Studying Theology: Earning My Graduate Diploma

My blog started in 2010 as a place to reflect on my growth as a new Christian. That stayed the focus for several years, until James was born and Will started home education. I joined the blogger community and became a family, home education, single parent, and disability blogger. I found my stride and unique voice. When the Chritian posts no longer fit the identity of the blog, I returned the posts to drafts. I was not ashamed of them. My writing, voice, and life had changed.

As an ex‑teacher, I knew how to write well, but I lacked the motivation to do it justice. I wrote posts, scheduled them, and published them, perpetually a persistent blogger, with little care for the final result. Nat mocked every mistake she spotted. Hannah often asked if I planned to change things. My answer was usually no. I was never trying to be a top blogger.

My blog style changed. My love for theology never did. I was an armchair theologian long before college. I spent years correcting people on what Scripture actually says. Studying Theology, Ministry, and Mission formally in 2023 felt like stepping into a space I already knew. Those first modules shaped me more than I expected. They reshaped my writing, ministry, and understanding of Scripture. My drive to prove myself kicked in and I presented my best work for every assignment. The grades helped me appreciate my writing again.

People often search for what Level 4 Theology modules include. They cover biblical studies, doctrine, church history, spirituality, and reflective practice. I completed the full set over two years. It gave me the structure I wanted and confidence in the academic side of faith. I wrote assignments on Psalms, Matthew, the Whitby Council, the filioque clause, and how mental health and AA groups shaped my spirituality. The filioque assignment was my highest mark. I finished Level 4 with a First.

I then moved into Level 5 and Level 6. These Graduate Diploma modules covered theology, church history, biblical critical studies, doctrine, and liturgy. The work became more demanding but enjoyable.

I wrote assignments on Daniel and explored moral theology through topics like assisted suicide and Just War theory. I assessed and criticised scholars, examined the structure of services and the importance of tradition, and studied the Church of England’s attempts at outreach throughout history, which became useful during my ordination process, especially the Carousel Conversations. Every module opened a new door.

I finished the Graduate Diploma with a 2:1. I would have achieved a First. One tutor marked me down because he didn't understand disability studies. I checked with him before writing the assignment. He approved the topic, then marked me down because he couldn't understand the arguments and the ableism within the text. I tried to challenge it. He never replied. When I went higher it was too late. The year’s assignments had already been approved. That was frustrating. The rest of the marks show the standard of my work. I am proud of that.

During this time, many students struggled, hitting a moment where Scripture, faith, and theology collided. Texts they trusted were being pulled apart. Words like fairytales and myths were used. Alternate meanings and sources were explored. Scripture built around faith felt undermined by the theology they were learning.

Studying theology did not weaken my faith. It strengthened it. I had spent years holding Scripture tightly and wrestling with the weight of tradition, doctrine, and lived experience. Theology gave me language for the tension. It helped me see that wrestling is part of discipleship. My years of reading, studying, learning across denominations, and tackling those who used Scripture against me and others, meant the foundation was already there. It only needed reinforcing.

The blog has come back to theology a little now. It is not the same as before. I am not writing Christian musings, but structured studies and reflections rooted in Scripture. They are shaped by academic training and accessible for anyone who wants to learn, like my Lent study. It feels like coming full circle, only with more clarity and purpose.

I still plan to do an MA in Theology, Ministry, and Mission. I was meant to start a taster course, but the ordination confusion made that impossible. I did not want to begin something that might not be necessary or could change the type of MA I undertook. I also needed to protect my health. I needed to avoid pushing myself into assignments while balancing church work and rest. Extensions helped, but they eventually overlapped so much that my final assignments were written in four weeks instead of the approved seven. By the end I was mentally and physically exhausted.

[Image 2. My Graduate Certificate in Theology, Ministry and Mission, awarded with Merit by the University of Durham.]

I recently received my Graduate Diploma. I am so happy. It is more than a qualification. Studying theology has shaped my ministry, writing, and understanding of the church. It has given me confidence in my work, language for things I always believed, a second chance at writing better here, and a path forward.

The break has been good. I still plan to do an MA and then a Doctorate. I want to study at the highest level, contribute to it, and keep learning. Hopefully sooner rather than later.