St Michael's College

• Ordination Training
• Reader training
• Course Structure
• Joining the Course
• Non-Residential Course Dates
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Who's Who

FAQ

1. I'm not used to study. Will I be able to complete this course?

   The course is taught to many mature students, some of whom have never taken formal university-level study before. Although there is a steep learning curve, we help you to climb it. We focus on study-skills at the very start, help you to use the library facilities, to take notes, structure an essay and learn from your mistakes. We find that our students adapt after the initial period and learn to enjoy their studies. We understand how daunting a return to study later in life can be, so we should be able to answer your questions and deal with any worries you may have.

2. I already have a University theological qualification. Do I have to start all over again?

   It depends on what your previous study was. If you have a British University-validated Certificate in Theology, or higher qualification, we can sometimes put you on an advanced track. However, it is important to let us know about this early enough for us to examine your past theological training to check that it covers the ground needed for your future ministry. Contact the Non-residential Course Administrator to find out more.

3. I am not sure whether I can make all the dates for teaching, what should I do?

   It is essential that you put aside the time to take the learning and study seriously. The Non-residential course is validated to University standards and University regulations do not permit absence from courses unless there are medical or compassionate circumstances. You need to work with your diary to remove any obstacles to attendance. If you cannot do this, then it may be necessary to defer entry until you have time to give the course your full focus.

4. I'm an Anglican student, what does my placement involve?

   If you are training for the Church in Wales ordained ministry, we will allocate you a parish placement in a church near to where you live. If you have to travel by car, the Church in Wales will pay your expenses. You need to serve a total of 15 Sundays in your placement church plus the equivalent of 15 half-days in the placement encountering various aspects of its life and ministry. These take place in the Autumn and Spring Terms. In your placement church you should expect to be involved in at least one Sunday service per week. You will preach four times per year, and these will be assessed by a variety of methods. At the end of the year, your placement supervisor (usually the vicar or priest of the parish) will write a report on your placement which will contribute to the end-of-year report the college writes for your bishop. If you are training to be a Reader in the Church in Wales, you will serve a placement in your local church. Your incumbent or parish priest will be your supervisor and you will be expected to preach four times in your first year on the course and twice in your second year on the course. In addition, in your second year, you will spend one month in another parish, preferably of another tradition. You will also be asked to do one adult-learning project during your second year. Each year, your placement supervisor (parish priest) will write a report on your placement activities which will contribute to the end-of-year report the college writes for your bishop.

5. Is the Non-residential Course open to people who are not training to be ordained or to be readers?

   Because we have specifically focussed the course for these two particular types of ministry, the course is only available for people who are training for ordained ministry in their particular Church, or to be readers.

6. What is the difference between the Readers course and the course for those being ordained?

   Ordination candidates study for the Diploma in Practical Theology, whereas trainee readers study for the Certificate in Practical Theology. Although some of the academic modules are shared, ordination candidates have a higher workload and study on a longer course. In addition, they have additional expectations and tasks set for placement learning and core skills training. The learning outcomes set for each ministry are distinct, which is reflected in the training course each group follows.

7. Who will pay my course fees?

   If you have been selected by your diocese to train as a reader on the course, or are sponsored by your bishop to train for ordination, your fees will be paid by the Church in Wales. If you are a Methodist student minister, your fees will be paid by the Connexion.

8. Is there any preparatory reading?

   We will send you details of preparatory reading when we send you the handbook in advance of the course starting.