Theology Short Courses
Theology short courses are accredited University of Glasgow short courses, hosted by Theology & Religious Studies and available to internal students and external members of the public.
These 8-9 week evening short courses offer learning and equipping for local church leaders and members interested in growing Christian faith and thought, practical theology and ministry. They are tutored by experienced practical theologians and church specialists. The majority of short theology courses are held online and can be taken from anywhere.
These courses are available for credit or audit and cost £207 each.
Theology short course applications and enrolment are made through University of Glasgow (see links for each active course) with support from Trinity College Glasgow.
Please apply early to be assured of a place.
Short Courses - Autumn 2025
HISTORY AND THEOLOGY OF WORSHIP
29th September - 24th November 2025
Monday evenings, 6.30-8.30pm, online
This course introduces students to the history and theology of Christian worship. It provides an understanding of the development of current forms of Christian worship, the nature of sacramental distinctions, and new sources and ecumenical confluences in 20th- and 21st-century worship. It provides perspectives which will underpin future worship practice and the development of advanced worship leading skills.
Last date for applications is Friday 5th September 2025.
CONTEMPORARY VISUAL ART AND CHRISTIAN WORSHIP
2nd October - 27th November 2025
Thursday evenings, 7-9pm, online
The course offers an exploration of the integration of contemporary visual arts in Christian liturgy and the worship environment. The course is open to learners of any background, with no prerequisite knowledge of art or liturgy, and is ideal for those who are seeking to develop the visual arts in their church or faith organisation.The course will engage theologically and artistically, and by the end of the course students will be equipped with practical and theoretical skills for developing creative visual arts practice in their own area.
Last date for applications is Friday 5th September 2025.
PREACHING IN CHURCH CONTEXTS
24th September - 3rd December 2025
Wednesdays, 4-6pm, in-person
This creative, practical and stimulating course will help you to develop as a preacher through reflection on why and how we preach. We will explore the relationships between the form of biblical texts and the sermons we preach on them, as well as reflecting on delivery, style and method. A key feature of the course is the opportunity to learn from tutor and peer feedback on sermons preached in class. This course is accessible for those who have completed a level 1 course, or have already undertaken other forms of further education.
Last date for applications is Friday 5th September 2025.
LISTENING IN MISSION
8th October - 3rd December 2025
Thursday evenings, 7-9pm, online
This course will explore the practice and theology of listening in mission within local communities and how this may renew imagination and impact of the church in a rapidly changing society. Course attendees will explore common mission approaches and be introduced to practices of local community research, theological reflection, and spiritual discernment, in order to develop practical skills in mission attentiveness. Processes that enable group reflection, observation, listening to stories and interpretation will be introduced so these skills can be deployed in church or mission teams. This course is applicable to those who lead in local church situations and those interested in innovating and pioneering in church mission.
Last date for applications is Friday 5th September 2025.
DESIGNING & LEADING CHRISTIAN WORSHIP
29th September - 24th November 2025
Monday evenings, 7-9pm, hybrid (in-person and online)
Workshop on Saturday 11th October 2025
This course is an introduction to designing and leading Christian worship services utilising theological and historically rich patterns and practices and adapting these to participants contemporary church context. It will stimulate participants to be reflective, recognise how worship works and become more skilled at designing and leading meaningful, participatory acts of church worship. This course is accessible to those in a church who are beginning to lead acts of Christian worship and for local church leaders who wish to refresh their understanding and practice.
Last date for applications is Friday 5th September 2025.
Short Courses - Winter-Spring 2026
LITURGY & PRAYER IN CHRISTIAN WORSHIP
14th January - 25th March 2026
Wednesdays, 4-6pm, in-person with an online option
This course develops participant skills in planning, writing and producing worship materials including spoken liturgies and prayer, and leading these in the context of Christian Worship. This course is designed as a follow up for those who have completed another course in worship, or who have experience in leading worship. This course will be offered in person at the University of Glasgow with an online option.
Last date for applications is Friday 12th December 2025.
CREATIVE WRITING AS SPIRITUAL REFLECTION
19th January - 16th March 2026
Monday evenings, 7-9pm, online
This course will enable and support the use of creative writing as a means of theological reflection upon personal, spiritual and contemporary experience. Each week participants will engage with key texts, undertake writing exercises, produce their own creative writing and share their work within small groups. By the end of the course they will have produced a piece of creative writing and a critical reflection on this for assessment and/or feedback. The ethos of the course will be supportive, participatory and require the engaged, respectful participation of all members.
Last date for applications is Friday 12th December 2025.
ELDERSHIP & LEADERSHIP IN A CHANGING CHURCH CONTEXT
22nd January - 19th March 2026
Thursday evenings, 7-9pm, online
This course explores the role of local leadership in the Church of Scotland and other Reformed churches. It examines how changed circumstances and the mission calling of the church might reshape the calling and tasks of elders and local leaders in the congregation, and what this looks like, especially in the midst of difficult church change. It will engage participants in reflecting on their own experience and calling and introduce approaches and tools to enhance their contribution in their local setting.
Last date for applications is Friday 12th December 2025.
MINISTRY AND MISSION IN DIGITAL CULTURE
28th January - 25th March 2026
More information coming soon.
If you are interested in applying, please contact trinitycollegeglasgow@gmail.com.
LEADING IN CHURCH CHANGE - A MASTERS LEVEL COURSE
Registration details coming soon.
If you are interested in applying, please contact trinitycollegeglasgow@gmail.com.
This online course, conducted within a supportive cohort, assists recognised pastoral leaders/clergy to evaluate their critical change challenges, engage with recent organisational change practice and equip with tools and perspectives for faithful and strategic responses.
This course is accredited at Masters level (10 credits) by the University of Glasgow.