Explore part-time study
Studying part-time can be a brilliant way to broaden your knowledge and understanding of the Bible whilst still fulfilling your family, work or church commitments.
We have options ranging from accessible, discussion-based courses right up to postgraduate-level teaching.
Part-time independent study in Bristol
Our part-time courses take place on Tuesday evenings in term-time (although there are some opportunities for day-time learning). The sessions start at 7.15pm and run until 9.15pm with a coffee break. You can choose to come for supper at 6pm and also join us for a short time of worship in Chapel at 6.40pm. Please scroll down to find out the various courses you can study part-time.
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 during the day. You also get access to our fantastic library.
With the exception of our Discovering Theology courses, all of our part-time courses are university-validated: our part-time undergraduate programmes are validated by the University of Durham, and postgraduate research programmes are validated by the University of Aberdeen.
See below for more information about our part-time study options, If you still have questions or would like to arrange a visit to Trinity, contact Jo Norman, our part-time administrator, at jo.norman@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk or on 0117 968 0253
What you can study as a part-time student
Talking Theology (SEP-DEC)
Do you want to think about the big questions of faith and discuss them with experts in theology, without having to write essays? Talking Theology is a discussion-based course for those who would love to dive deeper into the Bible and its significance in everyday life, without the pressure to write essays or do pre-reading. The course looks at topical issues like: violence in the Bible, sex and gender, and artificial intelligence.
PRICE £99 per term including dinner (partly sponsored by the Church of England)
Practising Theology (JAN-MAR)
Our 10-week course, “Practising Theology,” is the second 10-week course in the Discovering Theology series (note: you do not have to have attended Talking Theology to sign up for it). You “practise” theology in two senses: you practise your skills in a safe environment, and you learn about the practice of doing theology. By the end, we hope you will feel ready to step into any theological study, feeling confident, capable and composed.
This programme will cover some major theological topics, with set tasks, tailored to developing study skills for those interested in further study. All sessions are titled ‘How Christians should think about…’ and topics include: the Bible, God, being human, suffering, the church, politics, race.
PRICE: tbc
Reading the Bible (APR-JUN)
We know the Bible is important to Christian faith, but what is it? How can we read and study it well?
This 10-week course gives you a solid foundation for engaging confidently with the Bible. Through three sections — Appreciating the Bible, Situating the Bible, and Approaching the Bible — you will explore topics like translation, canon, genre, geography, history and different ways of interpreting the text.
By the end, you will have a clearer grasp of the tools and challenges involved in studying Scripture well, helping you grow in your faith and equipping you for any future study or ministry. Each session includes a lecture, some light pre-reading, and an optional reflective exercise to help you get the most from the course.
Reading the Bible takes a significant step forward toward preparing you for further study, whether in your own discipleship or via other avenues at Trinity. If you’re thinking about progressing to the Certificate in Theology, Ministry and Mission (see below), you’ll gain many of the study skills you’ll need. You do not have to have attended either Talking Theology or Practising Theology to sign up for this course.
PRICE: tbc
QUALIFICATIONS
You don’t need any particular academic qualifications to attend these courses.
HOW DO I APPLY?
For all enquiries about any of our Discovering Theology courses, please contact Jo Norman (jo.norman@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk) to find out more.
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 Certificate programme (which is 120 credits – see below). 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.
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
2026-27 Modules include:
- Christian Faith in a Technological Age
- Methods of Reading the Bible
- Introduction to the Old Testament
- Introduction to Spirituality and Discipleship
- Introduction to Christian Ethics
2027-2028 modules will include:
- Introduction to the New Testament
- Church History
- Christian Doctrine
TIME MANAGEMENT
There is a considerable amount of pre-reading each week, and there is an assignment to complete at the end of each module, so you will need to plan your time accordingly. You are very welcome to have a chat with us about how much of a time commitment is involved.
QUALIFICATIONS
Students need at least one 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. You can find our admissions policy here.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
You can find details of our fees here.
HOW DO I APPLY?
You can apply to study for a Foundation award HERE. If you are interested in auditing this course (without undertaking assignments or receiving a qualification), or if have any further questions, please contact Jo Norman: jo.norman@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk or on 0117 968 0253.
This programme is validated by Durham University. The Certificate consists of 120 credits and 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.
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.
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:
- Introduction to the Old Testament (20 credits)
- Introduction to the New Testament (20 credits)
- Elements of Ministry and Mission in Context (10 credits)
- Introduction to Christian Ethics (10 credits)
- Environmental Theology (10 credits)
- Introduction to Spirituality and Discipleship (10 credits)
- Introduction to Church History (10 credits)
- Introduction to Christian Doctrine (20 credits)
- Introduction to Black Theology (10 credits)
The 2026-27 modules will include:
- Christian Faith in a Technological Age
- Methods of Reading the Bible
- Introduction to the Old Testament
- Introduction to Spirituality and Discipleship
- Introduction to Christian Ethics
The 2027-2028 modules will include:
- Introduction to the New Testament
- Church History
- Christian Doctrine
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. You can find our admissions policy here.
The Certificate provides the ideal foundation to theology, and if you are considering studying towards an MA in the long term, it is the best first step towards it (so long as you achieve Durham University’s minimum requirement in the Certificate, and you have a previous degree in any discipline of at least a 2.1).
TIME MANAGEMENT
There is a considerable amount of pre-reading each week, and there is an assignment to complete at the end of each module, so you will need to plan your time accordingly. You are very welcome to have a chat with us about how much of a time commitment is involved.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
You can find details of our fees here.
HOW DO I APPLY?
You can apply to study for a Certificate HERE. If you are interested in auditing this course (without undertaking assignments or receiving a qualification), or if you have any further questions, please contact Jo Norman: jo.norman@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk or 0117 968 0253.
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
The Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission can take three or four years to complete when studied part time and is validated by Durham University.
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. You can find our admissions policy here.
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 lists for Level 4 and Level 5 for an idea of the topics with which you may engage.
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 validated by Durham University.
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. You can find our admissions policy here.
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 lists for Level 4, Level 5 and Level 6 for an idea of the topics with which you may engage.
The Graduate Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission can take two or three years to complete when studied part time and is validated 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. You can find our admissions policy here.
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 lists for Level 5 and Level 6 for an idea of the topics with which you may engage.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission can take two or three years to complete when studied part time and is validated 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%.
You can find our admissions policy here.
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 lists for Level 6 and Level 7 for an idea of the topics with which you may engage.
The Master of Arts in Theology, Ministry and Mission can take two or three years to complete when studied part time and is validated 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%.
You can find our admissions policy here.
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 lists for Level 6 and Level 7 for an idea of the topics with which you may engage.
Every year we host an open evening in June specifically for those interested in studying part time at Trinity.
If you have any questions about part-time study, or would like to arrange a visit, please get in touch with our part-time administrator, Jo Norman: jo.norman@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk or on 0117 968 0253.
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!