CertHE and DipHE in Theology
Certificate of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
University-level education, suited to elders, women’s workers, youth workers, ministry apprentices and others serving within the local church, these programmes equip students with a serious theological foundation while fitting alongside existing work, ministry or family commitments.
These programmes are validated by the University of Glasgow.
The CertHE and DipHE programmes provide the opportunity to undertake substantial university-level theological study, leading to a recognised University of Glasgow qualification, without the need to commit initially to the full Bachelor of Theology programme.
Ideal for elders, women’s workers, youth workers, ministry apprentices and others serving within the local church, these programmes equip students with a serious theological foundation while fitting alongside existing work, ministry or family commitments.
Students study alongside those on the Bachelor of Theology programme, benefiting from the same teaching, experienced lecturers and supportive learning community.
Which programme is right for you?
Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
1 year full-time (4 days of lectures a week)
2 years part-time (3 days of lectures a week)
120 credits
Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
2 years full-time (4 days of lectures a week)
3-4 years part-time (3 days of lectures a week)
240 credits
Both programmes provide an accredited University of Glasgow award. The CertHE covers the first year of the standard three-year BTh programme, and the DipHE covers the first two years. Students who wish to continue their studies may also progress to the Bachelor of Theology (BTh).
What will I study?
Students follow selected modules from the Bachelor of Theology programme. Both the CertHE and the DipHE will help students grow in their understanding of Scripture, strengthen their theological foundations, and develop confidence for Christian service within the local church.
Subject areas include:
- Old Testament
- New Testament
- Systematic Theology
- Church History
- Practical Theology
- Biblical Languages
- Elective Modules
For specific course information, please consult the View All Courses section below.
Who are these programmes for?
- Elders, ministry workers and church members who wish to deepen their understanding of Scripture and theology.
- Current PSP, Saturday Course or Access to Theology students who are ready to take the next step in their studies.
- Christians seeking a recognised university qualification in theology.
- Prospective students considering progression to the Bachelor of Theology.
Study Options
With the ability to study full-time, part-time or via distance learning, the programmes have been created for those balancing study alongside employment, church ministry or family life.
Please note that Distance Learning students must attend online classes live, at the time specified on the timetable (link under ‘Further Information’).
Find out more about distance learning here.
- View All Courses
Find out more about all our courses, organised by department.
Foundations
FT101 Critical Reflection & Research
This course introduces students to the foundational skills of critical thinking and persuasive writing, with the aim of cultivating their ability to engage productively in the task of theological research.
Autumn term – Alistair Wilson
Hebrew and Old Testament
OT101 Old Testament Introduction
This course focusses on introductory questions relating to the study of the Old Testament. Special attention will be given to broader issues which provide a framework for the interpretation of specific passages.
Autumn term — Daniel Sladek
OT102 Pentateuch
This course focusses on the first five books of the Old Testament.
PREREQS OT101 or approval — Winter term — Daniel Sladek
OT103 Historical Books
This course focusses on the historical books of the Old Testament.
PREREQS OT102 or approval — Spring term — Daniel Sladek
HB221 Advanced Hebrew Grammar & Exegesis
Students taking this course will learn more advanced Hebrew syntax and discourse features, and they will apply these principles in the exegesis of selected Hebrew texts in a seminar-style format.
PREREQS HB233 or approval — Offered occasionally — Daniel Sladek
HB231 Hebrew 1
This course introduces students to biblical Hebrew.
Autumn term — Daniel Sladek
HB232 Hebrew 2
This course builds on the student’s knowledge of biblical Hebrew.
PREREQS HB231 or approval — Winter term — Daniel Sladek
HB233 Hebrew 3
This course extends the student’s knowledge of biblical Hebrew.
PREREQS HB232 or approval — Spring term — Daniel Sladek
OT301/311 Psalms & Wisdom Literature (Hebrew/English)
This course introduces students to the Psalms and Wisdom literature.
