Section outline

  • An accessible online course from Emmanuel Theological College, designed for people taking their first steps into studying theology and the Bible. The aim is to grow in knowledge and understanding, and to be able to talk about your faith with confidence. Emmanuel's stated position is that good theological education should reach everyone without geographical, academic, ethnic, social or economic barriers, and the course is built for people who previously thought study was beyond them.

    Delivered by
    Emmanuel Theological College
    Level
    Level 1 to 2 (proposed)
    Cost
    £50 per course
    Format
    Online, eight weeks a term

    Who it is for

    Anyone wanting a first step into theology, with no prior study assumed. Also used by vocations advisers as an early step for people beginning to explore a call, and by existing lay ministers wanting to deepen their grounding.

    How it runs

    Each term is an eight-week course, held online, typically on Monday evenings, with sessions lasting two hours. Teaching is shared across a range of Emmanuel staff using a variety of creative methods. One full course costs £50 per person, booked through Ticket Tailor. Modules run on a rolling three-year curriculum, so a topic comes round again rather than being missed for good.

    Where and when

    Online. Three modules run each year, in the spring, autumn and winter terms.

    Modules coming up

    Module Dates
    Prayer: Living Life Encountering God 27 April to 6 July 2026
    Faith to Live By: Growing Faith 28 September to 30 November 2026
    Mission Possible: Meaning and Purpose of the Church 18 January to 15 March 2027
    Recently run, showing how the cycle turns
    Module Dates
    Doctrine of God: Gazing at God in Worship January to March 2026
    The Bible: Reading and Studying the Bible in the Best Way September to December 2025
    Brave New Church April to July 2025
    Soteriology: What Jesus Did at the Cross January to March 2025
    The Person of God the Holy Spirit September to December 2024
    Still to confirm

    Whether the diocese funds or subsidises places, and who records attendance for reporting. Module topics rotate each term, so the list above will need refreshing.