Learning Support
Moodle
Safeguarding
Key Points
Study Theology Online.
Deepen your faith. Apply it to everyday life
- An online part-time degree, diploma or certificate course
- Accredited University course in Theology, delivered by St Padarn’s Institute and validated by the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David.
Is the course right for me?
Is the course rigtht for me?
✓ Grow in faith
✓ Understand the Bible more deeply
✓ Learn alongside others
✓ Study flexibly around life and work
✓ Gain an accredited qualification
What will i learn?
What will I learn?
- More about the Bible and how to understand Scripture
- Key Beliefs
- Ethics, faith and society
- Mission, Church and Discipleship
- Theology, Culture and faith in today's world
What Qualifications will i get?
What qualifications will I get?
Each year you will study three modules – a qualification is gained after 6 modules are completed.
Study part time for 2 years and you could gain a certificate in Theology
Study part-time for 4 years and you could gain a diploma in Theology
Study for 6 years and you could gain a degree - BTh in Theology for Discipleship, Ministry and Mission
How are the modules taught?
How are the modules taught?
Introductory online session run by one of our academic tutors.
- Level 4 and 5 will meet in an online group on a weekday evening of your choice, and these sessions will be led by one of our facilitators.
- Level 6 will meet online with the part-time cohort on a Tuesday evening. These sessions will be led by the module tutor.
At each level, all learning materials will be available to you via our VLE – Moodle.
Midterm Seminar
- You will also meet online for a midterm seminar with the module tutor.
Assesment
- At the end of the module, you will be assessed on your learning. We assess learners through a variety of assessment types (learning journals, essays, presentations, reports, reflections) and you will be supported by your module tutor in the completion of this assessment.
Example of modules you will study
Level 4
Introducing Anglican Worship
Introducing Christian Mission
Introducing Practical Theology
Introducing Christian Doctrine
Introducing the Old Testament
Introducing the New Testament
Level 5
Exploring Biblical Interpretation
Exploring Christian Doctrine
Exploring Missional Church
Exploring Welsh Christianity in Context: Past, Present, and Future
Exploring a Canonical Reading of Scripture
Exploring Christian Ethics
Level 6
Engaging Christology from the New Testament to the Creeds
Engaging Sacramental Theology and Mission
Engaging in Research in Theology
Engaging in Theology and Contemporary Culture
Engaging with Global Christian Mission
Engaging Theology, Church, and Identity in
Post-Devolution Wales
Fees for 2026-27
| Level | Fees 2026-27 Church in Wales learners (annually) | Fees 2026-27 Non-Church in Wales learners (annually) |
| 4 | 159 | 395 |
| 5 | 395 | 1187 |
| 6 | 395 | 1187 |
FAQ's
Who is it for?
The BTh (Theology for Life) is for anyone who wants to deepen their faith and learn more about theology. You will need to be reasonably confident using computers and the internet. You will also need to be someone who would benefit from thinking about faith more ‘academically’ i.e. you enjoy discussing ideas with others and are willing to be challenged by your reading and thinking. Questions to ask yourself would be:
- Do I have the time?
- Am I willing to explore my beliefs deeply, and ask difficult questions?
- Am I willing to listen to other people and take on board their views?
- Am I willing to learn?
- Even if I’m nervous, am I willing to learn how to write academically – be critical (in the right way), develop an argument, enjoy my reading and writing?
- Am I comfortable using a computer, using the internet, reading ebooks and submitting work online?
Can I follow the course in Welsh?
The course is delivered in English, although you can have a personal tutor who is Welsh speaking, and you can be assigned to a Welsh facilitated group, and submit your assignments in Welsh.
Can I do the course full-time?
Only those who have been formally accepted for ministry training with the Church in Wales and sponsored by their bishop can follow the course full-time.
I am exploring my vocation with the Church in Wales, can I start the course?
Yes. If you are in a formal process with the Church in Wales or about to start, please do speak to your Director of Vocations. Please remember, however, that this is only one part of the training for ministry. Once you have been sponsored by a bishop to train, there is much more to training for ministry than just theological learning. Please look at the Formation for Licensed Ministry programme on this website for more information. Normally, even if you have been doing Theology for Life for a while, we will help you reach the next level of qualification when you start training for ministry.
Do speak to us for more advice if you’re in the discernment process. It is helpful for those hoping to train part time that they have completed one year of TFL, it helpful for those who are hoping to train full time that they have completed a level (and are not half way through a level) before starting to train. Do get in touch for more advice, as it will vary from situation to situation.
I have started to think about a vocation in the Church in Wales since joining the course.
Great! Do speak to your priest and they can support you in thinking this through and taking discussions to the next stage within your diocese.
I am interested in the course but haven’t done any studying since school. I feel very nervous about it.
Many people feel like this as they start the course. Do look out for the study skills help we offer. You can also ask for extra tutorial support - we have a tutor whose role is to help with study skills and learning support. We are here to help!
Do you have formal entry requirements?
- Although we do have formal requirements (if you are under 21 you should have at least 64 UCAS Tariff Points)
- as most of our students are over 21 we then take into account your experience and commitment to the course. In some cases we may ask for a short written statement.
Our admissions policy can be found by clicking on the policies button at the bottom of the page.
What is the time commitment?
You will be meeting each week for two hours in your facilitated learning group (for eight sessions per term). There are also two, two-hour sessions with everyone studying the module (an introductory session and a mid-term session, online, per term. You will be expected to prepare for each learning group meeting and you will also need time to write the assignments. Each module takes around 200 hours of teaching and self-study to complete.
I have a learning difference, or I suspect I may have a learning difference
We can help you to get a diagnosis and access help. Please let us know early and we can start working with you to access the support you may need. Help might include applying for the Disabled Students Allowance to enable you to buy equipment or access further support.
I already have some qualifications in theology, but I am also interested in doing this course
Let us know early and we may be able to work with you in order to get some of your prior learning recognised by the University.
What can I do to prepare?
Please come along to our taster course. Think carefully about whether you have the time to devote to study, and clear some time in your diary for next year.
I’d like to learn more about my faith, but I don’t want to do an academic course.
Please speak to your priest. Your church may run local groups you can join. Many churches have bible study groups or run courses such as Alpha to help people learn more about the Christian faith. We also have other courses – please look on our website. You may be interested in our series on Commissioned Ministries
Course fees are invoiced by the Representative Body and you can set up a payment plan to spread the cost. If paying is a problem, let your tutor know and we may be able to help.
Students may be eligible for grants through Student Finance. To find out please contact Student Finance for the home nation where you usually live:
English Students: https://www.gov.uk/apply-online-for-student-finance
Welsh Students: https://www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/
Scottish Students: https://www.saas.gov.uk/
N Irish Students: https://www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/
Enrolment
You can view the University of Wales Trinity St David Student Enrolment Agreement here
Accredited theological study is a requirement for most licensed ministries in the Church in Wales. Other careers which may be open to you with a theology degree are:
- Chaplain
- Higher Education Lecturer
- Primary School Teacher or Secondary School Teacher.
Some of the above may need further qualifications
Theology graduates may also go on to a wide range of careers such as the police, administration in the private and public sectors, human resources and retail or hotel management.
How do I apply