Course Description
Church and Christian faith practices are in the midst of critical sea-change made all the more intense and unsettling by the Covid 19 pandemic. Navigating this contemporary cultural change presents opportunities and challenges for effective Christian discipleship, to re-imagine and experiment in both ancient and new vessels. This course will use biblical and theological perspectives combined with insights from history and the social sciences to provide portals through which to understand and engage with an increasingly disruptive environment. It will include exploring a range of creative expressions of Christian life for both individuals and communities this Advent, and equip people for spiritual renewal in diverse local contexts.
This is an open access course available as a 10-credit course (accredited by the University of Glasgow) or audit-only for those who just wish to engage with the learning programme for their own personal benefit.
Church and Christian faith practices are in the midst of critical sea-change made all the more intense and unsettling by the Covid 19 pandemic. Navigating this contemporary cultural change presents opportunities and challenges for effective Christian discipleship, to re-imagine and experiment in both ancient and new vessels. This course will use biblical and theological perspectives combined with insights from history and the social sciences to provide portals through which to understand and engage with an increasingly disruptive environment. It will include exploring a range of creative expressions of Christian life for both individuals and communities this Advent, and equip people for spiritual renewal in diverse local contexts.
This is an open access course available as a 10-credit course (accredited by the University of Glasgow) or audit-only for those who just wish to engage with the learning programme for their own personal benefit.
Short Courses
Learning and Development
with Trinity College Glasgow and the University of Glasgow
About
Short courses are accessible learning opportunities in practical theology, church ministry and mission for a rapidly changing world. They are suitable for learners from a wide variety of backgrounds. They are designed for many kinds of leaders and members across churches who want to learn in their spare time. Learners can opt to undertake assessments and thus qualify for 10 credit points per course towards a Higher Education certificate or other University of Glasgow approved theology programmes, or alternatively audit for their own personal benefit.
Short Course Programme
2026-2027
Deadline for Applications Friday 11th September 2026
HISTORY AND THEOLOGY OF CHRISTIAN WORSHIP
29th September 2026, 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Tuesdays,ONLINE
This course introduces students to the history and theology of Christian worship. It provides an understanding of the development of current forms of Christian worship, the nature of sacramental distinctions, and new sources and ecumenical confluences in 20th- and 21st-century worship. It provides perspectives which will underpin future worship practice and the development of advanced worship leading skills.
PREACHING IN CHURCH CONTEXTS
23rd September 2026, 4pm-6pm
Wednesdays, HYBRID
This creative, practical and stimulating course will help you to develop as a preacher through reflection on why and how we preach. We will explore the relationships between the form of biblical texts and the sermons we preach on them, as well as reflecting on delivery, style and method.
MINISTRY AND MISSION IN DIGITAL CULTURE
7th October 2026, 7pm-9pm
Wednesdays, ONLINE
This course will help students to reflect on and engage with the rise of digital media and its rapid move into church presence online. This course is suitable for those working in church and mission and who are looking for an introduction to digital ministry and for leaders thinking through the implications of digital materials for their ministry and vocation.
CONTEMPORARY VISUAL ART AND CHRISTIAN WORSHIP
24th September 2026, 7pm-9pm
Thursdays, ONLINE
The course offers an exploration of the integration of contemporary visual arts in Christian liturgy and the worship environment. The course is open to learners of any background, with no prerequisite knowledge of art or liturgy, and is ideal for those who are seeking to develop the visual arts in their church or faith organisation.
NEW YEAR-LONG, 20 CREDIT COURSE
PASTORAL PRACTICE IN CHURCH LEADERSHIP
24th September 2026, 7pm-9pm
Semester 1 ONLINE teaching
Semester 2 PLACEMENT
This course will equip those in, or expecting to be in, positions of Church leadership to understand and evaluate some of the pastoral needs and dynamics within Churches and the interventions that can be made.
More Information Coming Soon.
What participants are saying about our short courses:
“Overall, with the subject matter, there was a very good progression of thinking, excellent use of the resources of people who write about this subject, giving confidence to research yourself.”
“As a person who has not been in education for many years I enjoyed the informality of zoom classes.”
“Just a short note to thank you both directly for your leadership, direction and syllabus preparation during the 10 weeks of the course. I found it both practically beneficial in not just my Church life but also in my own day job and intellectually stimulating throughout.”
“The material had obviously been well researched and was very current and relevant to the current situation in which the Church finds itself.”
“It was a thoroughly practical course which was undergirded by both experience and relevant theory and theology.”
“The course leaders were warm and welcoming each week and the guest lecturers certainly piqued my overall interest. Meeting in this way to study has made me eager to do more in the future.”
“I was very impressed by the professionalism along with the encompassment of the spiritual aspects which can often get overlooked in academia.”
“For me there was the bonus that we worked at a `live' project all the way through, and what we did as individuals had real time impact.”