What is the Certificate in Theology?

The St Albans Certificate in Theology (SACT) is a part-time academic theology course which allows students to explore the Christian faith. Students attend evening courses, undertake research, and complete essays or language exams to gain credit.

What courses must I take to complete the SACT?

Students must complete 120 credits to gain the St Albans Certificate in Theology.  The four core modules which all students must take are:

• Introduction to the Old Testament
• Introduction to the New Testament
• Introduction to the Christian Doctrine
• Introduction to the Church History

These are all 10-week courses taught online, and to receive the 20 credits for each course you must attend 2/3 of the lectures (live or via recordings) and complete an essay (2,000-2,500 words).

We run two courses per academic year, one each in Autumn and Spring terms.

You must then take another four supplementary modules. These vary in theme and allow students either to explore a new area of theological study, or to study something from the core modules in more depth. Examples include:

• Science & Faith
• Ethics
• Philosophy
• Biblical languages
• Theology and Literature/Art/Music

These are all 5-week courses taught online, and to receive the 10 credits for each course you must attend 2/3 of the lectures (live or via recordings) and complete an essay (1,500-2,000 words). We usually offer two per term.

Every two years, in summer term, students can undertake an extended essay (5,000 words). This counts for 20 credits, and includes independent research, guidance from a supervisor, research skills advice, and a seminar at which students can present their research.

What is SACT+?

SACT+ is an opportunity for students who have completed SACT to continue their theological study. Students are required to complete 60 credits by taking six of the supplementary modules. More time is given to complete essays, which should be 2,500-3,000 words long, answer a more critically-focused question, and include more independent research. Students can also take a dissertation module (20 credits), which runs every other summer. For the dissertation, students must produce 10,000 words, and present their research at a seminar.

Who can take the SACT?

The SACT is available for anyone to take, if they wish to undertake theological study. Unlike most other theological courses, we do not have entry requirements, and as such, we try and offer as much support to students as possible, as many of our students do not have much experience writing theological essays.

What support is there for students?

We want our students to thrive and enjoy studying. To help with this, we offer:

• support with study skills and essay-writing;
• a student handbook with study guidance;
• free library membership;
• access to extra reading, handouts and teaching materials online.

 

How do I enroll?

To sign up, simply book onto one of our SACT/SACT+ courses.

Information about completing an essay to receive credit for the course will be sent out to all students after the first few classes. Once students have submitted their essays, they are marked and given feedback, and a record is kept of the credit gained each year by students.

How long does the SACT take to complete?

There is no set period of time for students to complete the SACT. Credits gained do not ‘expire’ if students need to take a break from studying.

The quickest that anyone can complete the SACT is 2 years of part-time study.

What does it cost?

Each 10-week course costs £130, and each 5-week course costs £70. Our aim is to make the course as accessible and affordable as possible, and can tailor payment options to help.

Bursaries may be available to support students undertaking this study. Please contact Adult Learning for more information on [email protected]

Sign Up Today

To sign up, simply book onto one of our SACT/SACT+ courses.

Information about completing an essay to receive credit for the course will be sent out to all students after the first few classes.

Email our Adult Learning Team if you have any questions.