All of our courses are part-time and are delivered through a blend of online lectures and in -person study days. Students on most courses attend six in-person study days each year, on Saturdays at Plymouth Marjon University. The day begins and ends with worship led by our students in the chapel. Break times give space to connect with classmates and with students on other courses.
Students training for ordination in the Church of England have additional classes on Sunday, a five-day study school in the spring and regular-mid-week formation groups.
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Use the button below to get in touch with any questions you have.
Brilliant Basics
Mode and duration of study: Part-time over 6 weeks.
Location: You can choose between an online course or an in-person taught course.
New for 2025, we are starting a series of short courses offering an exciting opportunity for everyone to explore the theology behind the big questions about life and the Christian faith.
Students can choose whether to write reflections and receive a certificate at the end, or to sit back and enjoy the learning without the pressure of submitting written work.
The first course will begin in October 2025, looking at the Old Testament. Future courses are likely to cover deep dives into sections. of the Bible, theological explorations of aspects of faith (e.g., The Kingdom of God, The Lord’s Prayer), topics in Christian spirituality, church history and aspects of contemporary faith such as ecotheology.
These courses are design for anyone and everyone who wants to expand their thinking and experience of God through studying with others, led by our team of experienced staff.
Our Brilliant Basics courses are designed for anyone and everyone who wants to expand their thinking and experience of God through studying with others. There are no formal entry qualifications, just a desire to learn!
Visit our Brilliant Basics page to find out more and to apply for courses.
£120, or
£150 if you’d like to write a marked reflection and receive a certificate.
Foundation Award in Theology, Ministry and Mission
Mode and duration of study: Part time over 1 year (60 credits).
Location: Study days take place at Marjon University, Plymouth, with online sessions usually taking place on either a Wednesday or Thursday evening on Zoom.
Explore the Christian faith in more depth through a range of different modules via our undergraduate level theology courses, validated by Durham University. Subjects include Biblical studies, doctrine, ministry and mission, pastoral care, and theological reflection. There is plenty of scope for writing about issues of particular interest to you as part of Independent Learning Projects.
Modules totalling 60 credits from:
Level 4
TMM 1031 Introduction to Biblical Studies
TMM 1131 Introduction to Christian Doctrine and History
TMM 1231 Human Identity, Theology, Vocation and Professional Practice
TMM 1301 Foundations for Ministry and Mission in Context
TMM 1321 Foundations for Ministry and Worship in Context
Other modules
TMM 1451 Foundations for Reflective Practice in Context
TMM 1437 Introducing Theological Reflection
TMM 1291 Independent Learning Project (long)
TMM 1287 Independent Learning Project (short)
The above list of modules is indicative of what we offer. Information on future years may differ from the above, for example, due to academic development in relevant fields, or in light of student feedback, or staff availability. Some modules are compulsory for students in training for ministry.
In-person sessions: study days take place at Marjon University in Plymouth.
Induction day for new students: 6 September 2025.
For full details of our term dates please click here.
£1,320 per year.
In addition, a one-time non-refundable registration fee of £100 applies to each new student (except for sitter-in for which there is no registration fee). Fees are indicative based on 60 credits at each level. Actual fees are based on modules taken by an individual so may vary slightly. Fees for future academic years may be subject to inflation but are likely to be similar to Year 1. Anglican students in the process of discernment for ordination and recommended to study by the DDO may obtain a bursary towards these courses.
Pre-course requirements: One A-level or equivalent.
Please contact the Academic Registrar at academic@swmtc.org.uk if you do not meet the above formal academic requirements as alternative experiences or qualifications may be considered in lieu.
Ready to apply? Please click here to get in touch with our Operations Team.
Certificate of Higher Education in Theology, Ministry & Mission (CertHE)
Mode and duration of study: Part-time over 2 years.
Location: Study days take place at Marjon University, Plymouth, with online sessions usually taking place on either a Wednesday or Thursday evening on Zoom.
Explore the Christian faith in more depth through a range of different modules via our undergraduate level theology courses, validated by Durham University. Subjects include Biblical studies, doctrine, ministry and mission, pastoral care, and theological reflection. There is plenty of scope for writing about issues of particular interest to you as part of Independent Learning Projects.
