Taking context seriously
One of the distinctives of studying theology at Queen’s is our determination to take context seriously – whether studying the Bible, planning worship, or engaging with local or global communities. We recognise that all theology emerges from and speaks into to a specific context – none of it is ‘neutral.’ We have particular strengths in Black and feminist theologies. Our students tell us that this is often one of the most eye-opening and exciting aspects of doing theology at Queen’s and that it helps them to get a richer and broader perspective God and faith.
Flexible and engaging learning
Our online learning modules run for 10 weeks on a termly basis, beginning October, January and April. You choose how and when you engage with the material within that time. Each module will include three or four online seminars so that learners can gather to share experiences, ask questions and explore ideas as well as receive tutor guidance.
All of our programs offer engaging and challenging modules that provide a good grounding in biblical studies, doctrine and pastoral theology as well giving you opportunities to engage directly with important contemporary issues in theology and faith. As the level of study increases, so do the opportunities to engage more deeply with diverse theological voices on key debates around race, inter-faith and gender.
You will be equipped to ask good and constructive questions about what Christians believe and how beliefs shape everyday living, and feel confident in applying your learning to your own context.
For more information look at our FAQs, or contact DLstudies@queens.ac.uk
University-validated awards (QDL)
For those who wish to get a solid grounding in theology, we offer a suite of Distance Learning programmes from levels 4 – 7 in Theology, Ministry and Mission validated by Durham University as part of the Common Awards scheme.
For further details on the various courses, and for application information, click on the particular programme options below.
Foundation Award
This one-year part-time course is especially designed for those who have not studied at a university level before. It is a level 4 introduction to study in theology, ministry and mission, and is composed of 3 x 20 credit modules.
For more details on this course, click here.
Certificate of Higher Education
This two-year part-time course is an entry level course those wanting to pursue theological study at University level.
It is a level 4 introduction to study of various aspects of theology, ministry and mission, and is composed of 6 x 20 credit modules. All study material is provided online, and it is possible to do this course anywhere in the world at a time and pace that suits you.
For more details on this course, click here.
Diploma of Higher Education
This three-year part-time course is a thorough grounding in theology, ministry and mission. It provides a solid foundation for active ministry in the Church, both lay and ordained, and satisfies those who want to take their theological studies further.
All study material is provided online, so some IT skill is necessary. You will work with your designated personal tutor and can converse with other students via Moodle, so it is possible to do this course anywhere in the world at a time and pace that suits you.
It is possible after completion of the Diploma to progress to the BA (Hons) through the two-year top-up course.
For more details on this course, click here.
Bachelor of Arts
For those who have already been awarded the Durham Diploma of Higher Education at Queen’s or elsewhere, we offer the opportunity to top-up to the Bachelor of Arts in Theology, Ministry and Mission.
The top-up course is designed for all who want to take their theological studies further, including those active in ministry, both lay and ordained. This part-time course normally takes two years to complete through the distance learning programme.
Click here for more details
Graduate Certificate
For those who wish to acquire an advanced study in theology through a short programme, we offer a Graduate Certificate in theology, ministry and mission. In this part-time course you will study level 5 and 6 modules, usually over one year, in a way that fits around your work and other commitments.
This is an accessible course designed for those who have a degree in another subject, and want to reflect on the Christian relevance of their professional & personal circumstances. Many have studied in the context of secular or church-related employment as a way to explore their vocation, and become better equipped for ministry and mission.
For more details on this course, click here.
Master of Arts
This postgraduate degree in theology, ministry and mission is an ideal opportunity for those engaged in any service in the Church, either lay or ordained, to develop their theological skills at a higher level. It is particularly suitable for those in the early years of ministry or later where sabbatical leave enables further study and reflection. It is a distance learning course designed to fit around your work and other commitments.
The MA is normally open to those with a good theology degree. Depending on your previous qualifications and experience the course can usually be completed in three years.
For more details on this course, click here.
QDL FAQs
Do I need internet and computer access?
We recommend that you have access to a laptop or desktop computer (tablets and smart phones are helpful but not as your primary device) and a reasonable broadband connection. Zoom recommends 800 Kbps (0.8 Mbps)/1.0 Mbps for group video calls which will be used for online seminars.
What form will my learning take?
Online learning primarily takes place on the Queen’s VLE (virtual learning environment) and takes a range of forms. Your course will include a selection of the following:
- Engaging with books, articles and other written resources
- Watching/listening to online audio-visual content
- Discussing topics with other students and tutors in online fora
- Completing theological reflective exercises
- Applying new information to various contexts
- Comparing and contrasting different approaches to the same topic
What support will I receive?
Support is provided in various formats:
- Student and module handbooks
- Group online seminars
- Personal tutor support via email and video call
- Formative assignments and feedback
How flexible is online learning at Queen’s?
We aim to make online learning as flexible as possible – within the set limits of the course (normally 8-10 weeks) you can study at your own pace. However, there may be a few occasions during any given module when a tutor liaises with a group of students to facilitate a group seminar.
Can I blend online and face-to-face learning?
In some cases, it may be possible. There are a number of options and a few key variables to consider. Chief among these is your availability (daytime, evening, weekend) and what this means for your ability to take part in a module that is taught in a face-to-face or gathered online mode where the learning follows a prearranged schedule. If this is an option you would like to explore, please email DLstudies@queens.ac.uk.
How long does it take to complete an academic award?
Registration periods vary according to the programme and pathway you wish to follow. See https://www.queens.ac.uk/study/programmes/registration
If English isn’t my first language, can I still apply?
Yes, you can! To comply with university regulations, we will need to see evidence of your ability to study in English at Higher Education level. Various forms of evidence are accepted, of which IELTS is the most common. If you have previously studied in English at a suitable level, this can be taken into consideration. For further details see: https://www.dur.ac.uk/learningandteaching.handbook/1/3/3/1/
If I have credits from study elsewhere, can I bring them with me and put them towards an award? It may be possible to use a portion of previously accrued credits towards a new award. If you would like to explore this, please email DLstudies@queens.ac.uk with details. For further information see https://duracuk-lb01-production.terminalfour.net/departments/academic/common-awards/policies-processes/admissions/apl-applicant-guide/
When will I be able to begin my course of study?
It is possible to enter our distance learning degree programs at two points in the year – September and January.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications for September entry is 26th August and for January entry is 25th November.
If you have further questions, please email DLstudies@queens.ac.uk
