At the core of our PG Diploma lies the desire to integrate theology and ministry in a way that enriches both. This integration is the hallmark of all our modules, and is exemplified in our programme’s core module, Theological and Practical Reflection on Mission & Ministry. Here students explore Practical Theology, an approach to theology that seeks to take practice and experience seriously, both as a context for the development of new insight and faithful response in light of Scripture and tradition, and as a source of new questions to bring to Scripture and tradition.
This approach engages the whole range of theological sub-disciplines and can sometimes also be interdisciplinary in its engagement of social scientific or other academic disciplines. Above all, it reflects a desire to live faithfully in the light of rigorous and prayerful thinking.
Course Structure
You will gain the Postgraduate Diploma in Theology and Ministry by completing four taught modules (120 credits), one of which must be the core module. The following modules are validated for the MATM but, as modules are usually taught on a bi-annual basis, we cannot guarantee the running of certain modules during a course of study.
Examples of modules:
· Theological and Practical Reflection on Mission & Ministry (core module)
· Preaching from the Old Testament
· Mission and Ministry in the Acts of the Apostles
· The History and Theology of the Charismatic Movement
· Intellect and Imagination: Apologetics in the Mass Media
· Psychology and Christian Ministry
· Preaching from the New Testament
· Leadership in Christian Ministry
· Theological Approaches to Spiritual Direction
· Mission and Ecclesiology: Critical Frameworks for Pioneering
· Forgiveness and Pastoral Ministry Today
· Advanced Old Testament Studies
· Mission and Ministry in the Johannine Literature
· Early Christian Perspectives on Mission and Ministry
Modules are delivered either in weekly lectures across Michaelmas or Epiphany term, or in residential blocks of two and a half days each, Monday – Wednesday morning or Wednesday afternoon – Friday. The timetable changes from year to year, so please contact us if you’d like to know the schedule for the upcoming academic year.
In 2025 - 2026, Cranmer is committed to enabling online access for all MA modules. We work with students to establish a pathway that works best for them.
Assessment
All modules on this course are assessed with formative and summative assignments in a range of forms – some written, some verbal, and all determined in part by the module’s specific subject.
Entry requirements
For the Postgraduate Diploma, the entrance requirement is either a BA in Theology or Religious Studies or a related subject, or a BA in another discipline with experience of Theology or Religious Studies to at least HE Certificate level.
If you don’t meet the above requirements but do have relevant experience, training, or unaccredited study, we’d still love to hear from you as it may be possible to admit you to the Postgraduate Certificate. Please contact us to discuss, as we apply for University approval on a case-by-case basis.
Application Deadlines
The deadline for programme applications and bursary applications each year is 31st of July.
Additional requirements
We also request two references – one academic and one ministry based.
The tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase and are expected to rise throughout the programme of study. The fee listed above is for the first year of the course only. More information is available here: Tuition fees - how much are they - Durham University
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