Diploma in the New Evangelisation

The Diploma in the New Evangelisation offered by the School of the Annunciation aims to respond to the great need of our times - the need for a New Evangelisation of our culture at every level. It aims to foster joyful enthusiasm for the mission of transmitting the Christian faith, enabling the gaining of the essential knowledge, understanding, and skills for a creative and reflective participation in the Church’s call for this New Evangelisation. 

Who is the course¹ for?

The Diploma is suitable for all those interested in passing on the Faith of the Church as the Good News of Jesus Christ. It is for all adults, and provides an accessible but thorough general foundation programme for parents and catechists. For teachers it provides invaluable ongoing formation. It will deepen the formation of all those in other pastoral services in the parish and wider Church community. 

What does the course cover?

The Diploma is an applied programme, covering knowledge and understanding of the Faith, and also providing the opportunity to grow in confidence and skill in the transmission of the Faith in a range of settings.

For the Church, ‘evangelisation’ means bringing the Good News into every aspect of human life and culture. Attention is therefore given in this Diploma to formation for giving an initial witness and proclamation of the Faith; formation in the Deposit of Faith, so as to enable the provision of a systematic and comprehensive catechesis; and an introductory formation in that deeper appreciation of the mysteries of the Faith, sacred theology. 

Year 1 Modules²

Module 1. Introduction to the New Evangelisation

Module 2. Handing on the Deposit of Faith for a New Evangelisation

Module 3. Drinking from the Wells of Grace: Verbum Domini 

Module 4. The Soil for the Seed: Contemporary Culture and the New Evangelisation.

Module 5. Philosophical Requirements for the New Evangelisation 

Year 2 Modules

Module 6.  New Evangelisation and the Craft of Transmission

Module 7. New Evangelisation and the Search for Happiness

Module 8. New Evangelisation and a New Apologetics

Module 9. New Evangelisation and the Path of Beauty

Module 10. New Evangelisation and the New Media

How do I take the course?

You study mainly from home, following prepared texts and online. You attend two long weekends each year in the beautiful setting of the Abbey at Buckfast. As well as having the opportunity to spend time with teachers during your stays at the Abbey, you have the support of dedicated personal academic tutors who provide regular guidance and feedback on your work.

How much time will it take?

The Diploma is normally studied as a two-year, part-time course, requiring approximately 15 hours per week over a 40 week period. Ten modules are taken in all, five in each year. Each module is studied over a two month period. Each module is equivalent to 12 UK credits (6 ECTS) and is studied over a two month period. Each year, therefore, students complete the equivalent of 60 credits, studying for a notional 600 hours; over two years, a notional 1200 hours, equivalent to 120 credits. This 120 UK credit equivalent would gain, if validated, a Certificate in Higher Education.

At what level is the course offered?

A stand-alone qualification from the School of the Annunciation, the Diploma is offered at Higher Education level and is intended by the School to be the first year of a full degree in Catholic Theology and Evangelisation.

How much does it cost?

The cost for 2016 is £1,144. For each cohort, the fee remains constant for both years of the course. There is also a £50 application fee payable upon application.

Is everything included in the cost?

The intention is to keep fees low in order for as many as possible to follow the programme for the sake of the New Evangelisation. The cost of the twice-yearly residential is included in the course fees. You will need to find money for a few set texts each year. 

Cancellation Rights:

You have a 14 day cooling off period which starts from the date of application.

When does the Diploma begin?

The Diploma begins in the Autumn of each year. The start date for 2016 is: 22nd - 25th September 2016.

How can I apply?

You can download an application form here.

If you would like to fill in an online application, you can do so here: Apply Online.

Further questions you want to discuss?

Click here to download further information.

Please contact us by phone 01364 645660 or email [email protected].  We will be happy to deal with any enquiries you have.

1 Course – this term refers to an entire series of studies which may result in a qualification, for example the Diploma in the New Evangelisation (referred to as a program in US terminology).

2 Module – one of the units which make up a complete course, for example Metaphysics (referred to as a course in US terminology).