PREREQS OT103 and HB233 (Hebrew) or approval — Autumn term — Daniel Sladek
OT302/312 Prophets (Hebrew/English)
This course introduces students to the Psalms and Wisdom literature.
PREREQS OT103 and HB233 (Hebrew) or approval — Winter term — Daniel Sladek
OT321 Old Testament and the Doctrine of God
This elective will consider the implications of selected Old Testament passages for the Christian doctrine of God.
PREREQS OT103; HB233; GK133; and ST201 or approval — Offered occasionally — Daniel Sladek
OT322 Advanced Topics in the Old Testament Major Prophets
This module explores advanced questions related to the study of the Old Testament. Special attention will be given to the Major Prophets in their context in the Hebrew Canon and in the Ancient Near East (ANE).
Greek and New Testament
GR131 Greek 1
This course introduces students to some of the basic vocabulary and grammar of the Greek New Testament.
Autumn term — Ben Castaneda
GR132 Greek 2
This course introduces students to more of the basic vocabulary and grammar of the Greek New Testament.
PREREQS GR131 — Winter term — Ben Castaneda
GR133 Greek 3
Students in this module will read, translate, and discuss the Greek text of 1 John in a seminar-style format.
PREREQS GR132 — Spring term — Ben Castaneda
GR221 Advanced Greek Grammar & Exegesis
Students taking this elective module will learn more advanced Greek syntax and discourse features, and they will apply these principles in the exegesis of selected Greek texts in a seminar-style format.
PREREQS GR133 or approval — Offered occasionally — Ben Castaneda
NT201 New Testament Interpretation
This course introduces students to the historical context of the NT writings, hermeneutical and methodological issues arising in the interpretive process, and the practice of exegesis.
Autumn term — Ben Castaneda
NT202/212 Synoptic Gospels (Greek/English)
This course introduces students to the study of the Synoptic Gospels in their historical, literary, and theological contexts.
PREREQS NT201 and GR133 (Greek) or approval — Winter term — Ben Castaneda
NT203/213 John–Acts (Greek/English)
This course introduces students to the study of the Gospel of John and the Acts of the Apostles in their historical, literary, and theological contexts.
PREREQS NT202/212 and GR133 (Greek) or approval — Spring term — Ben Castaneda
NT301/311 Pauline Epistles (Greek/English)
This course introduces students to the study of the Pauline Epistles in their historical, literary, and theological contexts.
PREREQS NT203/213 and GR133 (Greek) or approval — Spring term — Ben Castaneda
NT302 General Epistles (Greek/English)
This course introduces students to the study of the so-called General Epistles (Hebrews–Revelation) in their historical, literary, and theological contexts.
PREREQS NT301/311 and GR133 (Greek) or approval — Winter term — Ben Castaneda
NT321 Early Christian Interpretation
This elective closely examines examples of early Christian exegesis.
Offered occasionally — Ben Castaneda
Systematic Theology
ST101 Introduction to Theology
This course introduces students to the study of theology. It discusses the object, method, purpose, and source of theology. It engages with academic and popular philosophical debate in relation to Christian theology, including relevant questions of ontology, or what there is to know, and of epistemology, or how we know what we know. It discusses the Word of God, revelation, and the inspiration of Scripture. Significant attention is paid to the particular integrative role of covenant both in redemptive history and in theology.
Winter or Spring term — Zachary Purvis
ST201 Theology Proper
This course examines the biblical doctrine of the Trinity, the attributes, decree, existence, and providence of God in dialogue with the Reformed tradition, the catholic ecumenical creeds, and contemporary theology.
PREREQS ST101 or approval — Autumn term — Cory Brock
ST202 Anthropology
This course explores the doctrine of the origin, nature, and original state of humanity, the image of God, the covenant of works, the fall, the doctrine of sin, and free agency.
