Theology and Worship Studies

Theology and Worship Studies is a combined and integrated programme designed to build knowledge and skills in Christian worship. Students will be equipped to reflect on, plan and deliver worship across a broad range of church contexts, from a theologically informed perspective.

Offered by the Music and Worship department, the Theology and Worship Studies programme is unique in Europe. Key to the programme is the intentional integration of theology and worship studies. Students are offered a wide-ranging curriculum, encompassing training in practical worship ministry, historical studies, fieldwork, and case studies, together with essential theological study.

The programme, offered at Certificate, Diploma and Degree levels, is specifically targeted at those with a keen interest in worship ministry, broadly defined. Applicants might already have some experience, perhaps playing or singing in musical worship, using other artistic forms in worship, or being involved in planning and leading full worship services.

Essential to the programme are music for worship modules, designed to strengthen and consolidate vocal and instrumental skills, specifically for use in the context of musical worship. Designed for those wishing to grow in musical proficiency, and who perhaps have some previous experience of singing and/or playing in worship. Through weekly group classes, students will strengthen their vocal skills and their ability to lead worship using their voice. Students will grow in vocal confidence, technical skill, improvisation, presentation, and worship leadership, all applied across a range of music styles and worshipping traditions. Students will also take instrumental skills, with the option to focus on either keyboard or guitar throughout the three years. Learning will take place in weekly group classes and students will become proficient in providing musical accompaniment for worship on their chosen instrument.

The Theology and Worship Studies programme builds knowledge and practical skills across a broad spectrum of worshipping traditions, styles, and contexts. Students will grow as reflective worship practitioners and scholars and will be equipped for a wide range of careers, including worship leading, church ministry, teaching, and further academic study. A range of stimulating module options caters for individual skills and interests.

Faculty members include leading practitioners and thinkers in worship, theology, and related fields. This wealth of experience, combined with a rigorous approach to the integration of worship studies with theological and biblical insights, promises a challenging, but rewarding and enjoyable programme of study.

Time Commitment
Full-time students are expected to commit around 40-50 hours per week to their studies. For students studying on campus, lectures will take place between 9am – 6pm on Mondays to Fridays. This equates to around 12 hours of lectures and 30 hours of personal study time. Students are expected to complete the BA in 3 years.