Introduction to the New Testament
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28 weeks
Part-time | Online
September 2026; application deadline 30 August 2026.
Maryvale HIRS
Overview
This course offers an easy introduction to reading the New Testament. It explores the link between the Old Testament and the New, tracking its fulfilment in the person of Jesus Christ. The course focusses on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, followed by Acts of the Apostle and the Pauline Letters, allowing students to study them as a continuous testimony of the encounter with Christ. Our course is for those who simply wish to deepen their understanding of the New Testament, and for those for whom a deeper knowledge of Scripture is important in their role in the Church. The course runs in partnership with the renowned Catholic Biblical School Ministry (CBSM).
Catechists, pastoral ministers, lectors, parish formators and any lay person who wants to read the New Testament with both intellectual seriousness and the eyes of faith.
Requirements
No prior theological study required
Computer or tablet with reliable internet access.
A working knowledge of English, minimum CEFR level B1. Non-native English speakers will need to provide written evidence of their level upon enrolment.
Course Fees
Six steps from first thought to enrolment. Take them at your own pace, and ask for help at any point.
2026 – 2027
£475
2027 - 2028
TBC
Certification Fee
£160
Structure & Modules
Twenty-five weeks of asynchronous teaching on Canvas, with a live tutorial every six weeks for discussion, questions and synthesis. The course works through the three Synoptic Gospels and then the Acts of the Apostles and the Pauline Letters, read in their order of composition and against the backdrop of Paul's missionary journeys.
Welcome session: Thursday 17 September 2026, 6.45 p.m. UK time. Tutorials on Thursdays at 6.45 p.m., every six weeks. Maximum 20 students. Course lead: Colleen Vermeulen.
Total Workload | 60 – 70 Hours
Programme Director
Colleen Vermeulen
New Testament strand lead, Biblical Studies
Leads the New Testament Encounter Year of Maryvale's Biblical Course, in partnership with the Catholic Biblical School Ministry.
Course Tutors
Colleen Vermeulen
New Testament strand lead, Biblical Studies
Leads the New Testament Encounter Year of Maryvale's Biblical Course, in partnership with the Catholic Biblical School Ministry.
Supervision & Assessment
All students complete a short monthly pastoral reflection of 150 words, marked by the tutor, and a final 1,500-word essay at the end of the course. Both are part of the course and are included in the fee.
The annual exam is optional and carries a separate fee. It is only for students who wish to be certified, leading to a Maryvale Higher Institute of Religious Sciences (HIRS) Certificate after one year and a Diploma after four years. Students who do not wish to be certified take the full course without the exam.
Accessibility
If you have a disability or any long-term condition that impacts on your day-to-day life, please download the Accessibility Form below, open and edit it in Acrobat Reader, and email or post the completed document to the Accessibility Coordinator (address included on the form), to ensure we can give you the best possible support during your course of study. Disclosing a disability will not be a factor in Institute’s decision as to whether or not to offer you a place on the course. However, it is important that the Institute knows if you have any specialist needs in order to provide you with appropriate support and facilities. This information will remain strictly confidential. For further information, please contact us to speak to the Accessibility Coordinator.
Contact us
Send us a message and a member of the Maryvale team will get back to you.