Modules totalling 120 credits from:
Level 4
TMM 1031 Introduction to Biblical Studies
TMM 1131 Introduction to Christian Doctrine and History
TMM 1231 Human Identity, Theology, Vocation and Professional Practice
TMM 1301 Foundations for Ministry and Mission in Context
TMM 1321 Foundations for Ministry and Worship in Context
Other modules
TMM 1451 Foundations for Reflective Practice in Context
TMM 1437 Introducing Theological Reflection
TMM 1291 Independent Learning Project (long)
TMM 1287 Independent Learning Project (short)
The above list of modules is indicative of what we offer. Information on future years may differ from the above, for example, due to academic development in relevant fields, or in light of student feedback, or staff availability. Some modules are compulsory for students in training for ministry.
In-person sessions: study days take place at Marjon University in Plymouth.
For our 2025/26 study dates please click here.
Pre-course requirements: One A-level or equivalent.
Please contact the Academic Registrar at academic@swmtc.org.uk if you do not meet the above formal academic requirements as alternative experiences or qualifications may be considered in lieu.
Ready to apply? Please click here to contact our Operations Team who can answer any questions you might have, or assist you with your application.
Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission (DipHE)
Mode and duration of study: Part-time over 4 years (240 credits).
Location: Study days take place at Marjon University, Plymouth, with online sessions usually taking place on either a Wednesday or Thursday evening on Zoom.
Explore the Christian faith in more depth through a range of different modules via our undergraduate level theology courses, validated by Durham University. Subjects include Biblical studies, doctrine, ministry and mission, pastoral care, and theological reflection. There is plenty of scope for writing about issues of particular interest to you as part of Independent Learning Projects.
Modules totalling 240 credits from:
Level 4
TMM 1031 Introduction to Biblical Studies
TMM 1131 Introduction to Christian Doctrine and History
TMM 1231 Human Identity, Theology, Vocation and Professional Practice
TMM 1301 Foundations for Ministry and Mission in Context
TMM 1321 Foundations for Ministry and Worship in Context
Other modules
TMM 1451 Foundations for Reflective Practice in Context
TMM 1437 Introducing Theological Reflection
TMM 1291 Independent Learning Project (long)
TMM 1287 Independent Learning Project (short)
Level 5
TMM 2011 Bible in Context
TMM 2021 Biblical Studies
TMM 2121 Topics in Christian Doctrine
TMM 2131 Further Topics in Christian Doctrine
TMM 2471 Pastoral Care
TMM 2531 Reflective Practice in Context (long)
TMM 2567 Developing Theological Reflection
Other modules:
TMM 2077 New Testament Text Study in Context
TMM 2087 Old Testament Text Study in Context
TMM 2157 Topics in Church History
TMM 2297 Independent Learning Project (short)
TMM 2301 Independent Learning Project (short)
TMM 2311 Developing Ministry and Mission in Context
The above list of modules is indicative of what we offer. Information on future years may differ from the above, for example, due to academic development in relevant fields, or in light of student feedback, or staff availability. Some modules are compulsory for students in training for ministry.
In-person sessions: study days take place at Marjon University in Plymouth.
Online sessions:
Take place on Zoom and last approximately 2 hours.
Day and time: Usually Wednesday or Thursday between 7pm and 9pm.
To view the dates for 2025/26 please click here
Pre-course requirements: Two A-level or equivalent.
Please contact the Academic Registrar at academic@swmtc.org.uk if you do not meet the above formal academic requirements as alternative experiences or qualifications may be considered in lieu.
Ready to apply? Please click here to contact our Operations Team who can answer any questions you might have, or assist you with your application.
BA (Hons) Theology, Ministry and Mission
Mode and duration of study: Part-time over 6 years.
Location: Study days take place at Marjon University, Plymouth, with online sessions usually taking place on either a Wednesday or Thursday evening on Zoom.
Explore the Christian faith in more depth through a range of different modules via our undergraduate level theology courses, validated by Durham University. Subjects include Biblical studies, doctrine, ministry and mission, pastoral care, and theological reflection. There is plenty of scope for writing about issues of particular interest to you as part of Independent Learning Projects.
