The Course in Christian Studies is a two year course exploring the Christian Faith with others, delivered weekly in local centres around the diocese.
The CCS is made up of two years of study, the first being a foundational first year in theology and the second year a foundational year in ministry, giving students the opportunity to explore a variety of vocations and ministries within the church. Completion of the course leads to the Bishop’s Certificate.
About CCS
Since it began in 1987, over 3000 people from Essex and East London have joined the Course in Christian Studies. What has it given them? What could it give you?
The excitement of discovery and learning together: members bring their own varied stories and experiences and share them, finding new truth in themselves and in each other through lively discussion. Knowledge of the Bible and of the huge riches of Christian tradition, nurtured by tutors and textbooks, and whetting members' appetite for more knowledge - but not providing all the answers.
Delight in that biblical and Christian tradition, finding in it a field for imaginative and practical exploration, for wonder and worship and decision. Constructive reflection on the Bible and tradition and on the contemporary world: the Course does not shirk the hard questions posed by the Church's history or by believing in God and seeking peace and justice today. Spiritual Formation of both the local group and its individual members: the Course does not set out to convert or evangelise, but it is concerned with the whole life of prayer and activity and relationships - not just with the mind.
For those who desire it, the Course also provides a foundation for further education or training. This could be other local courses; it could be a degree or diploma. Or it could be training for a specific ministry in the Church including the ministry of: Licensed Lay Minister, Authorised Local Preacher, Pastoral Assistant, Lay Evangelist, or Priest.
The Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford, speaks about the relaunch of our two year long Course in Christian Studies at the Diocese of Chelmsford.
Course Structure
There are now two ways you can take part in the CCS: in local face to face groups and via the Zoom platform with weekly online meetings.
Each January there will be a choice of centres in each of the three Episcopal Areas.
Groups usually meet weekly. All necessary reading and preparatory material is provided via the website and group members commit to spending a few hours each week in preparation for the group session. They are led by ordained and lay tutors and include people from all kinds of churches. The group learns from the tutors, the Bible and the reading material provided, and from each other. Certificates are presented at the end of the course in a Cathedral service.
The assignments which are set, always give the option of interacting with the learning material at a greater depth and are in the form of either a short piece of writing, a recording of a talk, a portfolio, or designing a leaflet. You can choose not to complete any assignments at all and receive an ‘attendance’ certificate – but most students enjoy the opportunity of engaging further with the course through this enhanced study.
Course Cost
The cost of the course is £150 per year, or £50 a term across 6 terms.
All students will be invoiced in January of each academic year, with the option to pay termly or in one lump sum.
Preferred payment method is by bank transfer, but credit or debit card payments are possible.
Course Dates and Venues
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Course Dates for 2026 Year 1 & year 2 students (excluding Pleshey)
Groups will meet in the following weeks throughout the year. Dates are given for Mondays, but your group may meet on another day of that week.
SPRING TERM 2026
Week commencing:
- Monday 12 January
- Monday 19 January
- Monday 26 January
- Monday 2 February
- Monday 9 February
- (Half term break: Monday 16 February)
- Monday 23 February
- Monday 2 March
- Monday 9 March
- Monday 16 March
- Monday 23 March
SUMMER TERM 2026
Week commencing:
- Monday 13 April for year 1 students only
- Monday 20 April
- Monday 27 April
- Monday 4 May*
- Monday 11 May
- Monday 18 May
- (Half term break: Monday 25 May)
- Monday 1 June
- Monday 8 June
- Monday 15 June
- Monday 22 June
- Monday 29 June
AUTUMN TERM 2025
Week commencing:
- Monday 7 September
- Monday 14 September
- Monday 21 September
- Monday 28 September
- Monday 5 October
- Monday 12 October
- Monday 19 October
- (Half term break: Monday 26 October)
- Monday 2 November
- Monday 9 November
- Monday 16 November
* Monday groups may meet on a different day to 4th May to be decided by the group.
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Course Venues for 2026
Place Time Rayleigh Saturday 10am-3pm (once a month) Marks Gate Thursday mornigns Colchester Monday evenings St Osyth Tuesday mornings Chelmsford Diocesan Offices Thursday mornings Black Notley Wednesday evenings Zoom 1 Wednesday evenings Zoom 2 Tuesday evenings Zoom 3 Monday evenings
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Course content
Year 1 - Foundations in Theology
- Introdcution to Theology
- Old Testament
- Gospels
- Paul's Letters
- Church History
- Doctrine
Year 2 - Foundations in Ministry
- Ethics
- Preaching
- Leading Worship
- Evangelism
- Pastoral Care
- Spirituality
Want to enrol in the 2026 course and embark on an adventure of faith and understanding? Click the button below and register your interest by December 1st 2025.
2026 CCS enrolment
