> Certificate in Theology & Ministry (level 1)
> Diploma in Applied Theology & Ministry (level 2)
> Certificate in Church Management & Leadership (internal)
• Criteria for Admission
• Acquired Prior Learning (APL) & Acquired Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)
• Course Preparation
• Attendance
• Teaching Modes
• Flexible Modes of Study
• Course Fees
• Assessment
• Award Ceremony
• Class Times & Venue
• Our Promise
• How to Apply

The New Testament Assembly Theology courses, the brainchild of Revd Dr Io Smith were founded in 1982 in response to the growing need among Black Majority Churches for Theological Training. Accreditation was gained in 1986 from the University of Wales Lampeter, the third oldest University in the UK. Over the years many students have attended the courses and some have gained Certificates and Diplomas in Theology and Ministry from the University.

The Institute is committed to promoting excellence in Christian training by providing dynamic, well balanced innovative programmes tailored to the needs of the people served, in a progressive teaching milieu staffed by qualified, professional tutors.

Flexibility and choice are essential aspects of the study programme. All courses are modularised thereby enabling students to select the programme (within reason) best suited to his/her needs.

Courses at the Institute are Bible based and Christ – centred. Contemporary theories are introduced where necessary to underpin biblical principles. Courses are designed to inspire, strengthen, encourage, support and expand your faith, to further increase your biblical knowledge, spiritual wisdom and awareness, and to prepare you for effective ministry.

The Certificate in Theological Studies is delivered over 2 years and consists of six modules. It

is the equivalent of the first year of a full time degree and is valued at 120 credits.

The Diploma is the equivalent of the 2nd year of full time study at degree level and is the accumulative equivalent of 240 credits. Awards are conferred by the University of Wales Lampeter to students who successfully complete the required assignments.

Certificate in theology and ministry (level 1)

This programme is delivered over two years. Students without any previous theological training or qualification, and who have an interest in gaining a basic and practical study of the fundamental principles of Christian Ministry are encouraged to join. The course is also aimed at those who desire to be grounded in the realities of committed Christian living and effective discipleship ministry.

The Modules are as follows:

	Year II
Module 1 Introduction to the Old & New Testaments 20 credits	Module 4 Fundamentals of other Faiths 20 credits
Module 2 Early Church History 20 credits	Module 5 Christian Doctrines 20 credits
Module 3 Christian Discipleship 20 credits	Module 6 Christian Ethics 20 credits

Diploma in Applied Theology and Ministry (level 2)

Students must successfully complete the level I course before proceeding to Level II. This course builds on the foundations of the level I course and aims at:
• Enabling students to integrate their experience with theological reflections in Christian discipleship ministry.
• Enabling students to apply their learning to problem solving, with sensitivity, knowledge and critical understanding, deploying the skills and techniques obtained from the course.
• Further develop their leadership and management skills
• Engage in critical analysis of research material and engage in critical reflection with others on Christian texts, contexts and experience.
• Assisting students to contextualise and synchronise the contents of scripture and to present material in an appropriate and understandable manner.

The Modules are as follows:

Module 1 Survey of Church History 20 credits	Module 4 Pentecostalism & black Church History in Britain 20 credits
Module 2 Major Themes & Doctrines of the Bible 20 credits	Module 5 Pastoral Care & Counselling 20 credits
Module 3 Homiletics & The Ordinances/Sacraments 20 credits	Module 6 Leadership & Church Management 20 credits

Diploma Students will be expected to undertake a supervised 3 month placement which must be critiqued and documented. The Course Director will provide guidelines for this piece of work.

Certificate in Church Management & Leadership

This course is designed for students who are preparing for ordained ministry, those who are called to serve in one or more of the ministries and those who are already serving but have had no theological and practical training. For this course students are primarily referred by their Church leader/Pastor. Self referrals are also accepted. (This course is not validated by the University)

The Modules are as follows:

Module 1 Leadership & Vision	Module 4 Church Management & Administration
Module 2 Team Leadership	Module 5 The Church in contemporary society & Change Management
Module 3 Pastoral Counselling & Mentoring	Module 6 Homiletics & Christian Doctrines

Criteria for Admission

Courses are open to students

• Age 18 years and above
• Who are practising Christian
• With a propensity to learn
• Wishing to explore their faith
• Preparing for ordination
• Who demonstrate an ability to pursue academic studies
• Who wish to pursue a qualification in Theological Studies

Prior to admission students may be required to attend an informal interview and references may be taken up from your Church leader.