PREREQS ST101 or approval — Winter term – Lecturer TBC
ST203 Christian Ethics
This course explores the nature of the study of ethics, issues in Christianity and culture, the motive and goal of the Christian life, the law of God as the standard of the Christian life, and the Decalogue.
PREREQS ST101 or approval — Spring term – Lecturer TBC
ST301 Christology
This course explores the plan of salvation, sovereign election, the covenant of redemption and the covenant of grace, the person and work of Christ, the source, necessity, nature, and extent of the atonement, the resurrection, and the ascension.
PREREQS ST101 or approval — Autumn term — Zachary Purvis
ST302 Soteriology
This course explores the work of the Holy Spirit, the ordo salutis and union with Christ, calling, regeneration, faith and assurance of salvation, justification, adoption, sanctification, perseverance, and glorification.
PREREQS ST101 or approval — Winter term – Lecturer TBC
ST303 Ecclesiology & Eschatology
This course draws on biblical and historical theology to offer a systematic-theological study of the Christian church and of eschatology. It explores the church as the people of God, community of Christ, and fellowship of the Spirit. It addresses attributes of the church; marks of the church; office and government; and worship. Discussion is also given to the church’s relation to the kingdom of God, to the various cultural contexts in which it is found, and to parachurch organisations. Finally, the course explores the coming of Christ and the end of the age.
PREREQS ST101 or approval — Spring term — Zachary Purvis
ST321 Covenant Theology
This elective provides students an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Reformed federal theology, considering it from the perspectives of exegetical, systematic and historical theology.
PREREQS HB233; GK133; and ST201 or approval — Offered occasionally — Daniel Sladek; Zachary Purvis
ST324 Contemporary Theology Seminar
This seminar considers key thinkers and events in modern, post-modern, and contemporary theologies from the twentieth century to the present day (e.g., Barth, Bonhoeffer, Rahner, Moltmann, Gutiérrez, Cone, Schüssler Fiorenza, Milbank, Tanner, Webster, Coakley, Sonderegger). Students discuss primary texts, from a range of traditions, in their specific contexts with an emphasis on critical analysis and engaged discussion in order to understand the contemporary theological landscape.
PREREQS ST101; CH101; CH102; and CH201 or approval — Offered occasionally — Zachary Purvis
ST325 Theology of B. B. Warfield
This seminar considers the life and work of B. B. Warfield (1851–1921), a seminal theologian from the Reformed tradition. Students discuss primary texts in their specific contexts with an emphasis on critical analysis and engaged discussion in order to understand Warfield’s contribution to our wider theological studies and how his contribution can shape our formation as Christian disciples.
PREREQS ST201; ST202; and CH201 or approval — Offered occasionally – Lecturer TBC
Church History
CH101 Ancient Church
This course introduces major themes, events, and personalities in the early Christian church from the end of the apostolic period through late antiquity. The course examines the origins and significance of early Christian creeds, the expansion of the church, and other critical issues. Special attention is given to the development of ideas in their cultural, social, and political contexts.
Autumn or Winter term — Zachary Purvis
CH102 Medieval & Reformation Church
This course introduces major themes, events, and personalities in the Christian church in the medieval and Reformation eras. The course examines such issues as the development of monasticism, scholasticism, mysticism, debates in ecclesiastical authority, heresy and dissent, forerunners of the Reformation, connections to the Renaissance, the rise of Protestantism in the sixteenth century; the Radical Reformation; and the Catholic Reformation. Special attention is given to the development of ideas in their cultural, social, and political contexts.
Winter or Spring term — Zachary Purvis
CH201 Modern Church
This course introduces major themes, events, and personalities in the Christian church in the modern era. The course examines such issues as the Remonstrant crisis and the consolidation of Protestant orthodoxy; pietism; rationalism; the nature of the Enlightenment; revivals and revivalism; fundamentalism and modernism; the impact of revolution and liberalism; modern European theology; modern missionary movements; the World Wars; dispensationalism; and the growth of Pentecostalism. Special attention is given to the development of ideas in their cultural, social, and political contexts.
