Diploma
Diploma in Biblical and Intercultural Studies (OU Dip HE)
This two-year diploma in Biblical and Intercultural Studies is led by Dr Jill Ford, who has dedicated her life to providing excellent training using arts and worship in ministry and missionary contexts.
It is ideal if you are interested in training for Christian ministry or mission and taking a course that teaches you academically and equips you with hands-on experience.
Remote access students
Although our diploma in Biblical and Intercultural Studies isn’t an online course, many of the modules within it can be studied remotely.
Apart from practical training for ministry and mission, which takes place in workshops, the diploma is available either by studying on our college campus or through remote access (online). Onsite and offsite students study together in a live hybrid environment – some are in the classroom, and some join on-screen.
If you would like to discuss how this might work for you, please contact us.
Where can your diploma in Biblical and Intercultural Studies lead?
Most of our students feel called to Christian mission or ministry before they start training. They often do not know exactly what God has called them to do when they begin our course, but most put their Christian training into practice straight away. Here is a selection of the roles that our past students have taken up:
Becoming part of a church leadership team.
Working for Christian mission organisations.
Helping to translate and publish Bibles
Helping to plant and develop new churches.
Bible teaching.
Founding or co-founding new organisations and projects.
Working in engineering or aviation for Christian causes.
Ministering as a doctor or a nurse.
Working as a Christian in a secular organisation.
"I just loved it. Level 4 was good... Level 5 went deeper. It was more challenging but also a precious time of growth and learning, with the mission focus revealed in every module. Thank you so much. It has been a privilege."
OU-accredited Christian college
Founded in 1969, the OU was the first university to meet the needs of students and employers across the world, by widening access to Higher Education. All Nations is one of a small group of colleges that are accredited to run OU courses – although its long-standing reputation for mission and ministry training is unique. Because All Nations is an OU-accredited Christian college, our diplomas are internationally recognised.
If you complete this diploma in Biblical and Intercultural Studies, you have the option to study for an extra year if you want to convert your diploma into a degree.
It is important to note that student loans and visas are only available for OU-validated programmes.
Start dates
Saturday, 6 January 2024
Wednesday, 25 September 2024
Saturday, 11 January 2025
Wednesday, 24 September 2025
Saturday, 10 January 2026
Wednesday, 23 September 2026
Saturday, 9 January 2027
The diploma is a full-time two-year course consisting of three ten-week terms per year.
Do I have to complete the diploma in Biblical and Intercultural Studies in two consecutive years?
No. If you complete Year 1, you will earn a Certificate in Biblical and Intercultural Studies. This means that if your circumstances change halfway through your diploma, you could still gain a useful and recognised qualification.
Also, if you do not require a visa, you could study part-time in your final year or defer your final year for a prearranged period. Please liaise with your course administrator if this is something you might do.
Do you feel anxious about studying for a diploma in Biblical and Intercultural Studies?
If you haven’t studied for a long time, it’s natural to feel a little concerned. But do not worry: throughout your time at All Nations Christian College, you will benefit from our unique blend of pastoral care and learning support.
Entry criteria
Minimum age: 21 or older for an OU-validated diploma (although the college will consider applicants who are aged 19 and 20).
Qualifications: A minimum of two A levels (or equivalent), and relevant experience.
English language: OU-validated courses are taught in English, and you will need to meet the academic English entry requirement that applies to you. If you are coming to study in the UK from overseas, it is likely that you will need the same academic English standard to meet UK Visa and Immigration criteria.
If you are an international student, this could mean you have to take a B2 Level SELT (Secure English Language Test), but you might be exempt if you are from a majority English-speaking country, or have studied at degree level in one such country, as defined by UKVI. Approved SELT test service providers often offer an online option to take a language test.
If you are an international student and you need to take a SELT test, UKVI-approved providers include:
If you do not need a visa, you could also consider these test providers:
For full details of other language eligibility criteria, the minimum test score requirements for those who have to take a language test, and all other entry criteria, please see the College Admissions Policy.
Fees
Fees vary depending on how you choose to study. A full breakdown of fees is available here.
Please contact us if you need any support or guidance.
