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.
Winter-Spring 2026 Short Courses
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LITURGY & PRAYER IN CHRISTIAN WORSHIP
14th January to 25th March, 2026
This course develops participant skills in planning, writing and producing worship materials including spoken liturgies and prayer, and leading these in the context of Christian Worship.
CREATIVE WRITING AS SPIRITUAL REFLECTION
19th January to 16th March, 2026
This course will enable and support the use of creative writing as a means of theological reflection upon personal, spiritual and contemporary experience. By the end of the course, participants will have produced a piece of creative writing and a critical reflection.
ELDERSHIP & LEADERSHIP IN A CHANGING CHURCH CONTEXT
22nd January to 19th March, 2026
This course will explore the meaning and role of local leadership in the Church of Scotland and other Reformed churches, both historical and contemporary.
MINISTRY AND MISSION IN DIGITAL CULTURE - NEW FOR 2026
28th January to 25th March, 2026
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.
LEADING IN CHURCH CHANGE - A MASTERS LEVEL COURSE
Mondays 7pm-9pm from 26th January
This online course, conducted within a supportive cohort, assists recognised pastoral leaders/clergy to evaluate their critical change challenges, engage with recent organisational change practice and equip with tools and perspectives for faithful and strategic responses.
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 peaked 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.”