Winter or Spring term — Zachary Purvis
CH232 Church in Scotland
This course introduces major themes, events, and personalities in the history of the Christian church in Reformation and early modern Scotland, ca.1500–1750. The course examines such issues as the origins of Scottish Reformation; the 1560 Scots Confession; the First and Second Book of Discipline; the Union of Crowns and of Parliaments; Scottish involvement in the Westminster Assembly; the Revolution Settlement; and the Marrow Controversy. Special attention is given to the development of ideas in their cultural, social, and political contexts.
PREREQS CH101; CH102; and CH201 or approval — Autumn term — Iver Martin; Zachary Purvis
CH233 18th Century and Disruption Church in Scotland
This course examines the history and distinctive principles of the Scottish Presbyterian Church from the eighteenth century to the present time. Students engage with a range of foundational ecclesiastical issues in their historical and theological contexts, such as Presbyterianism, establishment, spiritual independence, the regulative principle of worship, and confessional subscription. Students also examine major events and figures in the development of the modern church in Scotland, including the rise of the Moderate Party, missionary movements, revivals, heresy trials, the Ten-Year Conflict, the Disruption of 1843, and the experience of the Free Church of Scotland into and beyond the twentieth century.
PREREQS CH101; CH102; CH201; and CH232 or approval — Winter term — Iver Martin; Zachary Purvis
CH221 Reformed Confessions: Theology, Piety & Practice
This seminar course examines the major Presbyterian and Reformed confessions and catechisms of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, with an emphasis on either the Westminster Standards (Confession of Faith; Larger Catechism; Shorter Catechism; and other documents, 1645–47) or Three Forms of Unity (Belgic Confession, 1561; Heidelberg Catechism, 1563; Canons of Dort, 1619).
PREREQS CH101; CH102; and CH201 or approval — Offered occasionally — Zachary Purvis
CH222 Early Modern Theology Seminar
This seminar course examines the development of Christian theology in the early modern period, ca. 1500–1750. It explores in detail the theology and methods of major theologians through the study of primary sources (in English translation). It situates important theologians and theological texts in their various historical contexts (institutional, political, social, cultural, intellectual). Special attention will be given to the Reformed tradition (e.g., Ursinus, Beza, Junius, Perkins, Owen, Turretin, Heidegger, Wollebius, van Mastricht) and to specific issues, such as method/prolegomena, soteriology, and covenant theology.
PREREQS CH101 and CH102 or approval — Offered occasionally — Zachary Purvis
CH223 Modern Theology Seminar
This seminar course considers key thinkers and events in the making of modern theology from the long nineteenth century in particular (e.g., Kant, Schleiermacher, Hegel, Kierkegaard, Strauss, Nietzsche, Cunningham, Smeaton, Martin, Bavinck, Warfield, Harnack). Students discuss primary texts in their specific contexts with an emphasis on critical analysis and engaged discussion in order to understand the formative religious transformations of modernity.
