The Light College welcomes Readers of Transforming Ministry

Thanks so much for showing interest in The Light College.  Whether you’re a licensed lay minister or a friend or contact of one, we hope you will find some helpful information on how you can study with us on this page and site.

At The Light College, we recognise that Lay Ministers contribute an incredible amount to the work and mission of the Church, almost always on a voluntary basis, and that their ministry is invaluable and very much worth investing in.  Our courses offer an excellent opportunity to access accredited continued professional development, specifically with mission and evangelism in view.  So… if you’re interested in developing further in pioneering missional ministry with sharing the Good News at its heart, please do explore further…

‘I particularly felt (at The Light College) as though I had been given a new family… all of you just loved me.’ – Wendy (student)

Why study (further) with us?

Both for those who have already studied as lay ministers and those who have no prior theological study, our courses offer a great opportunity to hone and develop your ministry in the area of mission and evangelism, learning to use your existing communication skills to creatively engage in mission in diverse and dynamic ways. This is with a view to helping our churches to reach out in their local communities to share Jesus’ Gospel of justice, mercy and peace in ways that are both natural and context-specific.

Accredited Prior Learning (APL)

Perhaps you’re a lay Reader whose ministry studies had some accredited element (Level 4 or 5).  In such cases, it may be possible for you to gain accreditation of prior learning to top-up your existing qualification to a Foundation Degree or Bachelors Degree level – please contact us via the enquiry form with details and we will create an individual case for your accreditation.

Whether a Licensed Lay Minister or not, if you’ve never completed an undergraduate degree before (whether in theology or otherwise), you may be able to access student finance while studying, whether studying full time or part time, and starting part way through the course with accredited learning or with our normal students.  Alternatively, if you are ineligible for student finance, your APL could enable you to join one of our courses part way through and thus incur less fees – additionally bursaries are potentially available, both from ourselves and through the Adams Myland Fund via the Central Reader’s Council.

The Light College

It’s easy to study at The Light College

The Light College courses can be taken full or part-time, from wherever you’re based.

Highly flexible and accessible courses

Our flexibility and inclusivity means you can study no matter what your age, academic level or church tradition, helping you to develop your gifts and skills in mission and ministry and discover an exciting future.  Have a look at the available courses and on the courses menu above, whether you're looking for an innovative and practical approach to mission and evangelism, developing your pioneering and mission skills or bringing the presence of Christ into unexpected places.  Contact us through the form on this page or if you would like more information please contact the course administrator by telephone (03333) 446489 and leave a message.

Study part- or full-time from anywhere in the UK

Study can be done either part- or full-time, and can be accessed from anywhere in the UK as all lectures are taught during a mixture of gathered and virtual residential weekends, as well as weekly evening online sessions.

We accept students from a wide variety of backgrounds, ages and academic ability

Our students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and ages. We offer good academic and pastoral support, so don’t let concerns about academic ability prevent you from exploring further – the main thing we look for is a sincere heart to share the Gospel.

Foundation Degree of Arts in Theology, Mission and Evangelism

An innovative approach to mission and evangelism

Enquire/apply - Full Time 2 years, Part Time 4 years. 

Through our approved academic partnership with the University of Chester, we offer a Foundation Degree of Arts (FdA) over 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time. The course combines lectures, practice based learning and placements designed to help students explore and develop their own approach to mission and evangelism in the 21st century.

Further Details: Full Time / Part Time / Enquire/apply

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) Degree (top-up) in Theology, Mission and Evangelism

An innovative approach to mission and evangelism

Enquire/apply - after completion of FdA/Level 5, Full Time 1 year, Part Time 2 years.

Like our FDA, the BA (Hons) top-up Degree is validated by the University of Chester. It’s offered over a further 1 year full-time and 2 years part-time after successful completion of the FdA (or appropriate Level 5 study from elsewhere). With a combination of lectures and practical work (including placements), the course equips students to be pioneering evangelists ready for mission in the contemporary world.  The course combines lectures, practice based learning and placements designed to help students explore and develop their own approach to mission and evangelism in the 21st century.

Further Details: Full Time / Part Time / Enquire/apply

Professional Certificate in Pioneer Chaplaincy and Mission

Bring the presence of Christ into unexpected places

In partnership with Third Space Ministries, this new qualification, also validated by The University of Chester, is a one-year course which teaches how to bring the presence of Christ into unexpected places like supermarkets, gyms, pubs and nightclubs amongst people who have little idea of who Jesus is.

Further Details / Enquire/apply