Diploma
Diploma in Biblical and Intercultural Studies
(Dip HE)
What Is The Diploma Programme?
The Diploma is a more in-depth programme. It prepares you for effective cross-cultural mission by developing your ability to evaluate, understand and apply skills in other cultural contexts. The first year of study is the foundational Certificate programme (level 4).
In Year 2 (level 5) you can tailor your studies to your interests by taking elective modules and a smaller number of compulsory modules. The elective modules fall within our vocational specialisms:
The Arts and Mission
Personal and Spiritual Formation
Theology and Mission
Cross-cultural Ministry
Poverty and Justice
Many students who complete the Diploma decide to stay on to complete our BA (Hons) degree.
Why Choose The Diploma Programme?
The Diploma in Biblical and Intercultural Studies prepares students for a life of Christian mission and ministry anywhere in the world. It is a two-year course designed to prepare you well in Biblical and Intercultural Studies. If studied full-time it will take you 2 years, or 4 years if studying part-time.
How Can I Access The Programme?
The Diploma Programme is very flexible. It can be accessed either residentially on campus, or remotely from anywhere in the World by joining live classes via Zoom, and either full time (2 years) or part-time (usually 3 to 4 years). The programme makes use of a variety of learning approaches ensuring an engaging and vibrant intercultural learning community of people from all around the World. Learning approaches make use of cutting-edge digital learning technology, live interaction with tutors, workshops, practical placements, tutorials and interactive discussion forums.
If you would like to discuss how this might work for you, please contact us.
What Will I Study On The Diploma Programme?
Further down the page you can see a list of the modules available on the Diploma Programme.
What Qualification Will I Get?
A Diploma of Higher Education (Dip HE) in Biblical and Intercultural Studies, which is validated by The Open University. Alternatively the All Nations Diploma in Biblical and Intercultural Studies.
Where Can This Lead?
Our international Christian ministry and missionary training is a springboard for wherever God wants to take you. Although students often do not know exactly what God is calling them to do when they enrol, most put their ministry and missionary training into practice as soon as they complete their Biblical and Intercultural Studies course. Here is a selection of the roles that our past students have taken up:
Going into full-time ministry.
Bible teaching.
Working for Christian mission organisations.
Working in aviation or engineering for Christian causes.
Helping to translate and publish Bibles.
Helping to plant and develop new churches.
Ministering as a doctor or a nurse.
Founding or co-founding new organisations and projects.
Working as a Christian in a secular organisation.
Creative arts ministry
Christian development work
Leaders of Christian mission networks
What Are The Entry Criteria?
Qualifications: A minimum of two A levels (or equivalent), and relevant experience.
Minimum age: 21 or older for an OU-Validated Diploma *(although the college will consider applicants who are aged 19 and 20).
Non-validated Option: All Nations also offers a non-validated 2-year ‘All Nations Diploma in Biblical and Intercultural Studies’. Students choosing this programme are exempt from Open University fees and may opt to have their work graded Pass or Fail. *It is not possible to progress on to the final year of the Degree programme with this option.
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.
When Can I Start The Programme?
Both the OU Diploma programme and the All Nations Diploma programme begin in late September each year and finish the following July. It is also possible to begin the programme in January.
Start Dates
Wednesday, 24 September 2025
Saturday, 10 January 2026
Wednesday, 23 September 2026
Saturday, 9 January 2027
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.
Who Leads The Programme?
Our Biblical and Intercultural Studies programme is led by Rev Dr V. J. Samkutty, along with a team of experienced and well-qualified tutors. As a team we believe in providing excellent academic training that is biblically centred, theologically reflective, culturally engaged and practically relevant.
Further Support
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 a learning support team who will help you and guide you through. If you have any questions please do get in touch.
