Theological Study
Our independent students are those Trinity students not currently training for ordination in the Church of England, but seeking theological education for a wide variety of reasons and vocational goals.
"Coming to Trinity College Bristol as an independent student has been so spiritually uplifting. The focus on spiritual life helps every student deepen their own relationship and journey with God, alongside fantastic academic support provided by everyone I meet, including fellowship with other students."
Studying at Trinity
Our independent students, study, live and worship alongside our ordinands and are just as involved in community life.
As an independent context-based student, you can pursue full- or part-time independent study at Trinity without leaving your home and current church.
Part-time independent students are able to study theology alongside other work and church commitments.
Most of our postgraduate research students are independent students.
A number of scholarships and bursaries are available for both full and part-time independent students.
If you are a bi-vocational, part-time or full-time pastor, minister, minister in training, lay minister, or church member seeking formal theological education for the first time, then the Pastor’s Development Programme at Trinity College Bristol may be just what you have been looking for.
Our programme, leading to a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Theology, Ministry and Mission, accredited by Durham University, provides a gateway to further study at BA, MA, and PhD level.
Most importantly, it is a resource designed specifically for you. You will study Scripture, doctrine, evangelism, ethics and much more, helping you develop your knowledge, skills, and confidence as part of your continuing professional development within your church context.
Year 1
Introduction to the New Testament
Introduction to Christian Doctrine
Foundations for Ministry and Mission in Context
Year 2
Introduction to the Old Testament
Evangelism in Practice
Introduction to Ethics
Introduction to Spirituality and Discipleship
INTERESTED?
Please contact Bernard at Bernard.Morris@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk
Why study theology if you aren't becoming a vicar?
At Trinity we offer a first class theological study programme, taught in an accessible way, to students who are not training for ordination. Our independent students join the Trinity community to study theology for a wide range of reasons that include:
- Church leadership outside of the Church of England. We work in partnership with Bristol Baptist College and with local non-denominational churches, and our community includes students and tutors from a mix of backgrounds.
- Those who want to teach RE, Bible studies or theology at primary, secondary, or tertiary levels. Some of our current independent students are preparing to teach RE in secondary schools, while others are accessing our postgraduate research MA and PhD options to prepare themselves to teach at university level.
- Lay leadership in the Church of England. We offer a robust theological education to those involved in teaching, preaching, working with youth and children, and engaging in mission through their churches.
- Mission work. Some of our students have felt a calling by God to serve him in mission work in the UK or overseas. As they prepare to engage with the practical and spiritual needs of others, a strong theological education provides a strong foundation for their work.
- Other. Some of our independent students have goals to become human rights activists, chaplains, or some join us simply out of a desire to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible as followers of Jesus Christ. Time spent gaining a deeper understanding of how to read your Bible and what it means to follow Jesus Christ in today’s world will never be wasted.
Programmes
Modes of Study
Come and visit us
The best way to find out if we’re the right fit for you is to come and visit us. We have several Open Days and Open Afternoons during the course of a year. If those dates don’t work for you, don’t worry – we can arrange for you to visit another time. We look forward to meeting you!