Modules totalling 360 credits from:
Level 4
TMM 1031 Introduction to Biblical Studies
TMM 1131 Introduction to Christian Doctrine and History
TMM 1231 Human Identity, Theology, Vocation and Professional Practice
TMM 1301 Foundations for Ministry and Mission in Context
TMM 1321 Foundations for Ministry and Worship in Context
Other modules
TMM 1451 Foundations for Reflective Practice in Context
TMM 1437 Introducing Theological Reflection
TMM 1291 Independent Learning Project (long)
TMM 1287 Independent Learning Project (short)
Level 5
TMM 2011 Bible in Context
TMM 2021 Biblical Studies
TMM 2121 Topics in Christian Doctrine
TMM 2131 Further Topics in Christian Doctrine
TMM 2471 Pastoral Care
TMM 2531 Reflective Practice in Context (long)
TMM 2567 Developing Theological Reflection
Other modules:
TMM 2077 New Testament Text Study in Context
TMM 2087 Old Testament Text Study in Context
TMM 2157 Topics in Church History
TMM 2297 Independent Learning Project (short)
TMM 2301 Independent Learning Project (short)
TMM 2311 Developing Ministry and Mission in Context
Level 6:
TMM 3352 Extended Project in Theology, Ministry and Mission
TMM 3362 Dissertation in Theology, Ministry and Mission
Optional modules:
TMM 3047 Further New Testament Text Study in Context
TMM 3507 Further Old Testament Text Study in Context
TMM 3101 Christian Doctrine in Focus
TMM 3111 Sacramental Theology and Ministry
TMM 3131 Philosophical Theology
TMM 3337 Independent Learning Project (short)
TMM 3341 Independent Learning Project (long)
TMM 3411 Preaching in the Contemporary World
TMM 3487 Further Reflective Practice in Context (short)
TMM 3491 Further Reflective Practice in Context (long)
TMM 3601 Reflective Practice: Mission and Evangelism
TMM 3797 Further Old Testament Text Study
The above list of modules is indicative of what we offer. Information on future years may differ from the above, for example, due to academic development in relevant fields, or in light of student feedback, or staff availability. Some modules are compulsory for students in training for ministry.
In-person sessions: study days take place at Marjon University in Plymouth.
Online sessions:
Take place on Zoom and last approximately 2 hours.
Day and time: Usually Wednesday or Thursday between 7pm and 9pm.
To view term dates for 2025/26 please click here.
Pre-course requirements: Three A-level or equivalent.
Please contact the Academic Registrar at academic@swmtc.org.uk if you do not meet the above formal academic requirements as alternative experiences or qualifications may be considered in lieu.
Ready to apply? Please click here to contact our Operations Team who can answer any questions you might have, or assist you with your application.
MA Theology, Ministry & Mission in Theology, Ministry, and Mission
Mode and duration of study: Part-time over 3 years (60 credits per year).
Location: Marjon University, Plymouth, plus online on Zoom.
An inspiring and informative three years of part-time study covering subjects including:
Biblical Studies
Doctrine
Christian Faith and the Environment
Hermeneutics
Research and Reflection
You’ll also have the opportunity to choose your own research topics for Independent Learning Projects and a final Dissertation. Our manageable and affordable MA course is validated by Durham University through the Common Awards scheme.
Download our information sheet for more details by clicking here.
6 Saturday in-person at Marjon University, Plymouth, plus 1 on Zoom.
Pre-course requirements: Normally a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed course of study. Graduates in other disciples with experience of Theology or Religious Studies to at least FHEQ Level 4 (overall mark of at least 60%) may also be admitted to the programme. Prior professional experience will also be considered.
Please contact our Vice-Principal, Revd Dr Dominic Cyrus, at viceprincipal@swmtc.org.uk, for further information and to apply or use our contact our Operations Team.
Emmaus Spiritual Direction Course
Mode and duration of study: Part-time over2 years
Location: Marjon University, Plymouth.
Welcoming people from across the South West, this two-year, part-time course is for those sensing a call to listening ministry and a desire to deepen their own spiritual journey.
To download the course information sheet, please click here.
Year 1: foundational understanding of spiritual direction with a focus on listening skills, spiritual conversation and an introduction to Christian spirituality. Participants are supported in an ongoing discernment of their call to accompany others in faith.
