What courses must I take to complete the SACT? Expand 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/watch recordings of the lectures 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/watch recordings of the lectures 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 Project (submitted either as an essay, a portfolio, or a presentation). 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+? Expand 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 undertake an Extended Project for 20 credits (submitted either as an essay, a portfolio, or a presentation), which runs every other summer.
Who can take the SACT? Expand 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.
Why take the SACT? Expand Why take the SACT? There are a range of reasons to take the SACT, including the following: To attain a deeper understanding of Scripture, of the history of the Church and of the Christian faith. To compliment training for the ministry or becoming a reader within the diocese. For fellowship, sharing and develop ideas about the topics covered in the modules with other students. Improve your essay-writing and research skills, as the assignments are assessed by experienced tutors who use a set of criteria whilst marking essays. Is SACT an accredited course? Whilst the SACT is not assessed in the same manner as an accredited degree, our external examiner is based at the theological college of Westcott House, and the SACT is reviewed on an annual basis by an institution that runs accredited courses.
What support is there for students? Expand 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 enrol? Expand How do I enrol? 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? Expand 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.
How much does it cost? Expand How much 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]
Margaret Chapman Non-Executive Safeguarding Lead Expand Non-Executive Safeguarding Lead Margaret is currently Co-CEO of Ambition Education Trust and was previously Head Teacher of St Albans Girls’ School from 2010 to 2024. She has extensive experience and expertise in safeguarding as the Designated Senior Lead in several schools in both North London and Hertfordshire over the past 30 years. Margaret was education representative of the Hertfordshire Safeguarding Board from 2021 to 2024 and is currently a trustee at Links Academy with the focus on School Improvement, Standards and Safeguarding, a position she has held since 2013. Born and raised in Cardiff, Margaret has lived in St Albans with her family for over 30 years.
Steve Girling Head of Property and Facilities Expand Steve joined the Cathedral in May 2026; having worked as Property Director or Head of Service for several local councils and other public sector organisations including BBC World Service, Dulwich College, Capel Manor College, and the Royal Air Force. Steve has lived locally for over 20 years with his wife and two, now adult, daughters. 📧 [email protected]