Short Courses

Not everyone can study full or part-time, or needs to pursue a validated award. IBI offers the option of studying in a way that will fit in with your current commitments. You can study on either of our TWIN TRACKS; on-site or on Zoom. All of our options are biblically based and applicable to church, ministry, and real life as a Christian. That is what “applied theology” is all about!

We have a range of day and evening short courses which learners can attend on-site in Dublin or via Zoom. Each course has 2-3 hours per week of classroom teaching. Here are the courses to be delivered in the next academic year.

Daytime Certificate level courses

Tuesdays: 9 th September to 17 th December

10:40am – 12:45pm Christian Discipleship

2:55pm – 5pm The Story of the Bible

Wednesdays: 10 th September to 18 th December

9:30am – 11:35am Youth Ministry

1:45pm – 3:50pm Introduction to Pastoral Caring

Tuesdays: 20 th January to 13 th May

9:30am – 11:35am Interpreting and Applying the Bible

2:55pm – 5pm Communicating the Bible in a Ministry Context

Wednesdays 21 st January to 14 th May

10:40am – 12:45pm Overview of the Old Testament

Evening Certificate level courses

Monday evening via Zoom only.

8 th September to 17 th November - The Story of the Bible

24 th November to 23 rd February - Overview of the Old Testament

2 nd March – 18 th May - The Life and Teaching of Jesus

Daytime Diploma level courses

Tuesdays: 9 th September to 17 th December

10:40am – 12:45pm The Spirit, Character and Christian Life

2:55pm – 5pm Enabling Biblical Interpretation

Wednesdays: 10 th September to 18 th December

10:40am – 12:45pm Teaching and Preaching the Bible

Tuesdays: 20 th January to 13 th May 2026

1:45pm – 3:50pm Developing Old Testament Theology

Wednesdays 21 st January to 14 th May 2026

10:40am – 12:45pm Church; Theology and Practice

1:45 – 3:50pm Developing Pastoral Care

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Fees

Certificate Level and Diploma Level

  • Module participation only €400

  • Module participation with assessment €500

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The above Certificate classes are at first-year University level and short course applicants will need to show evidence they can study at this level. Applicants for Diploma level short courses will normally have completed a number of Certificate level courses or have studied theology at the Certificate level. You may apply to study one or more classroom modules with us, choosing to do assignments (with assessment) or not (audit). You will be expected to do any reading for each class even if you choose not to do assignments, so that you can fully participate in classroom discussions.

All Short Course applicants need to be able to access Moodle (our online learning platform), complete weekly reading, and participate fully in the class.

IBI Foundation Award

The IBI Foundation Award is a recognition given to students who complete a range of IBI’s short-term courses with successful participation and passing grades. It’s designed to encourage personal and spiritual development through flexible, accessible learning opportunities — especially for those not yet pursuing a full degree.

  • To achieve the Foundation Award, students must earn a total of 8 credits by completing eligible short courses:

    • 4-week Online or Zoom courses = 1 credit each

    • Certificate and Diploma Level short courses = 2 credits each

    You receive credit when you:

    • Participate in the course

    • Submit the assignment

    • Achieve a passing grade

    You can mix and match different course types to reach the 8-credit total.

  • No — the IBI Foundation Award is a stand-alone recognition. It does not carry credits toward IBI’s university-validated Certificate, BA (Hons), or MA programmes. However, it’s still a great way to:

    • Build confidence in learning

    • Explore biblical topics

    • Prepare for future study

    • Gain a sense of achievement in your spiritual growth

  • There’s no fixed time limit — students can complete the required 8 credits at their own pace. Some finish in a few months, while others spread it out over a year or more.

  • No separate application is needed. IBI keeps track of your progress, and once you’ve completed 8 credits with passing grades, the award will be issued automatically or by request.

  • Yes — as long as the course was part of the eligible short-course programme (e.g., 4-week Online or Certificate/Diploma-level short courses), and you completed it with a passing grade, it counts retroactively.

  • Yes! Students who complete the Foundation Award will receive an IBI Foundation Award Certificate, which can be used to mark your learning achievement or included in a personal or church portfolio.

  • Absolutely. These courses are open to everyone — whether or not you're working toward the Foundation Award. You can simply enjoy the learning without submitting assignments or collecting credits.

Explore other short courses