Postgraduate Programme Overview

Why choose the postgraduate course at All Nations?

All Nations Christian College is one of the largest colleges of its type in Europe, and has been providing cross-cultural mission training for over 50 years, combining long-term training experience with cutting-edge research and thinking. The Postgraduate Programme has been running since 1992 and has attracted Christian workers from around the world, many of whom have gone on to play significant roles in mission both locally and globally. The programme is validated by the Open University and subject to both OU and government quality control mechanisms. In recent years a high ratio of students have achieved Merit and Distinction awards.

The programme is particularly aimed at those who would like to gain a deeper understanding of the range of issues within the discipline of mission studies. It has Biblical, theological, historical, cultural, creative and religious dimensions, and is ideally suited for those who have some years of Christian ministry experience and want to reflect on their practice and be equipped for the future.

What are the entry criteria?

As is normal for any Postgraduate Programme, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent). There are two entry routes to the Postgraduate Programme: an academic entry route and a professional entry route. 

For academic entry, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in theology or religious studies or, if in another subject, at least one year of formal Biblical or theological training (or complete the All Nations bridging course - see below for information on this). In addition, academic entrants should have a minimum of two years' ministry or cross-cultural experience.

Alternatively, there is a professional entry route open to applicants with appropriate professional qualifications and a minimum of four years' experience in a mission context.

Those doing awards in specialist fields are expected to have a background in their relevant field e.g. development, leadership, or church-based ministry. For those for whom English is not a first language, proof of English competency will also be required (IELTS - 7.0 or Cambridge - Proficiency at C grade or above).

Applicants are normally required to complete a book critique as part of the application process and may be required to attend a bridging course to ensure they are equipped for the start of their postgraduate studies. 

For full details of all the entry criteria, please see the College Admissions Policy. If you are unsure whether you are eligible for the programme please contact us to discuss this further.

MA Bridging Course 

Postgraduate course applicants who do not meet the criteria for entrance on application (for example due to lack of theological training), can access the bridging studies programme prior to starting the postgraduate programme.   The bridging programme is available both residentially and on-line, and will be adapted to meet each student’s specific needs.  The exact programme of studies required will be agreed by the college in discussion with the applicant. The bridging studies involves accessing relevant Undergraduate modules over a period of one to three terms.  Students on the bridging course will be required to complete a defined number of BA modules, which will be selected from the following:

L5 modules: Pentateuch, Synoptic Gospels, Theology of Mission, Pauline Epistles, Acts of the Apostles, Hermeneutics and Homiletics

L6 modules: Johannine Literature, Religion and Society, Old Testament Theology, Isaiah, New Testament Theology.

 Applicants requiring additional inter-cultural experience can gain this by participating as a residential student on campus at Easneye. For further information about the bridging course, please email ma@allnations.ac.uk.

What qualification will I get?

A Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma, MA or MTh in a mission-related subject, validated by the Open University. The following postgraduate qualifications are available:

Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) in: Missiology

PG Diploma in:  Contextual Theology  │ Missiology  │ Global Ecclesiology  │ Multicultural Church in Practice  │ Transformational Development  │ Transformational Leadership | Staff Care and Wellbeing

MTh in: Contextual Theology

MA in:  Missiology  │ Global Ecclesiology  │ Multicultural Church in Practice  │  Transformational Development  │ Transformational Leadership | Staff Care and Wellbeing

Please see 'Key Information' at the bottom of this page for award discriptions

How is the course delivered?

The Postgraduate Programme is delivered through technology-enhanced learning and can be accessed in two ways:

1. As a “Campus-based” programme at the College site, in the beautiful rural setting of Easneye House near Ware, Hertfordshire just north of London. Full-time students may live on campus (subject to availability) or off campus. Part-time students generally live off campus.
2. Alternatively the course can be accessed online through Flexible Distributed Learning (FDL). The postgraduate FDL programme has been running since 2013 and is now well established. Recent technological advancements have allowed increased flexibility in delivery, enabling students anywhere in the world to study without leaving their own location, and to apply their learning to their ministry context as part of a global community.

Both on-campus and FDL students access the same modules as one integrated cohort. The majority of modules are delivered weekly during the College year. In addition, some specialist courses are delivered as short intensive modules over 4–5 days. While FDL students can access these remotely, they are encouraged to attend these in person if possible.

What are the different components of the Certificate, Diploma and Masters awards?

The Postgraduate Certificate qualification is only available in Missiology. Students must complete a total of three modules including Mission Reflection & Integration (M1) & Biblical and Theological Foundations for Mission (M2).

Diplomas are available in the various awards. Students must complete the three core modules (M1, M2 & M3), two specialist modules associated with the award, and either complete an extended essay (M18) or a research proposal (M20).

To gain a Master’s degree students must have completed the Diploma and then submit a research dissertation (15,000 words) or practice-based project (certain awards only) in a subject related to their award.    

How long does the course take?

Courses can be accessed either full-time (11 months for the MA, 9 months for the Diploma), part-time (2 years for the MA, 18 months for the Diploma) or online (3 years for the MA, 2 years for the Diploma). The postgraduate Certificate can be completed in 7 months, full-time.

What sort of workload can I expect?

The MA and MTh requires completion of 180 credits. It is estimated that it takes approximately 10 hours of study for each credit. Students should therefore expect to commit a total of 1800 hours for the completion of the programme.  The work load depends on the mode of delivery, with some variation in intensity over the year. 

Full-time students generally spend 6 - 10 hours a week in lectures. The rest of the week (30–35 hours) is spent in self-study, working on reading, assignments and research.  For students resident on campus, assisting with cleaning and kitchen duties are also part of College life, fostering a servant heart within community and helping to reduce student fees.

Part-time and FDL students spread their work over a longer period of time. On average part-time students (completing in 2 years) are expected to commit 18 - 22 study hours per week, and FDL students (completing in 3 years) are expected to commit 10–15 study hours per week over the period of the course.

A tool to calculate the approximate annual spread of your workload for your chosen course is available to download here.

All lecture sessions are recorded, to ensure students who miss a lecture due to unforeseen circumstances can catch up. However the majority of lectures should be accessed in real time to ensure student engagement in class discussions with other students and the lecturer.

Potential students should be aware that postgraduate study involves a continuous and sustained workload until the end of the degree. Part-time and FDL students are encouraged to discuss their proposed studies with their employers and gain approval for their studies as part of their work / ministry commitments. 

When can I start?

The residential full-time programme, the 2-year part-time programme and the 3-year online programme all begin each year in September.

Please call our Postgraduate Department to discuss study options and course content on +44 (0)1920 443526 or email ma@allnations.ac.uk if you have any questions.