BA (Hons) in Practical Theology (Children and Family Ministry)

(Course subject to validation)

This BA Honours degree in Practical Theology (Children and Family Ministry) offers a qualification for those wishing to work in a range of contexts with children, young people and their families. Some students will work in church communities as part of the ministry team but others are based in the community in a range of Christian and non faith-based projects.

The course helps you to expand your knowledge of the development of children in their communities, supporting them as they grow physically, emotionally, spiritually and in their faith.

Combining interactive and creative teaching days with practical application in ministry settings, the course is designed to support the development of your knowledge, skills and abilities to engage with young people in churches, community and statutory settings both professionally and imaginatively.

Studying on this programme will enable you to gain:

• Essential knowledge of the Christian faith through key theological disciplines, and the ability to relate this understanding to youth and community work practice
• A grounding in relevant social sciences such as psychology, sociology and cultural studies and the ability to relate these to the world of the child
• An in-depth understanding and practice of community and church based youth work
• Core skills as a children and family ministry practitioner
• Broader experience of children and family work, through the completion of two pieces of alternative practice in community and/or statutory settings
• A range of transferrable skills including independent and creative thinking, self-organisation, team-working, communication, project management, etc of interest to employers.

Learning in, and from practice

For the duration of the course, you will be placed in a church or other appropriate setting where your professional formation as a Christian Youth and Community Worker be rooted in ongoing practice.

You will also engage in 1-1 tutorials with experienced professionals, and participate in small group activities that, together, support the application of learning within your practice and attend to your personal and professional formation.

Academic and Pastoral Support

You will receive support from a dedicated line manager and other colleagues within these contexts, as well as a dedicated team within the theological college who oversee all aspects of your studies.

Alongside the interactive lectures and seminars, you will be part of a facilitated peer formation group and are supported internally by a personal tutor and externally by an experienced practitioner in the field.