Whether you are an accountant, teacher, plumber, IT specialist, development worker or vet, if God has called you to use your skills in cross-cultural mission then the right kind of focussed training is vital.
Our one year validated 'Professionals in Mission' Certificate addresses the big issues surrounding living and working in cross-cultural situations, while also allowing you time to prepare personally for your future ministry, through study, reflection and practical placements.
Who is this course for?
Our Professionals in Mission (PIM) students have diverse careers and come from varying backgrounds. A number of our PIM students are married and have children. Families benefit greatly from our family-friendly facilities, including a well-equipped crèche which is available during lectures.
Many Professionals in Mission students have already developed links with a particular mission agency or organisation and have an idea of what they will be going on to do after study. We are increasingly working with mission agencies to structure a training agreement between mission agency and the College, to ensure that we tailor the training experience to the specific needs of students and their ministry.
PIM is ideal for people preparing to serve God's kingdom with their
profession. I studied biblical and mission relevant topics which
prepared me for everyday life on the mission field. The course also gave
me new spiritual insights, which have been helpful to me in the
economic and commercial world of Asia 
Course Structure
During the first two semesters, between September and April, you will choose from a selection of mission-focused
Certificate and
Diploma modules and study alongside students on these courses. There are seven compulsory modules: Introducing applied theology in a global perspective, Spiritual formation for life and ministry, Tranforming teams, Interpreting the Bible in intercultural contexts, Thrive! Equipping for cross-cultural life and ministry, Personal development and your weekly placement
You will also choose a further six modules - see the download opposite for your available options. The modules you choose will help you:
- deepen your knowledge of the Bible and how to contextualise its message for the environment you are working in;
- understand world religions, secularism, ethics and justice
- develop your practical skills in areas such as integral evangelism and discipleship, communication skills and planting and establishing churches.
During the year you also undertake a weekly placement in the local community. Your placement will provide unique opportunities to use your professional skills in a cross-cultural setting or stretch your faith and skills by trying something new.
The final semester is specifically designed to allow PIM students to explore in greater depth the topics you have already encountered, in a small group setting with an experienced couple acting as hosts and facilitators. You also complete a personal study project on a topic of particular interest to you.
One the most important things during the last semester of the PIM course was the openness, vulnerability, personal attention and trust between the teachers and the group of students. It did not give me all the answers, but it certainly gave me an overview of issues and questions we have to face as a family living and working in Asia.
More information
The course outline available for download opposite gives you brief descriptions of the modules available on the Professionals in Mission course. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions. Detailed information and program specifications are available
here. Here are a few other links that may be helpful to you right now...
The Professionals in Mission Certificate (Cert(HE) in Intercultural Studies) in
is validated by the University of Gloucestershire.
Living with people of different nationalities and from other cultures is preparation in itself! Also, being able to gain from tutors' experiences and perspectives of mission makes the PIM course an excellent choice for those preparing for mission service