Commission is partnering with Union School of Theology (UST) to facilitate rigorous theological study at graduate level.
The Graduate Diploma in Theology (GDip), is designed for people stepping into formal ministry, as well as leaders already in ministry who have missed out on formal theological education. Combining both academic and spiritual formation, the GDip provides a solid grounding in biblical, theological, historical and pastoral theology to meet the needs of leaders across the Commission network. Delivered through our Union Learning Community in Winchester, students benefit from the world class teaching of Union’s faculty along with the guidance and practical mentoring of Commission’s training team, led by Tim Blaber.
Syllabus Overview
The programme provides a solid foundation in biblical studies (including optional language studies in Greek or Hebrew), theological and historical studies, as well as pastoral and missional studies.
Teaching and assessments are delivered by UST’s lecturers including Mike Reeves, Clive Bowsher, Bob Letham, Peter Mead and Neil Powell.
There are 6 modules in total and students take 3 modules each year. Students may choose one of the options listed for biblical languages.
Studies in the Old & New Testaments
Hebrew Grammar (option 1)
Greek Grammar (option 2)
Biblical Texts: English Exegesis (option 3)
Studies in Systematic Theology
Turning Points in Church History
Studies in Preaching & Pastoral Theology
Church & Mission
Children’s, Youth and Family Ministry ,delivered in a one-week residential block on Union’s campus. (optional)
How will it work?
Students on the GDip study alongside each other in the Learning Community based at Hope Church Winchester. Teaching is delivered through tailor-made video lectures while discussion and activities are facilitated by Andy Le Roux and Dave Lockyer, the course mentors. Students have access to teaching materials, resources and eBooks through Union’s Cloud platform that supports them in learning and assessments, and they can also communicate regularly with lecturers.
The GDip is delivered over two years of part-time study. Students will typically need to study for around 20-25 hours per week across the year. This weekly commitment includes reading, the day in the community and assessment writing time, and it is up to the student how they divide their time over an average week. Assessments are carried out through a combination of essays and exams and students are given support on how to undertake these.
Who is it for?
The GDip is designed for those who are stepping into formal ministry or leadership positions, but also for those already in ministry who have simply missed out on the benefit of formal theological education. It’s particularly suitable for assistant pastors, church interns, youth and women’s workers and evangelists.
Applicants should already have a degree in a subject other than theology, a basic theological knowledge (either through a previous Commission training course, a course with another provider, or from private study) as well as some ministry experience.
Course Details
Delivered in the Winchester Learning Community based at Hope Church, Winchester.
Location
Two-year, part-time programme. The teaching days will begin at 9:30am with a devotional, followed by the first session beginning at 9:45am. Teaching days should finish by 4:00pm.
Duration
Price
£3685 per year.
Application window
Applications open at the end of April
We want to make sure this course is as open and accessible as possible. If you have a specific accessibility need, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at training@commission.global.
Accessibility
All applications are subject to Commission's Training Terms & Conditions which can be found HERE.
For any queries about this course, please contact training@commission.global or call +44 1202 132701.
Contact
Once applied, students will need to fill in an additional application form through Union School of Theology
Validated students gain a formal Graduate Diploma in Theology, accredited by The Open University in partnership with Union School of Theology
Admission details:
To take the qualification on an accredited basis (gaining a formal qualification), prospective students should already have a degree in any subject other than theology. Other qualifications and experience which demonstrate an applicant’s suitability may also be acceptable and it’s best to discuss this with UST.
For those without a degree it is also possible to take the GDip on an unaccredited basis. Unaccredited students receive the same training and do the same assessments but do not work towards a formal qualification. However, if an unaccredited student gets an average mark of 50% they can be considered for accredited study on UST’s MTh programme – meaning they can progress from having no higher education level qualification to gaining a formal Master’s Degree in Theology. Commission is also providing an opportunity to study on the Masters through our Level 4 training programme.
Studies begin in September each year and applications should be submitted to UST by the 1st August. UST will accept applications after this date but cannot guarantee that they will be processed in time for the beginning of the academic year.
Scholarships
We are keen to ensure that no one is prevented from enrolling onto this training course due to financial obstacles, therefore we have the potential to make Commission Scholarships available to those for whom it best serves. When a scholarship is requested, we will then seek the input of church leaders, to help us evaluate suitability, we will also factor in previous participation and performance in Commission training courses etc. All previous and future scholarships are awarded following interviews with members of the UK Team, who will make their decisions following input from church leaders in addition to the strength of each individual application.
To find out more and apply
More information is available on UST’s website here.
If you have a question about studying on the GDip, you can contact Union’s team here.
You can also get in touch with the Commission training team by emailing training@commission.global
Find out more about Graduate Diploma
Andy Le Roux
Andy is senior pastor of Vine Church Hart, with congregations in Odiham and Fleet, in Hampshire. He is married with 3 adult children. He enjoys running, but loves theology even more and has been actively involved in theological training for many years within Commission and more recently with Union.
Dave Lockyer
Dave is senior pastor of Junction Church, Eastleigh. He's currently studying at Masters' level with Union. Dave is married to Amber with 2 grown up children and enjoys grappling with theology, listening to music and exploring the great outdoors either on foot or by bike.
Training Dates
The course will run weekly normally on a Wednesday, with an occasional Tuesday
-
2026
Wednesday 9 September
Wednesday 16 September
Wednesday 23 September
Wednesday 30 September
Wednesday 7 October – At Junction Church, Eastliegh
Wednesday 14 October
Wednesday 21 October
Half Term
Tuesday 3 November – Due to Commission Prayer
Wednesday 11 November
Wednesday 18 November
Wednesday 25 November
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2027
Wednesday 6 January
Wednesday 13 January
Wednesday 20 January
Wednesday 27 January
Wednesday 3 February
Wednesday 10 February
Half Term
Wednesday 24 February
Wednesday 3 March
Wednesday 10 March
Wednesday 17 March
Wednesday 24 March
Easter Holiday
Revision Week – W/C – 26 April (if applicable)
Exam Week – W/C – 3 May (if applicable)
Graduation – TBC
