Studying at CMS. Your questions answered.
Studying at CMS. Your questions answered.
If you’re interested in joining God’s mission and sharing the gospel outside the boundaries of the church, you’re in the right place.
“I didn’t think this was just study. This was a combination of worship and learning for me. ” Dupe Adefala, MA
Is this the place for me?
“I finally feel at home!” is the most common thing our students say. If you’re used to feeling isolated and misunderstood, there’s a good chance you have what we call “the gift of not fitting in”. Here at CMS, you’ll find people who ‘get you’ straight away.
“I thought there was something wrong with me as ‘everyone’ else seemed quite happy with how things were.”
Ali, undergraduate
But am I a pioneer?
For some it’s a controversial word, and many of our students never knew they were what people called a “pioneer”. But they could see new possibilities and felt God’s call beyond the edges of church.
Is it just for ordained people?
No! Most of our students are not planning to get ordained in a church. They will carry on their pioneer mission as lay people.
More about pioneering as a lay person >
“Studying with CMS increased my confidence and helped me shape a missional spirituality that sustains me, and I built a network of friends and pioneers that encouraged me to go further.”
John, MA
Can I train for ordained pioneer ministry?
Yes. We are an approved training pathway for the Church of England – so you can train with us if you are planning to get ordained there. We have also had ordinands training with us from other denominations – so get in touch!
More about ordained pioneer ministry >
What about training for lay workers or readers?
You can train with us! We have two nationally approved pathways for training as a lay worker or reader in the Church of England – one at undergraduate and one at postgraduate level.
Get in touch to find out more >
“The course has given me permission to be me. I had always thought you had to be a certain type of person to do things in the church.”
Liz, Certificate HE
Can I study online?
Yes! Most of our teaching is now online, and some of our courses (such as the African Christianity programme) are entirely taught online. Some of our courses have residential components, which are highlights for many of our students.
With more online teaching, we have increasing numbers of international students, making for rich and fascinating diversity in the classroom.
Do you have the course for me?
Almost certainly! Accredited courses range from an undergraduate certificate all the way through to doctoral research. There are also focused pathways such as African Christianity, Asian Christianity, youth work, children and family work and chaplaincy.
You can also study for the unaccredited CMS Certificate in Pioneer Mission at one of our regional hubs.
See which course is right for you >
“It’s been a brilliant course. It’s introduced introduced me to African leaders, thinkers, theologians who I just wouldn’t have discovered by myself.”
Felix, Certificate
Are your courses accredited?
Yes. From certificate to degree level, our undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications are awarded by Durham University as part of the Common Awards scheme. Our DTh programme is run in partnership with the University of Roehampton.
How much do they cost?
We try to keep costs as low as possible and our fees are very competitive. We also have a limited bursary fund. There may also be trusts you can apply to for funding.
“It wasn’t an easy course for me, as well as being dyslexic I was way out of touch with learning. The course taught me how to find a learning style that suited me.
“I found my True North, my real purpose and God’s plan for my life.”
Wendy, undergraduate
Explore
See what’s on offer: undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral research.
Learn what our students have to say about studying as part of our learning community.
Read the latest news and thinking from the team at CMS Pioneer Mission Training.
