The Diploma Course lasts for two years and developes the study of Christian theology and worship begun in the Certificate Course. The two years differ in their core themes. This year concentrates on Pastoral Practice, with specific theological themes designed to help students understand and respond to the deeper issues which are encountered in the world we live in. We provide a working knowledge of the Services of the Church and its various pastoral works, covering a wide range of essential topics – including marriage, building community, death & bereavement, education & mission. In this context the practical application of the Gospels to the work of the Church is explored. In the west, we encounter the a wide range of pastoral challenges – from community care to divergent Christian traditions, Islam and eastern religions. This year aims to equip students with the skills to meet these challenges.
The course, as a whole presents an essential basis for those considering diaconal and priestly ministry, and for those serving in other diakonia, such as teaching and catechesis. For those not preparing for ministry, the course presents a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of the life of the church, and equips you to bring up your children in the faith. In building the community of the Church, we all have a pastoral role, and the better equipped we are for it, the better.
As a requirement for admission, students must speak and write English adequately, have completed education to GCSE standard, and preferably A level, and have completed the Certificate Course. Assessment is by two 2500 word essays, several short multimedia presentations with (500 word maximum) seminar papers, and student contributions to the discussion in the sessions.
THIS IS A ROLLING PROGRAMME: This means Year I & Year II are interchangeable. This is the 2025-6 Programme for all Diploma students, who have previously completed the Certificate Course.
WHAT’S HAPPENING? 2nd.SATURDAY of Each Month (n.b.April adjustment for Pascha): 9.30am – 4.15pm: 2025-6
OCTOBER 11th, 2025. All Students attend the opening sessions in person. St. Dionysius the Areopagite; About Humanism; Matthew: the Gospel of Fulfillment; The Orthodox Church – Structures; Marriage, Funeral Services & Memorials.
NOVEMBER 8th, 2025. Lectionary & Typikon – Historical Development; Messianic Expectations; The Orthodox Church – Building Community; Catholicism; Miracles- why they Feature in the Readings of the Church.
DECEMBER 13th, 2025. House Blessings, Pastoral Visits, Healing the Sick & Hospital Visits; Education, Youth Work & Mission Evangelism; Vespers & Matins – Historical Development; Vespers & Matins (Practical).
JANUARY 10th, 2026. Renaissance, Reformation & Protestantism; “Sermons on the Parables” Student Seminar; Medical Science 1; St.John of Damascus; Why the Church Uses Parables – When & Where.
FEBRUARY 14th, 2026. Saxon Missionaries (Student Seminar); Marriage Preparation; Marriage Breakdown; Death & Bereavement; Later Defenders of Icons – St. Theodore the Studite.
MARCH 14th, 2026. Acts of the Apostles – How can we use Acts to understand the Work of the Church?; Judaism; Eucharistic Text (Student Seminar); Revelation; Medical Science 2.
APRIL 18th, 2026 (3rd Saturday, Bright Week). Medical Science 3; Prisons, Prison Visiting & the Court System; Lent & Fasts; Confession; Eastern Religions
MAY 9th, 2026. St. Paul; Women in the Church; Usury, Capitalism & Debt (Student Seminar); St.Gregory Palamas; Gospels & Prayer to Christ.
JUNE 13th, 2026. St.Maximos the Confessor; Homilectics I – Aim & Preparation; St. Symeon the New Theologian; Homilectics II – Delivery; The Philokalia.
JULY 13th, 2026. All Students attend the closing sessions in person. Islam; Living in Christ; Apostolic Fathers – Letters of St. Ignatius & Polycarp; Ethics of Environment; End of Year Review Session (All Core Teaching Staff; all Students).
Multiple Lecturers
