BA (Hons) in Practical Theology Campus Based

This BA Honours degree in Practical Theology (Community Youth Work) is endorsed by the National Youth Agency (JNC), meaning that you graduate with a professional qualification. The JNC accreditation qualifies you to work in both statutory and faith-based youth and community contexts.

This unique degree pathway will equip you to be inspired by your faith, build relationships with young people from all backgrounds, and demonstrate to them the values of the Kingdom of God.

This course combines interactive and creative teaching days with practical experience in youth work and ministry settings. You will apply what you learn in the classroom while developing your knowledge, skills, and abilities to engage with young people in churches, statutory youth work settings, and the wider community.

Studying on this pathway, you will gain:

• Essential knowledge of the Christian faith through key theological disciplines and the ability to relate this understanding to youth and community work practice.
• A grounding in relevant social sciences such as psychology, sociology, and cultural studies, and the ability to relate these to professional youth work and ministry.
• An in-depth understanding of both statutory and faith-based youth and community work.
• Core skills as a youth and community work practitioner.
• Broad youth work experience through the completion of two different placements in community or statutory settings.
• A range of transferrable skills, including independent and creative thinking, self-organisation, teamwork, communication, and project management, all of which will equip you for your upcoming career.

Learning in and from practice

For the duration of the course, you will work and learn in a church or other appropriate setting, so your professional formation as a Christian Community Youth worker will be rooted in ongoing practice.

You will have regular one-to-one tutorials with experienced practitioners who will support your personal and professional development. You will also participate in small group activities to help you apply what you learn to your practice.

Academic and Pastoral Support

You will receive support from a dedicated line manager and other supportive colleagues, as well as access to the supportive team within the theological college that oversees your studies.

Alongside the interactive lectures and seminars, you will be part of a facilitated peer formation group, have the support of a personal tutor, and have supervision externally by an experienced practitioner in the field. To find out what modules you will study, download our Course outline.

Where can you study?

Students attend two days per month at our Nottingham teaching centre along with a range of live online and self-directed learning activities. They also work in a practice context such as a local church for 10-12 hours per week on average.