Explore part-time ordination training
Our part-time training gives you the ability to prepare for leadership in the Church of England alongside other work and ministry commitments.
The programme is flexible, so you can work part-time while you study. Students are able to complete diploma-level training through a combination of evening and daytime lectures.
Want to learn more about flexible ordination training at Trinity? Contact our admissions team or call 0117 968 0254.
Shape of the week
It normally takes three years to complete a part-time ordination programme.
First year: You will meet late afternoon on Tuesdays in your pastoral group, before attending evening lectures. You will also complete two block weeks at college over the course of the year.
Second year: Teaching continues on Tuesday evenings with a few modules taught on Tuesdays during the day. You will again complete two block weeks at college during the year.
Third year: All teaching takes place on Tuesdays during the day, with two block weeks during the year.
You can talk more with our admissions office to get a better picture as to what this might be like in your own situation on a practical level. Alternately, if you are seeking to consider flexible ordination training options, you can also consider our full-time dispersed learning track.
Academic programme
Those training for ordination with us on a part-time basis work towards a Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission.
The course is accredited by Durham University, and to be able to get on to the programme you’ll need to have at least two A levels or the equivalent. The diploma is assessed at Levels 4 and 5, and you’re required to complete 240 credits. Learn more about our library and learning and disability support >
Year-round contextual engagement
Your context church experience is important not just for the hands-on leadership training it gives you, but because it forms the context for your assessed learning.
In most cases, our part-time ordinands remain in their current church, and we will work with you to make sure that you have a supportive environment and good supervision from an experienced church leader.
You will meet regularly with both your supervising vicar and with a Trinity tutor to discuss your context experiences.
In addition the time spent in your context church, you will undertake a short-term church placement in a local church to help you gain ministry experiences in a different context. Read more about our partner churches.
We want you to have a holistic training experience, and so your practical experiences of ministry will inform your academic assignments for classes, and your placement church will be the environment in which you’ll have the opportunity to put into practice what you’re learning in the classroom.
Financial support
Read more about our fees here. The standard Church of England funding for ordinand tuition fees is available for you in the same way as for full-time students, although it’s expected that your living costs will be covered personally. However, you can also get a small allowance from central church funds for books and travel expenses.
If you have further questions, just get in touch with our admissions team and they’ll be happy to talk with you about the financial implications of your training.