Acquired Prior Learning (APL) & Acquired Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

IIf you are currently in ministry or have some theological studies in the past, study exemption may be possible towards the Certificate or the Diploma programmes.
Students with the approval of the Course Director may apply to the University for APEL and or APEL exemption for certain modules. Application must be substantiated by accompanying documents. For details please refer to the Students Handbook.

Course Preparation

Prospective students should refer to the following books for help as they will prepare you for your course if you are new to academic studies or need extra guidance in studying at this level.

• Northedge A (1992) The Good Study Guide, Open University/ Routledge & Kegan Paul
• Drew S and Bingham R (1997) The Students Skills Guide Gowen
• Marshall L & Rowland F (1998) A guide to learning Independently)
• Powell S (1999) Returning to Study: A Guide for Professionals OUP

Attendance

The courses are greatly enriched by students' interacting and debating with each other and with the tutors. Attendance at 80% of lectures is desirable.

Teaching Modes  

A flexible approach will be adopted to meet the needs of individual students. This will include lectures, seminars, work shops, role-play, demonstrations, case study, videos, course work and assignments. Classes are participant centred and will allow time for reflection and questions.

Flexible Modes of Study  

Whilst it is hoped that students will complete all modules set for a specific course, given the modular system, students may choose to only do specific modules to meet their individual need. This enables students to join any module offered on the programme. Students wishing to undertake the Diploma modules must be able to establish previous studies at Certificate level.

Course Fees

Tutors give their service as part of their ministry to the Body of Christ. Fees are therefore heavily subsidised and good value for money. There is a ?50 registration fee for all the courses. This is payable on the submission of an Application Form.
The full cost of each course is ?950.00, that is, ?150.00 per module. The full fee is payable at the start of the course, however arrangement can be made to make payment on the first session of each module. Students may choose to pay by standing order (details available from the Course Administrator). A waiver system is also in operation for students who are in receipt of income support. You may apply by asking the Course administrator for the appropriate University Form which you should complete and return with the relevant documents to the Course Director.
NB > Waiver can only be granted by the University and is payable on students completing the required assignments. Students on the Waiver System can only complete 100 credits in an academic year.

Assessment

Students wishing to receive the University awards are expected to fulfil the requirements of the University as set out below. All assignments must be submitted by the date specified. Failure to comply except in attenuating circumstances will result in a simple pass mark of 40%.
Certificate students are required to complete twelve 2000 words assignments. Assignments are marked by the course tutors and moderated by the University.
Diploma students are required to complete at least 8 assignments of 3000 words each, 1 dissertations of 6000 words each and a written examination lasting for 2 hours.
Diploma students will also be required to do a practical placement of not less than 3 months. The placement must be critiqued and documented. Guidelines will be provided by the Course Director.

Award Ceremony

Successful students will graduate with the appropriate award conferred by the University of Wales Lampeter at a local graduation ceremony to be held in the Autumn of each year. Gowns for the occasion will be hired from Ede & Ravencroft at the current rate and must be paid for in advance of the Ceremony.
Students who have completed the course but who have not met the University requirements will be awarded the New Testament Assembly Certificate of Attendance.

Class Times & Venue

The Academic year runs over 3 terms from September to July. Classes are held on Wednesdays from 7:30 to 10:00PM. All classes are held at the Tooting Neighbourhood Centre, 28 Glenburnie Road, Tooting, London SW 17 7PY.

Our Promise

You will be equipped to transform your world.

How to Apply

Application Form, Prospectus and other information are available from The Course Administrator.

You will need to complete an Application Form and return it to the Course Administrator with a Registration Fee of ?50.00. The Course Administrator will acknowledge receipt of the form and advice you of the next step.