Advanced Diploma in Applied Theology
The Advanced Diploma in Applied Theology aims to provide a framework in which Christians can grow as able communicators of the Christian message, competent leaders in Christian work, and as spiritually mature believers.
Our Advanced Diploma programme combines rigorous biblical and theological training with extensive hands-on ministry experience. It can either be completed full-time over 4 years or part-time over 6 years.
Advanced Diploma in Applied Theology (4 years, full-time)
Year 1
Old Testament in Contexts
New Testament in Contexts
Biblical Interpretation
Global History of Christianity
Christian Theology
Christian Ethics
Ministry Modules (x4)
Memory Verses 1
Ministry Placement 1
Camp Placement 1
This course introduces students to the literature of the Old Testament (Torah; historical books; writing prophets; Psalms and ‘wisdom’), exploring its key trajectories and theological themes. [20 credits]
This course introduces students to the literature of the New Testament (gospels and Acts; Pauline epistles; non-Pauline epistles; Revelation), exploring its key trajectories and theological themes. [20 credits]
This courses introduces students to biblical hermeneutics (i.e. biblical interpretation) in historical and theological perspective; including case studies and practical exposition. [20 credits]
This course introduces students to the global history of Christianity from the first to twenty-first centuries with a focus on the developments in theology, exegesis, and missions. [20 credits]
This course enables students to explore major theological themes affirmed in the central summaries of the Christian faith (i.e. creeds and confessions), and to examine them in relationship with biblical exegesis. [20 credits]
This course inducts students into the nature Christian living, moral awareness, and ethical judgments, informed by theological reflection, scriptural exegesis, and cultural awareness. [20 credits]
Students will complete four ministry modules in their first year (these modules are offered every other year):
Year A (2026/27):
– Prayer & Revival [5 credits]
– Children & Youth Ministry [5 credits]
– Christian Character & Biblical Relationships [5 credits]
– Pastoral Care [5 credits]
Year B (2027/28):
– Evangelism [5 credits]
– Apologetics [5 credits]
– Discipleship [5 credits]
– Leadership [5 credits]
Students learn and are tested on 100 memory verses across the year.
In May/June, students spend 5 weeks on a ministry placement. Typically, this will be in the UK or Ireland with Faith Mission evangelists.
In July/August, students spend 2 weeks on a camp placement. Typically, the camp placements will be in the UK or Ireland serving at a Faith Mission summer camp.
Year 2
Old Testament Texts
New Testament Texts
Homiletics
Moments in Christian History
Doctrines in Depth
Foundations for Christian Mission
Ministry Modules (x4)
Memory Verses 2
Ministry Placement 2
Camp Placement 2
Bible Reading
This course builds on Old Testament in Contexts, offering a close reading of two Old Testament texts (e.g. Genesis and Job). [20 credits]
This course builds on New Testament in Contexts, offering a close reading of two New Testament texts (e.g. John and Galatians). [20 credits]
An in-depth exploration of the theory and practice of Christian preaching. [20 credits]
This course builds on Global History of Christianity by exploring two “moments” of Christian History in depth (e.g. the pre-Constantinian church and Puritan revolution). [20 credits]
This course builds on Christian Theology, offering an in-depth investigation of two central Christian doctrines (e.g. the trinity and the atonement). [20 credits]
This course provides an integrative investigation into the understanding of the “missio Dei” in the life of the church. [20 credits]
Students will complete the remaining four ministry modules in their second year (these modules are offered every other year):
Year A (2026/27):
– Prayer & Revival [5 credits]
– Children & Youth Ministry [5 credits]
– Christian Character & Biblical Relationships [5 credits]
– Pastoral Care [5 credits]
Year B (2027/28):
– Evangelism [5 credits]
– Apologetics [5 credits]
– Discipleship [5 credits]
– Leadership [5 credits]
Students learn and are tested on 100 memory verses across the year.
In May/June, students spend 5 weeks on a ministry placement. Typically, this will be in the UK or Ireland with Faith Mission evangelists.
In July/August, students spend 2 weeks on a camp placement. Typically, the camp placements will be in the UK or Ireland serving at a Faith Mission summer camp.
All students read through the whole Bible at least once during their time at FMBC.
Years 3/4
Christ in the Old Testament
Evangelicalism: History and Theology
Discipleship and Mission in a Secular Age
Biblical Theology
Preaching Romans
The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
Dissertation
This course will explore a selection of Old Testament texts widely recognised as messianic prophecy and trace their trajectory into the New Testament. [20 credits]
In this course, students will explore the global history and theology of evangelicalism from the eighteenth-century revivals to the present day in depth. [20 credits]
In this course, students will consider the nature and process of secularisation in the West, its impact on the church, and the implications for effective discipleship and mission in our times. [20 credits]
Selected themes in Christian Theology studied through a close reading of selected Old and New Testament texts. [20 credits]
A systematic exploration of the letter to the Romans and how to bring its message to bear on the hearts and lives of modern people. [20 credits]
An in-depth study of pneumatology, exploring the person and work of the Holy Spirit in biblical, systematic, and practical perspective. [20 credits]
As part of the Advanced Diploma, students will write a 10,000 word dissertation on a biblical, theological, historical, or practical topic of their choice. [40 credits]
As well as academic study, all of our full-time students engage in devotions, outreach, and practical service on a weekly basis during their first two years of studies at the Faith Mission Bible College.