PREREQS CH101; CH102; and CH201 or approval — Offered occasionally — Zachary Purvis
Practical Theology
PT121 Christian Spirituality
This elective introduces a variety of Christian approaches to cultivating the spiritual life. Students reflect rigorously but reverently on their own Christian devotion, practice, and tradition. Students engage with seminal thinkers such as Augustine, Calvin, and Schaeffer.Offered occasionally – Lecturer TBC
PT122 Reformed Spirituality
Students will interact with key figures in Reformed Spirituality from Calvin to Owen to Edwards and to Packer. Students will engage personally with the material to facilitate their own spiritual formation to consider how Reformed Spirituality could inform and enrich their Christian life.Offered occasionally – Lecturer TBC
PT123 World Religions
Students will understand the history, scriptures, beliefs, practices, worldviews, and cultures of major world religions with an emphasis on Islam. Students will consider how different religions intersect and interface with Christianity so that they might better convey the key tenets of Christianity with clarity, sensitivity, and respect.Offered occasionally – Lecturer TBC
PT124 Religion, Morality & Philosophy
Students will gain greater insight into the religious, moral, and philosophical issues that affect our world. Students will be introduced to major world religions, major thinkers, and schools of philosophical thought from theistic and non-theistic perspectives and will explore the foundations for morality and the framework for making moral decisions. Students pursuing a career in teaching Religious Education or Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies will note that the elective course follows the contours of the Scottish Higher Curriculum.Offered occasionally – Lecturer TBC
PT125 Christian Witness Worldwide
This course introduces students to key issues relating to the theology and history of the expansion of Christianity with a deliberately global perspective.Offered occasionally — Alistair Wilson
PT126 Principles and Practice of Women’s Ministry
This module aims to combine study of the biblical principles related to women’s ministry with the current challenges and live issues experienced by practitioners in the local church today.–
PT131 Preaching & Bible Teaching
This course introduces students to the theology and theory of preaching (often called ‘homiletics’), offering an entry point into the Reformed tradition’s rich and robust reflections on the significance, content, and methodology of preaching and teaching God’s Word.Winter or Spring term — Cory Brock
PT132 Evangelism and Discipleship
The gospel is both the entry-point to the Christian life (‘evangelism’) and the source of ongoing growth and maturity throughout the Christian life (‘discipleship’). This course introduces students to the theology and practice of the communication of the gospel of Jesus Christ to non-Christians and Christians alike. Students will learn how to communicate the gospel clearly and winsomely and how to foster spiritual development and habits of Christian maturity in both interpersonal and group settings in the context of the local church.Autumn or Spring term – Lecturer TBC
PT221 Communication
Communication is essential to all forms of Christian ministry. This elective highlights biblical principles of communication and elements of good public speaking. Students can improve their verbal and written communication skills which will serve them well in their spheres of service.Offered occasionally – Lecturer TBC
PT222 Leadership
Leadership exercised well and wisely enhances any organisation. Leadership exercised poorly is a serious threat and liability. This elective highlights biblical principles of leadership and gleans relevant insights from leadership in a variety of settings from church and business to sports and politics. Students work together to capture good practice based upon character, competence, and skill.Offered occasionally – Lecturer TBC
PT223 Studies in Practical Theology
Studies in Practical Theology introduces students to ministry in general or to a particular area of Practical Theology in a local church or Christian organisation. In consultation with the student, the Seminary will liaise with organisations which can host a suitable placement.Offered occasionally – Lecturer TBC
PT224 Continuing Studies in Practical Theology
Continuing Studies in Practical Theology enables students to focus on an aspect of practical theology such as pastoral care, mercy ministry, counselling, or discipleship. In consultation with the student, the Seminary will liaise with organisations which can host a suitable placement.PREREQS PT223 — Offered occasionally — Lecturer TBC
PT225 Studies in Practical Theology: Mission
Studies in Practical Theology: Mission introduces students to Christian mission in either a local, international, or cross-cultural setting. This setting can include church planting. In consultation with the student, the Seminary will liaise with organisations which can host a suitable placement.Offered occasionally — Lecturer TBC
PT226 Continuing Studies in Practical Theology: Mission
Continuing Studies in Practical Theology: Mission enables students to focus on an area of mission such as cross-cultural mission, international Mission, or revitalisation. In consultation with the student, the Seminary will liaise with organisations which can host a suitable placement.PREREQS PT225 — Offered occasionally — Lecturer TBC
