Explore part-time study
If you live in the Bristol area and want to engage in theological study alongside your current work, church, or family commitments, why not consider joining us part time?
Part-time study can be a great way to incorporate your studies into a busy life. We offer our part-time students free and convenient on-site parking, and classes are taught by the same tutors who instruct our full-time students. All of our undergraduate programmes are validated by the University of Durham, and postgraduate programmes are validated by the University of Aberdeen.
If it’s part-time ordination training you are interested in, click here.
What type of part-time student would you like to become?
- Would you like to work towards a Certificate in Theology, Ministry and Mission or a Foundation Award? Would you like simply to register for one module at a time, whenever a topic comes up that grabs your interest? For more information about these options, email our part-time admissions team or call 0117 968 0253.
- Would you like to work towards completing one of our other validated qualifications at an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate level as a part-time student? For more information about these options, email admissions@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk or call 0117 968 0254.
- Are you considering part-time ordination training? Find out more through the link about training for ordination at Trinity.
Scholarships
We offer several fully-funded scholarships for full- and part-time study, particularly aimed at those who might struggle to meet the cost of fees or are otherwise disadvantaged. The scholarships, available in partnership with the Relay Trust, are for candidates who either live in the South-West or are intending to serve there.
We particularly welcome applications from candidates of a UKME background or other under-represented groups and those with learning difficulties. We will provide comprehensive study support to any students on Relay Scholarships.
All applicants with a connection with the South-West will be automatically considered for a Relay Scholarship. Any enquiries should be directed to admissions@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk.
Take a look at Trinity’s programme options…
The Foundation Award
Validated by Durham University, the Foundation Award consists of 60 credits, which can be completed in one or two years.
Foundation Award students can choose modules from those offered for the 120-credit Certificate programme. It is possible to register for the Foundation Award and to carry those credits towards the Certificate if you decide you want to continue into further study. This is a more flexible option for those with limited time available. Foundation Award students participate in an induction session and receive some help with study skills.
This course is ideal for those who wish to begin studying theology while continuing in full- or part-time work. Most of our part-time students enrol because they want to explore their Christian faith, deepen their knowledge of God, and better understand how to apply his Word to the world around them, for the sake of their Christian life and practice, and to equip them for ministry.
TUESDAY EVENINGS AND FREE PARKING
Foundation and Certificate classes are taught on Tuesday evenings during term time. We offer all students free and convenient on-site parking. Lectures start at 7.15pm and run until 9.20pm with a coffee break. If you’d like, you can join fellow part-time students for supper in the dining hall at 6pm and also join us for a short service at 6.40pm before classes begin.
WHO TEACHES OUR PART-TIME PROGRAMME?
All of our classes for part-time students are taught by the same faculty members who teach our full-time students.
MODULES OFFERED
Modules are taught by Trinity College and Bristol Baptist College faculty and include: Old Testament Introduction, New Testament Introduction, Introduction to Aspects of Pastoral Care, Elements of Ministry and Mission in Context, Introduction to Church History, Brief Introduction to Christian Doctrine, Introduction to Ethics, and Introducing Theological Reflection.
QUALIFICATIONS
Students need at least 1 A-level or equivalent to enrol; relevant work experience may be considered. Applicants will need to demonstrate their potential to benefit from study at this level.
If you have any further questions, please contact Jo Norman: jo.norman@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk or on 0117 968 0253.
Certificate in Theology, Ministry and Mission
This programme is validated by Durham University. The Certificate is the equivalent of the first year of a three-year degree course, with modules being taught at Level 4.
WHO IS IT FOR?
This course is ideal for those wishing to begin studying theology. With careful time management, it is possible to study alongside a full- or part-time job. The part-time student community consists of a mixture of ages and church backgrounds. A few will be preparing for Anglican Ordination but most will be wanting to explore their Christian faith and deepen their knowledge of God to equip them for their current or future ministry.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
All students will complete taught modules totalling 120 credits. This can be completed in two or three years but a minimum of 40 credits must be achieved each year. It is taught on Tuesday evenings during term time. Lectures start at 7.15pm and run until 9.20pm with a coffee break. Students can choose to come for supper at 6pm and also join us for a short service at 6.40pm.
Modules are taught by Trinity College and Bristol Baptist College faculty.
It is also possible to study for a Foundation Award, consisting of 60 credits which can be completed in one or two years. You would choose your modules from those offered for the 120-credit Certificate programme. It is possible to register for the Foundation Award and to carry those credits towards the Certificate if you decided you wanted to continue into further study. This is a more flexible option for those with limited time available. Foundation Award students also participate in an induction session and receive some help with study skills.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED?
