About the Foundation Degree in Pastoral Ministry
EPS offers a programme of formation that leads to a Foundation degree awarded by St Mary's University College, Twickenham
Who is this course for?
EPS students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and circumstances. There is no upper age limit on who may apply.
Who can apply?
Pastoral Workers
Parish Administrators and secretaries
Parish Assistants
Deacons
Catechists
Those who have completed the CCRS
Parish liturgists and musicians
RCIA Co-ordinators
Sacramental Co-ordinators
Religious in formation for pastoral ministry
Religious in parish or other pastoral ministry
Chaplains
You should be a volunteer or in half time paid employment.
You must have a letter of recommendation from your parish priest, religious superior or congregation leader.
You should have a GCSE grade C or equivalent in English Language.
Ideally you should have one A Level or NVQ Level 3
Structure of the course
The course has been devised to give a balance between theological reflection and the development of pastoral skills. In each of the modules links are made between what is being learned and the reality of contemporary pastoral situations.
Level One Modules
Level one will consist of the following topics:
Theology
Scripture
Sacraments and Liturgy
Catechesis and RCIA
Parish In Context
Evangelisation and Mission
In these modules the language of faith is explored together with the biblical and catechetical framework to support pastoral ministry. The student will become familiar with parish pastoral ministry and the key skills needed in a parish pastoral setting.
Level Two Modules
Level two will consist of the following topics:
Christian Spirituality
Trinity and Jesus Christ
Church: Theology, History & Canon Law
Marriage and Family Life
Faith, Justice and the Common Good
Sacraments in Practice
The second year will provides a deeper understanding of pastoral ministry, examining patterns of spiritual practice, effective group skills and ways of praying.
The key canons on pastoral ministry and sacramental preparation are explored, together with good practice in relation to preparation for sacraments. The Church's social teaching is applied to concrete situations and the student's own experiences.
Course Length
Part-time, one day a week (Thursday) over 2 years.
Methods of Teaching
Teaching is varied throughout the day to include lectures, group work, seminars, pastoral sharing and prayer.
Study Arrangements
Students need to be able to study independently within what is a very supportive learning environment.
Individual tutorials are a particular feature of this EPS course.
We offer an exceptionally well-stocked, specialist, pastoral theology Library.
Students are also able to make full use of the library at St. Mary’s University College
as well as various online resources.
Assessment
Assessment per module consists of one essay, one oral presentation in class and log book reflections on the student's own pastoral ministry and personal growth.
Qualification on Completion
Foundation Degree in Pastoral Ministry from St Mary's University College
Fees
The fees are set by St Mary's University College and are £1285 for 2009- 2010
Contact us:
21, Tooting Bec Road
London
SW17 8BS
Tel : 0208 767 4445
Entry Requirements