Diploma in Ministry (Diaconal Studies)
The Diploma in Ministry (Diaconal Studies) is designed primarily for those who have been formally accepted as Deaconess-Candidates by the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
However, the course provides an excellent general training in Ministry and is open to other suitable applicants (male or female) as a preparation for diaconal ministry. Each application is judged on its merits but candidates would normally be expected to hold A-level or equivalent qualifications. Applicants must be in sympathy with the Christian ethos of Union College.
The programme of study leading to the Diploma in Ministry (Diaconal Studies) provides a foundation of biblical, historical, theological, and pastoral studies, 'hands on' experience, and introduction to Reflective Practice, together with worship, informal discussion and fellowship. Candidates are expected to participate fully in the worship and community aspects of College life.
Duration:
The course is a two-year full-time course (including a placement in the summer between the two years) - but may also be taken on a part-time basis. Full-time students will be expected to attend College for four days a week in their first year and for three days a week in their second year – together with placements, as below. Many of the classes and course units are shared with those who are preparing for the ordained ministry.
Course Content:
YEAR ONE / STAGE ONE
Biblical / Theological (4 course units)
Candidates will take four level-1 course units:
- Introduction to the Old Testament (OTA)
- Introduction to the New Testament (NTA)
- Early ChurchHistory (CHA)
- Introduction to Theological Thinking (STA)
Each of these course units lasts for one semester and consists of core lectures (two-hours per week), together with a weekly Ministry-track seminar which seeks to apply the academic content to the ministry context. Each course unit is assessed by means of a 1,500-word assignment (or equivalent).
PCI candidates also attend a weekly Ministry Track Seminar on the Westminster Confession of Faith.
Pastoral and Practical (1.5 course units)
In the first semester, candidates take Introduction to Pastoral Theology (PTA), which includes lectures, seminars, and visits, and which is assessed by means of a reflective journal.
In addition, candidates attend and participate in a weekly Homiletics class throughout the year. A class presentation will be expected of each candidate. Classes in Presentation skills are offered in the second semester.
Placement
Candidates undertake two 8-week placements during year. The first placement is normally in the first semester, to start part-time after Reading Week and become full-time for three weeks in January (with one week off at Christmas and one week off before the second semester. The second-semester placement will normally start in the second half of the semester and run into a summer placement lasting for four to six weeks.
In the case of PCI candidates, these will be arranged by the Director of Ministerial Studies and will normally consist of one placement in a congregational setting and one placement in a special-ministry setting (e.g. Hospice, Hospital, Friendship House).
Other candidates will be expected to arrange their own placements along similar lines, subject to the approval of the Professor of Practical Theology. The College will seek to give support and guidance to candidates in arranging placements. Candidates will be expected to produce a Reflective Journal (approximately 2,000 words) for each Placement.
YEAR TWO / STAGE TWO
Biblical / Theological (4 course units)
Candidates will take four level-2 course units, chosen from the course-units available in the College programme for the relevant year, normally including one Biblical course-unit and one Theological or Historical. Each of these course units lasts for one semester and normally consists of core lectures (two-hours per week), together with a weekly Ministry-track seminar. Each course unit is assessed by means of a 2,000-word assignment (or equivalent).
PCI candidates also attend a weekly Ministry Track Seminar on the Westminster Confession of Faith.
Pastoral and Practical (1.5 course units plus a Workshop)
Candidates should select from the programme of course units available in the current year:
YEAR B (2008/09 and 2010/11)
Christian Education (0.5 units) (PTB-CEd)
Theology of Pastoral Care (1 unit) (OTB-TPC)
YEAR C (2009/10)
Church Ministries, and Society (Ecclesiology) (0.5 units)(PTC-Ecc)
Missiology (0.5 units)(PTC-M)
In addition, candidates attend and participate in a Pastoral Skills Workshop (four hours, fortnightly on Fridays, in the second semester).
Placement
Candidates should select from the programme of course units available in the current year.
In the case of PCI candidates, this will be arranged by the Director of Ministerial Studies.
Other candidates will be expected to arrange their own placement along similar lines, subject to the approval of the Professor of Practical Theology. The College will seek to give support and guidance to candidates in arranging placements. Candidates will be expected to produce a Reflective Journal (approximately 4,000 words).
Ministry Project
Candidates will be expected to complete a Ministry Project (5-8,000 words) on a topic to be approved by the Professor of Practical Theology. PCI candidates will produce this during their probationary period.
Certificate in Ministry (Diaconal Studies)
A Certificate in Ministry (Diaconal Studies) may be awarded to those who complete Stage One of the above Diploma course.