The Binary Course

See Tuition Fees Apply for the Binary Course

Theological Studies

The Binary Course, which started in September 2008, is designed for those who already possess a good honours degree in a non-theological subject and who can provide clear evidence of potential gifting for a role in pastoral ministry or church planting. It would typically suit those who have come through FIEC’s Prepared for Service or the Cornhill Training Course, those who perhaps attend 9:38 conferences or have completed a church apprenticeship scheme and are wondering what comes next.

We call it ‘The Binary Course’ because it involves 2 years, 2 bases (campus and contracted training church) and 2 degree programmes (Graduate Diploma (GDip) and MA in Contemporary Church Leadership.* It has been devised from the ground up in consultation with pastors and church leaders from across the Reformed evangelical spectrum.

The first year is campus-based and highly intensive, working towards the ‘conversion’ degree of Graduate Diploma. The MA in Contemporary Church Leadership programme is taken in the second year and involves block teaching at WEST at intervals during the year. Alongside the assessments that flow from the block teaching, a part-time, fully assessed, extended, training-church placement – a kind of ‘super-apprenticeship’, is undertaken.

*Note that the MA Contemporary Church Leadership requires the completion of a dissertation following the second year. This dissertation requires a minimum of three months to complete it.

The Binary Course is intended to impart the ability to think theologically, to encourage a commitment to lifelong learning, and to provide a kick-start into significant church leadership roles. A copy of the leaflet providing detail on the binary course is available here WEST Binary Leaflet

Please note that the traditional route into pastoral ministry - the three-year BA Hons in Theology followed by the MTh - remains the best option for many, particularly those who are younger and have less academic and/or Christian service experience.

Who to Contact

Mr John Kendall (Undergraduate Admissions Tutor)

E: ugadmissions@west.org.uk

T: +44 (0)1656 645411

Application process

To apply for the Binary Course please:

Download the application form (see below), complete it in full and then either post it to us or email it to us at ugadmissions@west.org.uk.
Ensure that we receive all relevant supporting documentation including references and transcripts/certificates (see below).

Application Form
To apply for the Binary course, please download the Binary Course application form.

Supporting Documentation

Transcripts/Certificates
You should enclose original transcripts of your previous study with your application, showing that you meet the entry requirements. We may also contact you on receipt of your application to ask for any other information not included in the list above which we feel is relevant.

References
Please download the Church/Personal Friend reference form and supply it to the two referees that you have nominated in this capacity on your application form. (Please note that this reference form should not be used for your Academic/Employer referee.) You should ask them to return it directly to WEST in one of the following two ways:

by post to WEST, marked 'Undergraduate Admissions'
by email to ugadmissions@west.org.uk. If it is returned by email it can only be accepted if it comes from an email address that is clearly identifiable as belonging to the referee, otherwise it cannot be accepted.

Please ask your nominated Academic/Employer referee to supply a letter of reference directly to WEST. The referee should comment on your suitability for an undergraduate programme and on your academic work (if an academic referee) or your academic ability (if an employer). The referee should supply the reference on letterheaded paper and/or stamp it with an institutional/company stamp. You should ask them to send the reference form to WEST in one of the following two ways:

by post to WEST, marked 'Undergraduate Admissions'
scanned and sent by email to ugadmissions@west.org.uk. If the reference is sent by email it can only be accepted if it comes from an email address belonging to the academic institution or company.

Please note that your application will not be complete and will not begin to be processed until all supporting documentation has been received. If you have any queries about the process please contact ugadmissions@west.org.uk.