Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about studying at Redcliffe. 

If you cannot find the information you are looking for then please ask a question.

Q. How flexible are the courses?
A. All courses are flexible in that you have a choice of optional modules at each level. Take a look at the 'module overview' for the course you are interested in. If you choose to take a non-validated course such as 'Across the Cultures' or 'Pick and Mix' you will have greater flexibility to study subjects of particular interest and relevance to your situation.

Q. How academic are the courses?
A. The Certificate, Diploma and Degree courses in Applied Theology and the Professionals in Mission Certificate are all accredited courses, validated by the University of Gloucestershire. You will be expected to achieve a standard of work equivalent to the first, second or third year of a university degree if you are on one of these courses.

Q. Does the college hold many exams?
A. Very few modules on the courses are assessed by examination. A number of assessments are by essay but other more imaginative forms are also used, such as individual and group presentations, work-sheets and reflective journals.

Q. What are the lectures like?
A. Lectures are generally very interactive and you will be encouraged to enter into class and small group discussion on various topics. Lecturers will draw on the very different experiences and Christian backgrounds of students to stimulate debate and enable you to discuss and critique different viewpoints. If you arrange a visit to the College during the week you will have the opportunity to sit in on a lecture and discover for yourself what is involved.

Q. How many lectures will I have to attend each day or in a week?
A. The normal pattern is four 50 minute lectures each morning, from 9am until 1pm, Monday to Friday.

Q. Are there any afternoon or weekend lectures?
A. During the two busiest terms (2 and 4), you will have afternoon lectures or placement presentations on 2 or 3 days of the week. There are also a couple of modules that are available to the general public and so these take place over a number of Saturdays.

Q. How much private study will I be expected to do?
A. Normally you will be expected to do approximately 1 hour of private study per week for every hour you spend in lectures at Certificate level. This increases to around 1½ hours at Diploma level and 2 hours at Degree level.

Q. Are tutors available to give individual support to students?
A. As a student you will be allocated a pastoral tutor who will meet with you each term to discuss your progress. You can also make an appointment at any time with any of the tutorial staff to discuss your work or talk through any issues that have been raised in the lectures.

Q. My husband/wife isn't studying at Redcliffe. How will they benefit from being at the College?
A. We encourage the husbands and wives of students to get involved in the life of the College, even if they aren't studying themselves. This includes eating together at mealtimes, attending devotions and being able to use the college library and other resources.

Non-studying spouses are also able to attend up to three double lectures a week free of charge. They are also welcome to use the college library. For more information go to (link to page in life/community)