Ways to learn with Union

Flexible | Intensive | Learning Communities | Residential | Research

Theological training that works for you

To discuss which study mode would work best for you, get in touch.

We are committed to Safeguarding, no matter which mode of study you choose. Please click here to see our pastoral framework, wellbeing measures and safeguarding policy.

Whether you study at our Ministry Centre or in a local or online Learning Community, in the classroom or by flexible delivery, Union provides you with robust theological training in the context of community.

We know the friendships formed during your studies will be invaluable throughout your ministry. Ongoing contact with our Teaching Faculty and Lead Mentors enables you to have the personal support you need, academically and theologically, to grow in your faith as well as your knowledge.

We don’t offer conventional distance learning – instead, we have a variety of delivery methods across our courses, designed to serve you whatever your life circumstances. 

Flexible

Programme: MA Theology

This Master of Arts is a US-style MA, combining theological depth with growth in your spiritual life and ministry skills.

It is flexible and self-driven, enabling you to choose your personal and vocational mentors and the pace of your study. You can stay in your local church setting and join with either a local or online learning community.

The ministry development modules are practical, and go hand-in-hand with the theology we explore throughout the programme.

Find details about our MA programme here.

Intensive block teaching

Programme: MTh in-person at the Ministry Centre, MTh Learning Community

The MTh consists of six intensive teaching blocks in August/September, January and March, and a dissertation.

The course can be taken full-time in one year or part-time between 2 and 4 years.

Attendance to in-person classes enables students to build relationships with other students and Teaching Faculty, giving you the opportunity to talk through issues raised in class and build much-needed support networks with peers, which are so valuable when in active ministry.

In-person and online Learning Communities are facilitated by a Lead Mentor.

Find details about our MTh programme here.

Learning Communities

Programmes: GDip, MTh Learning Community, Priscilla Programme

Union aims to serve the church by providing an affordable, flexible, accessible option for theological education.

Students are embedded in a spiritually formative Learning Community and are supported, either locally or online, by an experienced Lead Mentor.

Learning alongside others is vital to gospel-hearted theological education. Meeting as a community, students not only grow together theologically, but also personally and spiritually, and so are equipped for all-round gospel ministry.

GDip Learning Communities meet together for several hours each week, either locally in person or online.

MTh Learning Communities offer the programme as block-taught modules, either locally or online.

Find your nearest GDip or MTh Learning Community here.

Priscilla groups meet online once a week for 10 weeks per module, at times that are designed to fit around your work and family commitments. Find more information about the Priscilla Programme here or contact ros@churchsociety.org 

Residential

Programme: MTh in-person at the Ministry Centre

We welcome students to join us on campus for the duration of their studies. 

The MTh programme is taught in intensive block teaching weeks, 3 times a year; living on site is not essential but is an option for students taking the programme in one year full-time and wanting to immerse themselves in their studies, make use of the library facilities and get involved in the community life of the School. Find details about our MTh Campus programme here.

Research

Programme: PhD

The PhD can be completed remotely, and supervision can be done online as well as in person. As the programme is research-based, relocating to campus is far from essential for PhD students but it is an option.

Attendance to Union’s Research Conference is compulsory, and students will attend their public PhD defence in person at the end of their studies. 

Ready to apply?

View application deadlines for each course on the relevant programme pages.