PT227 Reading Scripture Missionally
This course introduces students to the developing approach to biblical interpretation known as ‘missional reading’ of Scripture. Students will reflect on the theoretical basis of this approach and evaluate several examples of the method being put into practice.Offered occasionally — Alistair Wilson
PT231 Pastoral Care & Biblical Counselling
This course offers an overview of the pastor’s office within the local church. In particular, as counsellors in the local church, pastors bring God’s Word to bear upon the stresses and challenges of the Christian life. This course will provide a biblical foundation and theology of counselling as well as introduce a methodology for Christ-centered counselling of individuals and families.Autumn term — Lecturer TBC
PT232 Apologetics & Worldview
This course explores the dominant perspectives, individuals, ideologies, and cultural transformations that have contributed to the current religious landscape, with specific focus on understanding how to communicate the gospel clearly and effectively in a sceptical, pluralistic environment.Winter or Spring term — Cory Brock
PT301 Public Theology Capstone Seminar
This interdisciplinary capstone course requires students to reflect upon, integrate, and apply knowledge gained across the theological disciplines throughout the degree program to a variety of public-facing theological matters in a seminar environment. In the context of respectful discourse facilitated by a team of lecturers, students will develop and demonstrate a growing ability to articulate theologically informed convictions on a range of issues.PREREQS ST203 and PT232 or approval; normally taken in final year — Spring term — Ben Castaneda/Staff
PT322 Healthy Relationships
The Fall has impacted all of our relationships – vertical with God and horizontal with each other. Thankfully, the incarnation and atonement have restored these relationships. As we experience regeneration (what God does in us) and justification (what God does for us), heart change – deep change – becomes possible. As we understand all our relationships in light of our new and dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ, healthy relationships can be developed and fostered.PREREQS PT231 or approval — Offered occasionally — Lecturer TBC
PT323 Dynamics of Spiritual Life
This seminar considers the key themes surrounding the formation of Christian character. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students will reflect upon seminal texts and key authors who contributed to the study of evangelical spirituality with reference to Systematic Theology and Church History. Students discuss primary texts in their specific contexts with an emphasis on critical analysis and engaged discussion in order to understand the formative impact on their Christian discipleship and personal spirituality.PREREQS CH101; CH102; and CH201 or approval — Offered occasionally — Lecturer TBC
PT324 Reformed Missiology
This course offers an opportunity to reflect critically on central concepts of a distinctively Reformed Missiology and to engage closely with the writings of selected Reformed missiologists.Offered occasionally — Alistair Wilson
Directed Study
DS321/322 Directed Study
This 10-credit elective enables students to engage in advanced study of a special topic in the field(s) of Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, Systematic Theology, and/or Practical Theology with approval and guidance from the relevant Course Organiser or Lecturer, Director of Studies, and Principal. It is particularly suited for students who wish to produce an extended research paper (e.g., 5,000 words).
PREREQS FT101 or approval — Offered occasionally — Staff
DS323 Directed Study Dissertation
This 20-credit elective enables students to engage in advanced study of a special topic in the field(s) of Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, Systematic Theology, and/or Practical Theology with approval and guidance from the relevant Course Organiser or Lecturer, Director of Studies, and Principal. It is particularly suited for students thinking about postgraduate study who wish to produce an undergraduate dissertation (e.g., 10,000 words).
PREREQS FT101 or approval — Offered occasionally — Staff
Further Information
Course fees can be found here.
For admission to the CertHE and DipHE programmes applicants will normally require university entrance qualifications. In the UK context, this would mean, for example: SQA Highers, or their equivalent: AAB, BBBB, ABBC.
The Senate will take into account not only conventional academic qualifications, but also vocational or professional experience, completion of appropriate access courses (such as the ETS Access to Theology programme) or possession of the Seminary’s own Certificate in Theology or Diploma in Christian Studies.
Students for whom English is not their first language are required to sit a Secure English Language Test (SELT) and achieve an equivalent of IELTS 6.5 prior to entry onto the programme.
Find out more here.
The Undergraduate Admissions Policy can be found here.
Voices from ETS
Watch videos from students, lecturers and staff as they reflect on theological study, ministry and life at ETS.
