CRES Diploma Course Details
Most students entering onto the Diploma will already have taken the Certificate in Christian Rural and Environmental Studies (CRES), but we will also consider those with other appropriate qualifications.
Aim of the Diploma
The aim of the diploma is to look at the interaction between Christian faith and rural and environmental issues in a project, which goes beyond that carried out in the Certificate in Christian Rural and Environmental Studies. It is based on the belief that God cares about us and the way in which we live on the earth He created.
Objectives
At the end of the course you should have:
- a comprehensive overview of a selected area along the interface between theological principles and rural and environmental concerns;
- developed in-depth knowledge of a particular topic or issue within Christian rural and environmental studies through the project;
- the ability to speak with increased understanding on the relevance of Christian faith to rural and environmental issues.
What is required of you?
Study is normally done part-time over two years. After you have registered, you will be assigned a supervisor whom you will need to contact (by telephone or e-mail in the first instance). With your supervisor you will need to explore your area of interest and agree on a suitable title. While students might be permitted to develop the same subject area as in their Certificate dissertation, the supervisor and external examiner will be asked to verify that these are two separate pieces of research.
The topic should be discussed with your supervisor who will help to define the general area, clarify the aims of the topic and point you towards appropriate resources. The working title, aims of your work and an indication of the methods to be used should be agreed with your supervisor on the form provided and returned to the Course Director by 1 January in the academic year you start. You are advised to give a copy of the completed form to your supervisor and keep a copy for yourself. You will be required to normally consult with your supervisor a minimum of four times per year, plus e-mail/telephone correspondence. A definitive title needs to be submitted to your supervisor by 1 October at the end of the first academic year using the appropriate form enclosed with this booklet. Also at the end of your first year you should produce a short report (no more than 1500 words) for your supervisor giving a concrete statement of your progress. Your supervisor will complete a form stating that he/she is happy with your progress.
The diploma will be based upon the submission of a 20,000 word (maximum) dissertation to be completed within two years of registration. The Dissertation must be submitted to you supervisor by 14 May in your second year together with the plagiarism form.
The dissertation will be assessed by the supervisor, the Senior Tutor of the Diploma and external examiner (the same one as used for the Certificate) and defended during the same residential weekend as used for the presentations of the Certificate dissertations (usually held in September). You will be required to give an oral presentation at the weekend and then answer questions from the examiners and the rest of the participants. While you will be aware of your examiners presence at this weekend, this is primarily your opportunity to report to your peers what exciting things you have found in your project.
Course fees
Cost is £900 in total, which includes two residential weekends, payable in two annual instalments. We encourage students to seek support from their church or denomination or government provision. CRES has a small bursary fund. If you wish to enrol then go to the Application Forms page and follow the instructions.