Year 2: for those who have discerned a call to the ministry of spiritual direction. Participants develop advanced listening skills and good practice in supervision, whilst further deepening their own spiritual journey and awareness of the major Christian traditions.
Participants are supported in a final discernment process which may lead to an invitation to join the diocesan networks for spiritual directors in Truro and Exeter. The course is offered as a formational learning community led by the Revd Janette Mullett and Revd Rachel Bennetts with a team of experienced Spiritual Directors.
Ready to apply?
We are currently registering interest in our 2026 intake so please click here to contact our Operations Team who can answer any questions you might have. They will put you in touch with the spiritual direction course leaders for a conversation.
Introduction to Chaplaincy Course
This is an opportunity to explore chaplaincy in depth through in-person teaching and learning.
This course involves no essay writing; instead we encourage you to keep a portfolio/journal of resources, reflections, and a record of your personal journey. We also ask you to find a placement in which to experience and observe chaplaincy in action.
To download the programme information sheet please click here.
We will explore the diversity of chaplaincy and look at key topics such as being a visible and inclusive presence, listening, mental health, grief, bereavement and hope, self-care, working with others, creative solutions, resilience, and mission.
For information about our application process please get in touch with our Operations Team.
Certificate in Theology, Ministry and Mission (Chaplaincy)
Mode and duration of study: Part-time over 2 years (120 credits).
Location: Marjon University, Plymouth and online.
A unique pathway tailored specifically towards those working within or exploring chaplaincy. Whether you have been a chaplain for years or are just starting out on your journey the chaplaincy focussed certificate programme will provide you with a strong theological and practical foundation from which to enrich your ministry.
Year 1: Foundations in Chaplaincy, Introduction to the Bible, Foundations for Reflective Practice in Context.
Year 2: Introduction to Pastoral Care, Introduction to Christian Doctrine, History Human Identity, Theology, Vocation and Professional Practice.
Please contact our Operations Team to find out more information and to apply for this course.
Licensed Lay Ministry (Reader) Training
Mode and duration of study: Part-time over 2 years (120 credits).
Location: Marjon University, Plymouth with some sessions taking place online on Zoom.
SWMTC has been training people for licensed lay ministry for over 40 years. We understand the church in the South West and our training and formation prepares people for ministry in a variety of setting. Our part-time training means you’ll be able to continue working and belonging to your local church and will receive an accredited, high quality theological education whilst being formed within a community of worship, prayer and learning.
You’ll learn alongside students on our academic courses, with additional placements and accompaniment as you prepare for your specific future ministry in the Church of England.
The course normally leads to the award of a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Theology, Ministry and Mission, validated by Durham University through Common Awards.
Fees for licensed lay ministry training are usually paid through your sponsoring diocese. Please visit diocesan pages for further information.
If you feel that God may be calling you to Licensed Lay Ministry (LLM) / Reader ministry, your home minister should be the first contact. If this is not possible, contact your diocesan Warden of Readers. You may also wish to visit your diocesan website. For the Diocese of Exeter you can find this here, and for the Diocese of Truro you can find this here.
Ordination Training
Mode of study and duration: Part-time over 2 or 3 years.
Location: Marjon University, Plymouth with some sessions taking place online on Zoom
SWMTC has been training people for ordained ministry for over 40 years. We understand the church in the South West and our training and formation prepares people for ministry in a variety of setting. Our part-time training means you’ll be able to continue working and belonging to your local church and will receive an accredited, high quality theological education whilst being formed within a community of worship, prayer and learning.
You’ll learn alongside students on our academic courses, with additional placements and accompaniment as you prepare for your specific future ministry in the Church of England.
The course normally leads to the award of either a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) or a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) in Theology, Ministry and Mission, validated by Durham University through Common Awards.
Following completion of the DipHE you may also wish to consider completing the BA (Hons) which would require an additional 120 credits (2 years part-time study).
Fees for ordination training are usually paid through your sponsoring diocese. Please visit diocesan pages for further information.
SWMTC training for ordained ministry is available only to those who have been selected for training by the Church of England. If you feel that God may be calling you towards ordination, your home minister should be your first contact. If this is not possible, you may wish to contact your Diocesan Director of Ordinands. You may also wish to visit your diocesan website. For those in the Diocese of Exeter this is located here, and for those in the Diocese of Truro this is located here.
