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. 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 seven 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.

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

MTh in: Contextual Theology

MA in:  Missiology  │ Global Ecclesiology  │ Multicultural Church in Practice  │  Transformational Development  │ Transformational Leadership

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?

Most modules involve 30 hours of classroom time and sessions normally run from 9:30am-1:00pm and 2.00pm–5.00pm (UK time) on Mondays and Tuesdays. For FDL students who cannot access the lectures in real time (e.g. due to time differentials), sessions will be recorded and uploaded.  The Dissertation components are taught weekly in the Winter and Spring Terms – research and writing-up continues until the end of the academic year.

Full-time students generally spend up to 8 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. The workload does vary over the course period, however on average part-time students are expected to commit 15-20 study hours per week, and FDL students 10–15 study hours per week over the period of the course.

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 at the beginning of 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.

What do I do if I wish to complain?

All Nations wants all of our applicants to have a positive experience in going through our application process. We make every endeavour to provide you with the information you require and support you to make an informed choice in regards to the best course for you. However, if you are not satisfied about the handling of your application, you have the right to make either an informal and/or formal complaint or request a formal review/appeal. For further details please see the College Admissions Complaints and Appeals Policy and Procedures.