OpenFieldMoorlands College
Study University of Gloucestershire-validated applied theology, youth work, and Christian leadership at Moorlands College in Dorset.
Institution Overview & Profile
Moorlands College, founded in 1948 in Christchurch, Dorset (with regional centres in Devon and the Midlands), is an accredited UK higher education institution celebrated for its applied theology, Christian leadership, community youth work, and intercultural mission degrees, validated by the University of Gloucestershire and recognized by the UK Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).
Key Academic Strengths
- All undergraduate and postgraduate degrees fully validated by the University of Gloucestershire
- Over 75 years of specialized training in applied theology, pastoral counseling, and youth mission
- Unique placement-based study tracks combining classroom theology with weekly church or NGO field practice
- High student satisfaction ratings in the UK National Student Survey (NSS)
Featured Academic & Degree Programs
BA (Hons) in Applied Theology
Three-year degree exploring biblical hermeneutics, Christian doctrine, church history, and pastoral ministry with extensive fieldwork placements.
MA in Applied Theology (Christian Leadership / Chaplaincy)
Two-year modular master's designed for practitioners, focusing on organizational leadership, contemporary culture, and institutional chaplaincy.
BA (Hons) in Applied Theology with Youth and Community Work
Professional degree combining theological foundation with JNC-recognized youth work competencies and community development.
Verified Academic Opportunities (7)
Moorlands College Entrance Bursary for Applied Theology
Means-tested bursary awarded to incoming undergraduate students to alleviate tuition or on-campus accommodation costs in Dorset.
BA (Hons) in Applied Theology (University of Gloucestershire Validated)
Three-year honours degree qualifying graduates for church leadership, theological education, pastoral care, and non-profit administration.
MA in Applied Theology (Christian Leadership Track) Enrolment
Modular postgraduate program featuring intensive teaching weeks in Christchurch combined with personal research into organizational leadership.
Church and Community Placement Practicum Grant
Travel and placement support grant for students conducting compulsory weekly youth work or church ministry in rural Dorset and Hampshire.
BA (Hons) Applied Theology with Youth & Community Work Admission
Professional training combining biblical studies with community youth development, adolescent mental health, and social justice intervention.
Moorlands Hardship & Emergency Financial Fund
Emergency relief grant for enrolled students experiencing unexpected personal financial distress or sudden living hardship.
Foundation Year in Applied Theology Admission
One-year preparatory foundation course providing academic writing skills, introductory biblical studies, and study skills for degree entry.
Notable Faculty & Researchers (3)
Rev. Dr. David Hilborn
Principal & Professor of Theology · Senior Leadership Team & Faculty of Theology
Rev. Dr. David Hilborn is Principal of Moorlands College, an internationally published systematic theologian and former head of theology for the Evangelical Alliance UK.
Dr. Sharon Jones
Vice Principal (Academic) & Senior Lecturer · Academic Leadership & Biblical Studies
Dr. Sharon Jones oversees academic standards, university validation with the University of Gloucestershire, and biblical language curricula at Moorlands.
Rev. Dr. Ian Coffey
Director of Leadership Training & Author · Department of Practical and Pastoral Theology
Rev. Dr. Ian Coffey directs postgraduate Christian leadership training, authoring multiple books on pastoral mentoring and contemporary ministry dynamics.
Next Steps & Application Advisory
Prospective scholars are advised to review official Moorlands College program requirements well in advance of published deadlines.