Certificate in Biblical and Intercultural Studies (Cert HE)
Our undergraduate Certificate in Biblical and Intercultural Studies is foundational, holistic training that equips you for cross-cultural Christian mission and ministry anywhere in the world.
What Is The Certificate Programme?
The Certificate is the first part of our degree programme. It provides a foundational, holistic preparation for cross-cultural Christian mission and ministry anywhere in the world. It is designed to teach basic knowledge for mission and ministry in the areas of Bible, theology and cross-cultural mission and ministry, while at the same time helping to develop your interpersonal, spiritual and practical skills.
Many students who complete the Certificate decide to stay on to complete our Diploma or BA (Hons) degree.
Why Choose The Certificate Programme?
The Certificate in Biblical and Intercultural Studies is aimed at those starting out in cross-cultural mission and ministry who are seeking to serve effectively wherever they live and work. It is appropriate both for those serving in church-based ministry in multicultural settings in their own countries, and those heading into mission or ministry in countries other than their own. So, if you are already serving cross-culturally, or moving into cross-cultural mission or ministry, choosing the certificate programme will equip you with the essential skills, knowledge, experience and spiritual foundations to do this effectively.
How Can I Access The Programme?
The certificate programme is very flexible. It can be accessed either residentially on campus, or remotely from anywhere in the World, and either full time (1 year) or part-time (usually 2 to 3 years). The programme makes use of a variety of learning approaches ensuring an engaging and vibrant intercultural learning community of people from all around the World. Learning approaches make use of cutting-edge digital learning technology, live interaction with tutors, workshops, practical placements, tutorials and interactive discussion forums.
For those studying remotely, the flexibility of the programme means that classes can either be accessed live (in person or remotely), or asynchronously in the students own time. This makes it possible for those in different time zones, or those who are unable to get time off from their work and ministry (e.g. bi-vocational workers) to also study part-time with us.
If you would like to discuss how this might work for you, please contact us.
What Will I Study On The Certificate Programme?
The certificate programme provides an excellent foundation for cross-cultural mission and ministry. It equips graduates with the biblical knowledge, practical skills and personal/spiritual development they will need to move forward through the following modules:
Old Testament and Mission
New Testament and Mission
Theology, History and Mission (with Music & Worship)
Introduction to Culture and Religion
Integral Mission Foundations and Practice (with Creative Evangelism)
Personal and Spiritual Formation I
Interpersonal Skills
Skills for Mission (with Performing Arts)
Practical Ministry I.
For a full description of all these modules, please click here.
What Qualification Will I Get?
A Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE) in Biblical and Intercultural Studies, which is validated by The Open University. Alternatively anon-validated option is available as the All Nations Certificate in Biblical and Intercultural Studies.
Where Can This Lead?
Our international Christian ministry and missionary training is a springboard for wherever God wants to take you. Although students often do not know exactly what God is calling them to do when they enrol, most put their ministry and missionary training into practice as soon as they complete their Biblical and Intercultural Studies course. Here is a selection of the roles that our past students have taken up:
Going into full-time ministry.
Bible teaching.
Working for Christian mission organisations.
Working in aviation or engineering for Christian causes.
Helping to translate and publish Bibles.
Helping to plant and develop new churches.
Ministering as a doctor or a nurse.
Founding or co-founding new organisations and projects.
Working as a Christian in a secular organisation.
Creative arts ministry
Christian development work
Leaders of Christian mission networks
What Are The Entry Criteria?
Qualifications: A minimum of two A levels (or equivalent), and relevant experience.
Minimum age: 21 or older for an OU-Validated Certificate *(although the college will consider applicants who are aged 19 and 20). We do not have a maximum age limit.
*Non-validated Option: All Nations also offers a non-validated 1-2 year ‘All Nations Certificate in Biblical and Intercultural Studies’. Students choosing this programme are exempt from Open University fees and may opt to have their work graded Pass or Fail. Students have the option of progressing on to the All Nations Diploma.
English language: The OU-Validated courses are taught in English, so you need to meet the academic English entry requirement that applies to you. If you are coming to study in the UK from overseas, it is likely that you will need the same academic English standard to meet UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) criteria.
This could mean that international students have to take a B2 Level SELT (Secure English Language Test), but you might be exempt if you are from a majority English-speaking country or have studied at degree level in such a country, as defined by UKVI . Some approved SELT test service providers provide an online language test.
If you are an international student and need to take a SELT test, UKVI-approved providers include:
If you do not need a visa, you could also consider these test providers:
For full details of other language eligibility criteria and all other entry criteria, please see the College Admissions Policy.
When Can I Start The Programme?
The certificate programme has two start dates each year, September and January.
Start Dates
Wednesday 24 September 2025
Wednesday 7 January 2026
Wednesday 23 September 2026
Wednesday 6 January 2027
Fees
Fees vary depending on how you choose to study. A full breakdown of fees is available here.
Please contact us if you need any support or guidance.
Who Leads The Programme?
Our Biblical and Intercultural Studies programme is led by Rev Dr V. J. Samkutty, along with a team of experienced and well-qualified tutors. As a team we believe in providing excellent academic training that is biblically centred, theologically reflective, culturally engaged and practically relevant.
Further Support
If you haven’t studied for a long time, it’s natural to feel a little concerned. But do not worry: throughout your time at All Nations Christian College, you will benefit from our unique blend of pastoral care and a learning support team who will help you and guide you through. If you have any questions please do get in touch.