Would you like to learn more about God, the Bible and Theology?
Would you like to learn more about your faith in a supportive group?
If so, Theology for Life is for you. Theology for Life (TFL) is a degree, diploma or certificate course which helps you connect your faith with every day life. It is an accredited University course in Theology, delivered by St Padarn’s Institute and validated by the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David.
You will explore these questions:
Why does God allow suffering?
What does the music I listen to or the films I watch tell me about God?
What is the history and meaning behind our worship services?
What is the meaning of words like salvation, sin and atonement and how do they relate to my faith?
How do I make ethical decisions and how should I think about dilemmas in society like assisted dying, sexuality, human rights and the economy?
How should I read and understand the Bible for today, and for my life?
How can I help my church be more effective in mission?
What qualifications will I get?
Each year you will study three modules - each level / qualification is six modules.
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?
Each module starts with an introductory online session run by one of our lecturers (the module leader who will be an expert on the topic).
Following this you will meet in a group online for eight sessions, led by a facilitator, to discuss learning materials which the lecturer will have prepared for you. You will access all this material online.
During the term you will also meet online for a midterm seminar.
At the end of the module, you will be assessed by a variety of methods, which could be a presentation, report, reflection or essay.. For the final two years (level 6 – to gain the BTh) the course is run on a weekday evening on Zoom. Throughout the term, your facilitator, the module leader and the staff at St Padarn’s will be available to help you.
FAQ's
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 om our series on Commissioned Ministries or Jesus Shaped Life
Fees
Level
Church in Wales learners (annually)
Non-Church in Wales Learners (annually)
4
£153
£381
5
£381
£1144
6
£381
£1144
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:
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
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.
For more information and to register an interest in the course please contact us on:
