Short Courses in Applied Theology
Flexible Bible-based learning for church, ministry and everyday Christian life.
Why study a Short Course?
Bible‑based
Rooted in Scripture and sound theological reflection.
Ministry-Focused
Practical Learning for service and leadership
Real Life Application
Applied Theology for everyday Christian living
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
IBI offers the option to study in a way that fits with your current commitments. You can study these Short Courses on either of our TWIN TRACKS, on-Site or on Zoom.
Study Your Way
On-Site Track
✓ Face-to-face learning ✓Classroom experience ✓Community life
Via Zoom Track
✓ Join from anywhere ✓Live interation ✓Same teaching experience
Courses available in 2026-27:
*Certificate Short Course 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 class.
Fees
Certificate Level and Diploma Level 2026/27
Short course participation only €400
Short Course participation with assessment €500
Daytime Delivery Short Courses 2026/27
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Discipleship
Certificate Level
Reflect on what it means to follow Jesus faithfully in everyday life and ministry.
📅 8th September to 15th December
🕖 Tuesdays, 10:40 am – 12:45 pm
📍 On-site or Via Zoom
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The Story of the Bible
Certificate Level
Discover the unfolding story of Scripture and God’s redemptive plan from Genesis to Revelation.
📅 8th September to 15th December
🕖 Tuesdays: 2:55 pm – 5 pm
📍 On-site or Via Zoom
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The Life and teaching of Jesus
Certificate Level
Explore the life, message, and ministry of Jesus through the four Gospels.
📅 9th September to 16th December
🕖 Wednesdays · 10:40 am–12:45 pm
📍 On site or Via Zoom
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Youth Ministry
Certificate Level
Explore biblical and practical approaches to helping young people grow in faith.
📅 9th September to 16th December
🕖 Wednesdays: 9:30 am – 11:35 am
📍 On-site or Via Zoom
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Interpreting and Applying the Bible
Certificate Level
Learn how to read Scripture thoughtfully, responsibly, and meaningfully for everyday life.
📅 19th January to 11th May
🕖 Tuesdays, 9:30am – 11:35am
📍 On-site or Via Zoom
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Communicating the Bible in a Ministry Context
Certificate Level
Grow in confidence communicating Scripture clearly and engagingly in ministry settings.
📅 19th January to 11th May
🕖 Tuesdays, 2:55pm – 5pm
📍 On-site or Via Zoom
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Introduction to Pastoral Caring
Certificate Level
Develop biblical and practical approaches to supporting and caring for others well.
📅 20th January to 12th May
🕖 Wednesdays, 10:40 am – 12:45 pm
📍 On-site or Via Zoom
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Overview of the Old Testament
Certificate Level
Explore the history, themes, and message of the Old Testament and its place in God’s story.
📅 20th January to 12th May
🕖 Wednesdays, 1:45 pm – 3:50 pm
📍 On-site or Via Zoom
Evening Delivery Short Courses 2026/27
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Interpreting and Applying the Bible
Certificate Level
Learn how to read Scripture thoughtfully, responsibly, and meaningfully for everyday life.
📅 7th September to 16th November
🕖 Monday, 7 pm
📍 Via Zoom only
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Christian Discipleship
Certificate Level
📅 23rd November to 15th February
🕖 Mondays: 7 pm
📍 Via Zoom Only
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The Story of the Church
Certificate Level
Explore key moments in church history and their relevance for the church today.
📅 22nd February to 10th May
🕖 Mondays, 7 pm
📍 Via Zoom only
Daytime Delivery - Diploma Level Courses 2026/27
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Christian Faith in Contemporary Culture.
Diploma Level
📅 8th September to 15th December
🕖 Tuesdays, 10:40 am – 12:45 pm
📍 On-site or Via Zoom
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Christian Etics
Diploma Level
📅 9th September to 16th December
🕖 Wednesdays, 10:40 am – 12:45 pm
📍 On-site or Via Zoom
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Developing Christian Leadership
Diploma Level
📅 19th January to 11th May
🕖 Tuesdays, 10:40 am–12:45 pm
📍 On-site or Via Zoom
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Mission in Contemporary Ireland.
Diploma Level
📅 9th September to 16th December
🕖 Wednesdays: 2:55pm – 5pm
📍 On-site or Via Zoom
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The Story of the Irish Church
Diploma Level
📅 20th January to 12th May
🕖 Wednesdays, 10:40 am – 12:45 pm
📍 On-site or Via Zoom
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New Testament: Epistles
Diploma Level
📅 20th January to 12th May
🕖 Wednesdays, 2:55 pm – 5 pm
📍 On-site or Via Zoom
Hear from our Students
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.
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To achieve the Foundation Award, students must earn a total of 8 credits by completing eligible short courses:
Foundation Online Courses 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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Yes — as long as the course was part of the eligible short-course programme (e.g., Foundation Online Course or Certificate/Diploma-level short courses), and you completed it with a passing grade, it counts retroactively.
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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.
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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.