Advanced Diploma in Applied Theology (6 years, part-time)
We recognise that not everybody’s circumstances are the same. Due to family, work, and/or church commitments some people may not be in a position to move to Edinburgh to complete the Advanced Diploma in Applied Theology full-time. So we offer the opportunity to complete the Advanced Diploma in Applied Theology part-time over 6 years.
Part-time Advanced Diploma students complete exactly the same classes as full-time Advanced Diploma students, but simply spread the first two years of academic studies out over four years (this normally means two days in-person study in Edinburgh per semester).
The biggest difference during these four years is with regards to how students gain their practical ministry experience. Instead of completing weekly practical service, weekly outreach, spring ministry placements, and summer camp placements organised by the Faith Mission Bible College, part-time Advanced Diploma students are responsible for organising and completing an equivalent number of hours of practical ministry experience (normally in a local church and/or in conjunction with a para-church ministry). In order to gain the Advanced Diploma in Applied Theology, students must sign off on a total of 1,000 hours of practical ministry experience during these years (i.e. approximately 5 hours per week throughout their studies).
Since the final two years of the Advanced Diploma are built around intensive weeks, these function the same for both full-time and part-time students. As with full-time students, part-time students on the Advanced Diploma in Applied Theology will be expected to spend the majority of their time in a ministry placement during the final two years of the course.
If you’re thinking about studying the Advanced Diploma in Applied Theology part-time, but want to find out more, we’d love to explore what this could look like for you. To arrange a conversation with a member of staff please email admin@fmbiblecollege.org.uk
FAQs
Who is this course for?
The Advanced Diploma in Applied Theology is for people who not only desire to go deep in their study of God’s word, but also want extensive hands-on training in the form of a ministry apprenticeship.
How is the course delivered?
The Advanced Diploma in Applied Theology is delivered in person at the Faith Mission Bible College in Edinburgh during years 1 and 2, with in-person week-long intensives in the third and fourth year. The Advanced Diploma can be completed either full-time over 4 years or part-time over 6 years, but classes cannot be completed remotely.
When does the course run?
Typically, full-time Advanced Diploma students are in Edinburgh studying from September – December (Semester 1), January – April (Semester 2), and late April/early May (language and evangelism intensives) during their first two years. Students then go on their ministry placements in May/June and camp placements in July/August.
In the third and fourth years, the emphasis shifts towards completing a ministry apprenticeship with six week-long study weeks in Edinburgh interspersed throughout the two years.
Who will be teaching the course?
The majority of modules are taught by our expert and experienced faculty. A small number of modules are taught by sessional lecturers, with relevant expertise and/or ministry experience.
Can I stay at the Faith Mission Bible College?
Yes. We have a good number of single rooms available for full-time students, which are available for term-time use during the first two years and during the intensives in the third and fourth years. We also have a small number of flats available for married couples and families, which are rented for the full year. Part-time students may be able to book a room to use when studying at the college, subject to availability.
What does it cost?
Details of the current costs can be found on the Fees page.
There is no application fee, but a £100 non-refundable deposit is payable on acceptance to the course.
What sort of assessments do I have to complete?
Our modules are assessed by a variety of methods including essays, examinations, presentations, weekly tests, reflective exercises, and group discussions.
How can I fulfil the practical ministry requirements as a part-time student?
Part-time Advanced Diploma students have to complete an equivalent number of hours of ministry experience as those completed by full-time Advanced Diploma students. This means 1,000 hours across the first four years of the programme (approximately 5 hours per week). Possible activities might include preaching, teaching Sunday School/Bible class, leading a small group Bible study, serving with a Boys’ Brigade /Girls Brigade / Scripture Union group, leading/serving at a holiday Bible club or youth camp, street outreach, and practical service with your church or another mission organisation. When you start with us we will meet with you to agree a programme of ministry experience that will allow you to fulfil the requirements of the course. There may be the option to complete short ministry placements with the Faith Mission. In the final two years of the programme, you would be expected to complete a ministry apprenticeship alongside your studies
Is there the possibility to join the Faith Mission upon graduation?
Yes. Students participate in the work of the Faith Mission during their time at College and many apply to serve with the Faith Mission upon graduation, although this is not guaranteed. However, there is no expectation to join the Faith Mission after graduation if God is calling you elsewhere. The Faith Mission Bible College has always trained people for a variety of Christian ministries at home and abroad.
Is the Advanced Diploma in Applied Theology externally validated?
No, the programme is not externally validated. However, we have a formal agreement with Highland Theological College, which means that they recognise the Diploma in Applied Theology from FMBC as equivalent to the learning outcomes of SCQF Levels 7 and 8 (Levels 1 and 2 of their BA Theology programme). As such, those graduating from either the Diploma in Applied Theology or Advanced Diploma in Applied Theology with an overall grade of 50% or higher are eligible to apply for direct entry into Level 3 of the BA (Hons) Theology programme at Highland Theological College, which can be completed remotely.
What can I do after graduating with the Advanced Diploma in Applied Theology?
FMBC’s Advanced Diploma in Applied Theology programme is designed for those preparing for Christian ministry of some form whether with the Faith Mission, a church, or another mission organisation.