Explore Theology (Online)

Who is this course for?

This course is for two groups of people. First, it is for those exploring whether God calling them to further study and training for Christian ministry at FMBC by allowing them to dip their toe into further study. Second, it is for those who wish to go deeper in their study of the Bible, theology, and church history, from their home location. You don’t need any formal qualifications to begin Explore Theology — just a desire to learn and a willingness to complete the assignments.

Please note that Explore Theology requires a minimum enrolment of 10 students in order to run in 2026/27.

What will I be studying?

Explore Theology includes four modules taught in 5 week blocks

• Explore the Old Testament
• Explore Church History
• Explore the New Testament
• Explore Systematic Theology

How is the course delivered?

In 2026/27, the course is delivered live, online via Microsoft Teams on Thursday evenings between 7:30pm and 9:30pm. This is a live class and it will not be our normal practice to record the lectures.

When will Explore Theology run?

In 2026/27, Explore Theology runs on Microsoft Teams on Thursday evenings from 7:30-9:30pm on the following dates:

• 17 Sept – 15 Oct 2026 (5 weeks)
• 29 Oct – 26 Nov 2026 (5 weeks)
• 14 Jan – 11 Feb 2027 (5 weeks)
• 25 Feb – 25 Mar 2027 (5 weeks)

Who will be teaching the course?

Explore Theology will be taught by FMBC faculty and sessional lecturers. 

What does it cost?

Details of the current costs can be found on the Fees page.

A £100 non-refundable deposit is payable on acceptance to the course. There is an option to pay the balance in instalments if necessary. However, if finances are a barrier to you completing the course, please get in touch with us via admin@fmbiblecollege.org.uk to discuss options.

Is there any homework or assessment?

Each of the four modules does include some weekly reading (there will normally be a textbook) and there will be a short assignment to complete following the end of the module (normally a 1,000 word essay). 

Do I have to be considering full-time ministry to join?

No. While some students might complete Explore Theology as a stepping stone to further theological study or training, it can also be completed as an end in itself to deepen your knowledge of the Bible, theology, and church history.

What happens after the course?

If you successfully complete Explore Theology, you will receive a certificate to confirm this and a transcript of your grades.

Can Explore Theology serve as preparation for further study at FMBC?

Yes. For those who do not have formal qualifications or who have not been in education for some time, Explore Theology can serve as a helpful preparation for further study at FMBC. Those who pass Explore Theology would be regarded as meeting our minimum academic standards for entry to the Foundation Certificate and Certificate programmes, even if they hold no other qualifications. Those who pass with an average of a C grade or above, would be regarded as meeting our minimum academic standards for entry to the Diploma or Advanced Diploma, even if they hold no other qualifications.