Ordination training

At St John's we believe that we have a distinctive approach to training. In the first place, all our teaching takes place in mixed level groups. This means that in many classes you will be learning alongside others who are taking the same subject as you but at a different academic level. We believe that anyone studying at St John's brings a range of insights, and we have much to learn from each other. And of course anyone in ministry will be working with people with a range of backgrounds, so this is good preparation.

In order to enable this, we aim to be creative in our approach to teaching. This means working with lectures, small group discussions, audio-visual material and seminars. Students here do not sit in serried ranks! This enables us to take account of the variety of learning styles that there always will be amongst a group of students.

Together, this allows us to be flexible in the courses we offer. We aim to take full account of the prior learning students bring, whether from previous study in theology or another subject, or experience of ministry.

Course Options

Full-time training usually lasts for three years for those under 32 and for two years for those over 32, or two years for theology graduates of any age.

The undergraduate programme (for those who do not have a degree in another subject) allows the completion of a Diploma after two years and a degree after three. Those completing two years full time can easily convert their Diploma to a degree by taking modules in our in-service study weeks during curacy.

The graduate programme consists of a Graduate Certificate in theology in the first year, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma or (with the completion of a dissertation) a Masters in Theology. Three-year graduates then have the option of a creative college course, an MA in the Theology of Mission and Ministry, or commencing research.

Those who are already theology graduates have a tailor-made course, usually including the completion of an MTh, but with the possibililty of research study if appropriate.

Mixed Mode Training

Our Mixed Mode course continues to be unique in the country, integrating as it does the two parts of initial ministerial training. The study element is in three stages:

· Stage 1: distance learning CertHE in Theology and Vocation, or equivalent;

· Stage 2: four 5-week periods in college alongside full-time ordinands over two years;

· Stage 3: shorter residential periods over a further two years, together with specialized learning.

The practical element alongside this involves being licensed to a lay curacy, with ordination taking place during the course. At the end of five or six years, Mixed Mode students are ready for a post of first responsibility.

Academic Office 0115 968 3216 or send an email

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