At least one A-level or equivalent. Relevant work experience may be considered. Applicants will need to demonstrate their potential to benefit from study at this level. The Certificate provides the ideal foundation to theology and, should you be considering the possibility of studying towards an MA in the long term, it best translates into studying at MA level (as long as the mark obtained in the Certificate meets Durham’s minimum requirement, and you have a previous degree in any discipline of at least a 2.1).
TIME MANAGEMENT
Part-time study will require about the same amount of work as a part-time job, so you will need to plan your time accordingly.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Please contact Jo Norman with any questions: jo.norman@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk or 0117 968 0253.
Diploma
The Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission can take three or four years to complete when studied part time and is accredited by Durham University.
Most Trinity students are over the age of 21; however, if you’re a school leaver who is interested in studying with us then just get in touch with our admissions team who will talk with you about your options. Although most candidates will need to have at least two A levels, or equivalent, greater weight is placed on references, interviews and other evidence of motivation and academic ability.
International students need to have an IELTS (International English Language Test Score) of 6.5 and the English language test must have been taken within the last two years.
The Diploma is assessed at Levels 4 and 5 and you’re required to take enough modules to add up to 240 credits. Take a look at our sample module list for an idea of the topics with which you may engage.
Teaching, learning, and support >
What assessment methods does Trinity use in this programme? >
What happens after your programme? >
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Theology, Ministry and Mission can take four, five or six years to complete when studied part time and is accredited by Durham University.
Most Trinity students are over the age of 21; however, if you’re a school leaver who is interested in studying with us then just get in touch with our admissions team who will talk with you about your options. Although most candidates will need to have at least three A levels, or equivalent, greater weight is placed on references, interviews and other evidence of motivation and academic ability.
International students need to have an IELTS (International English Language Test Score) of 6.5 and the English language test must have been taken within the last two years.
The BA (Hons) is assessed at Levels 4, 5 and 6 and you’re required to take enough modules to add up to 360 credits (120 credits in each year of study). Take a look at our sample module list for an idea of the topics with which you may engage.
Teaching, learning, and support >
What assessment methods does Trinity use in this programme? >
Graduate Diploma
The Graduate Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission can take two or three years to complete when studied part time and is accredited by Durham University.
This programme is most suitable for someone who has completed either a diploma or foundation degree in theology and is looking to progress towards the MA. We only offer the Graduate Diploma to students who have completed 240 credits of theology elsewhere. International students need to have an IELTS (International English Language Test Score) of 6.5, and the English language test must have been taken within the last two years.
The GradDip is assessed at Levels 5 and 6 and you’re required to take enough modules to add up to 120 credits. Take a look at our sample module list for an idea of the topics with which you may engage.
Teaching, learning, and support >
What assessment methods does Trinity use in this programme? >
What happens after your programme? >
Postgraduate Diploma
The Postgraduate Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission can take two or three years to complete when studied part time and is accredited by Durham University.
To qualify for entry to the PGDip you need:
> a first-class or upper-second degree in theology or a closely related discipline
or
> a Graduate Diploma in Theology
or
> a first-class or upper-second degree in a non-theological discipline plus a Certificate in Theology with an overall average of at least 60%
International students need to have an IELTS (International English Language Test Score) of 7 and the English language test must have been taken within the last two years.
The PGDip is assessed at Levels 6 and 7 and you’re required to take enough modules to add up to 120 credits. (If you only complete 60 credits then you can still leave with a Postgraduate Certificate). Take a look at our sample module list for an idea of the topics with which you may engage.
Master of Arts
The Master of Arts in Theology, Ministry and Mission can take two or three years to complete when studied part time and is accredited by Durham University.
To qualify for entry to the MA you need:
> a first-class or upper-second degree in theology or a closely related discipline
or
> a Graduate Diploma in Theology
or
> a first-class or upper-second degree in a non-theological discipline plus a Certificate in Theology with an overall average of at least 60%
International students need to have an IELTS (International English Language Test Score) of 7 and the English language test must have been taken within the last two years.
The MA is assessed at Levels 6 and 7 and you’re required gain 180 credits: 120 through taught modules and 60 through a 15,000-word dissertation. Take a look at our sample module list for an idea of the topics with which you may engage.
Open Evenings
An open evening is a great way to learn more about our part-time courses. Our next one is will be in the early summer 2024; keep checking back to find out the date.
Please get in touch with jo.norman@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk if you would like to discuss prospective study further.