learn one or both of OT Hebrew and NT Greek. Or alternatively students have the option to take a module that helps them know enough about the languages so they can benefit from a range of Bible commentaries.
Optional Modules
At CertHE level students may take optional modules from Level 4 modules.
If studying one biblical language there will be one additional optional module available and if not studying any languages, there will be two electives available.
If studying both Biblical languages there will be no additional optional modules available to take in the CertHE year.
| 2 years full time | 4 years part time | 240 credits |
Students who successfully complete the CertHE can move onto the DipHE.
The DipHE builds on the foundations established in the CertHE, giving opportunity to delve further into foundation topics and explore additional practical topics. The DipHE is year two of our full-time undergraduate degree (or years 3-4 of the part-time degree), and can also be taken as a stand-alone qualification over one or two years, for students who've passed the CertHE.
Students will study topics such as:
- New Testament (in English or original language)
- Old Testament (in English or original language)
- Church history
- Ministry and worship
- Pastoral care
- Biblical theology
- Preaching and teaching
- Digital Theology and Ministry
What modules will I take?
The DipHE consists of 240 credits with modules taken 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.
Biblical Languages
In the DipHE all students study both Old and New Testaments, with the choice in each case either to study the English text or to continue with the original language (if they took that for the CertHE).
Optional Modules
At DipHE level students may take electives from Level 4 or 5.
In the diploma year, if continuing with one language there will be one optional module, and if not studying any languages there will be two optional modules available.
If continuing with both Biblical languages there will be no optional modules in the DipHE.
| 3 years full time | 6 years part time | 360 credits |
Students who successfully complete the DipHE can move onto the BA (Hons).
The BA (Hons) is the final part of the undergraduate course and is where students build on all they have learnt so far and really dig deep into applying it for their future contexts.
Like the DipHE, the BA (Hons) is a popular choice amongst those wishing to study theology before entering into full-time Christian ministry. A number of students each year also use the BA (Hons) as a springboard into postgraduate study.
Students study topics such as:
- In-depth study of Scripture, in either English or original languages
- Evangelism and apologetics
- Preaching and teaching
- Pastoral ministry
- Ethics
- Christian leadership
- The doctrine of God
- Ministry and mission with children and families
- Missional theology in a global context
Students get to choose between a short learning project and a longer extended project or dissertation, on a topic of their choosing.
What modules will I take?
The BA (Hons) consists of 360 credits with modules taken at levels 4, 5 and 6.
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.
Optional modules
Depending on their choice of project or dissertation, students will either choose two or three additional modules to take in their final year.
Part-time study
Part-time study allows students to remain more rooted in their existing churches, communities or jobs whilst training at Oak Hill.
All compulsory module lectures take place at Oak Hill College on Mondays and Tuesdays. For the CertHe and DipHE we commit to providing enough optional modules for part-time students to complete their programme. If studying the BA part-time, students would be expected to come in on various days within the week.
All part-time students may need to attend exams, safeguarding training and some workshops on other days in the week.
We strongly recommend a further day per week is undertaken in further study during semesters. 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 BA Theology, Ministry and Mission, and most of these are essays, but they also include other written assessments like reflective journals and book reviews. Students also have some oral presentations.
Who are our courses for?
Our undergraduate courses are for anyone wanting a rich and deep grounding in Scripture, theology and ministry. One of the blessings of studying at Oak Hill is that you'll study alongside people from a variety of different church backgrounds. This makes it a really exciting place to learn.
Spouses of students can audit (not assessed) any of our courses, up to 50% of the student’s credits for free. See our fee sheet for more information.
To find out more about Church of England ordination pathways click here.
Entry Requirements
CertHE
- 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.
DipHE
- Normally a minimum of two A Levels (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.
BA (Hons)
- Normally a minimum of three A Levels (grade E or above) or equivalent
- Graduates in other subjects may enter the BA programme.
- Students who have successfully completed the Common Awards DipHE may be admitted directly to the BA programme.
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 undergraduate 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.
Find out more here or within our Admissions Policy.
How much does it cost?
2025/6 fees
£10,350 full time
£4,980 part time
View more information in our fees sheet.
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.
“I love the fact that everyone here is so on fire for God. For the lecturers, it’s not just an academic thing, you can tell their hearts and minds and everything they live for is for God. In my first year I’ve loved looking at church history and seeing the sovereignty of God and how he has kept his church for thousands of years. I’ve been given a greater perspective on God and how much he cares for his church and each individual in it. This has led me to love God more!”
Esther Horton, current student