Certificate in Applied Theology
The Certificate in Applied Theology provides a strong basis for Christians to grow as able communicators of the Christian message, competent leaders in Christian work, and as spiritually mature believers.
Our Certificate programme offers a combination of theology courses, ministry modules, and practical experience and can either be completed full-time in 1 year or part-time over 2 years.
Certificate in Applied Theology (1 year, full-time)
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 as part of the Certificate in Applied Theology (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.
As well as academic study, all of our full-time students engage in devotions, outreach, and practical service on a weekly basis as an integral part of their studies at the Faith Mission Bible College.
Certificate in Applied Theology (2 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 Certificate in Applied Theology full-time. So we offer the opportunity to complete the Certificate in Applied Theology part-time over 2 years.
Part-time Certificate students complete exactly the same classes as full-time Certificate students, but simply spread their academic studies out over two years (this normally means two days in-person study in Edinburgh per semester).
The biggest difference 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 Certificate 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 Certificate in Applied Theology, students must sign off on a total of 500 hours of practical ministry experience (i.e. approximately 5 hours per week throughout their studies).
If you’re thinking about studying the Certificate 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 Certificate in Applied Theology is for people who want to go deeper in their understanding of the Bible and theology, grow as a Christian, and gain experience of Christian ministry. Some students complete the Certificate in Applied Theology as a stepping stone to the Diploma in Applied Theology. Others complete it as a stand alone course before progressing onto work or another course of study.
How is the course delivered?
The Certificate in Applied Theology is delivered in person at the Faith Mission Bible College in Edinburgh. The Certificate can be completed either full-time in 1 year or part-time over 2 years, but classes cannot be completed remotely.
When does the course run?
Typically, full-time Certificate students are in Edinburgh studying from September – December (Semester 1), January – April (Semester 2), and late April/early May (language and evangelism intensives). Students go on their ministry placements in May/June and camp placements in July/August.
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. 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 Certificate students have to complete an equivalent number of hours of ministry experience as those completed by full-time Certificate students. This means 500 hours across 2 years (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.
Is there the possibility to join the Faith Mission upon graduation?
Not directly. Those applying to join the Faith Mission would normally be expected to complete the Diploma in Applied Theology first. However, the Certificate in Applied Theology can serve as a stepping stone to the Diploma in Applied Theology and many Diploma do apply to serve with the Faith Mission upon graduation, although this is not guaranteed.
Is the Certificate in Applied Theology externally validated?
No, the Certificate in Applied Theology is not externally validated. The programme is equivalent to the learning outcomes of SCQF Level 7, but does not currently lead to an externally validated qualification. All students who successfully complete the Certificate in Applied Theology will receive their award as part of FMBC’s graduation service and will receive a transcript of their grades.
Students who successfully complete the Certificate in Applied Theology are eligible for consideration for the admittance to the Diploma in Applied Theology, which can potentially lead to a degree via another provider.
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 the 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 Certificate in Applied Theology?
Those graduating from FMBC’s Certificate in Applied Theology programmes go onto a variety of destinations including further and higher education and work with both Christian and secular employers. During the Certificate programme, many students decide that they would like to continue for a second year and apply for admittance to the Diploma programme.