Religious Education by Distance Learning (CREDL) - Catholic Teacher’s Certificate/Award in Religious Understanding
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
It provides a comprehensive understanding of Catholic theology, education, and teaching methodologies. The program consists of two core courses, each requiring a portfolio and essay, and is completed over a 12-month period on a part-time basis. Graduates are highly sought after by Catholic schools and other organizations requiring expertise in Catholic religious education.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Catholic Teacher's Certificate/Award in Religious Understanding (CREDL)
This online distance learning program is designed for Catholic teachers who want to teach Religious Education in Catholic schools.
It provides students with the knowledge and understanding of Catholic theology, the Catholic vision of education, and the appropriate methodology for teaching Religious Education.
The program also caters to those who want to revisit their understanding of these topics as part of their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
It can be completed concurrently with a BEd or PGDE program and the MA Primary Education in Dumfries.
Objectives:
- Equip participants with the necessary understanding of Catholic Christian theology.
- Introduce participants to the Catholic vision of education and its methodologies. It consists of two core courses:
- CREDL: ASPECTS OF THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION 1
- CREDL: ASPECTS OF THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION 2 For each course, participants will be required to produce a portfolio and a 1,500-word essay.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program covers a range of topics related to Catholic theology and religious education, including:
- Scriptures
- Doctrines
- Morals
- Practices of the Catholic faith
- The role of scripture, language, liturgy, signs, and symbols in Catholic education
- Stages of personal religious and moral development
- Educational approaches to these stages
- Learning and teaching in religious education
- Subject content
- Curriculum development
- Faith formation
- Biblical, doctrinal, and religious principles and beliefs
- Educational experiences based on these principles
- Positive, varied, and motivating contexts for learning and personal growth in religious education
- Confidence in using the syllabus, resources, and strategies
- Continual critical inquiry and personal development in values and religious education
- Sensitivity to culture, authority, belonging, and tradition in religion
- The relationship of faith to life, religious practice, tolerance, and respect for difference
- Reflective professional practice
Program Structure:
The program consists of two core courses, each requiring the production of a portfolio and a 1,500-word essay.
Course Schedule:
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Portfolios
- Essays
- Participation
- Presentations
Assessment Criteria:
The assessment criteria are based on the learning outcomes of the program and are designed to assess participants' knowledge, understanding, and skills in relation to Catholic theology and religious education.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Online lectures
- Tutorials
- Discussion forums
- Independent study
Faculty:
The program is taught by experienced and qualified faculty who are experts in Catholic theology and religious education.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
The successful completion of the CREDL program can open doors to various career opportunities, including:
- Teaching Religious Education in Catholic schools
- Working as a religious education coordinator or advisor
- Working in parish ministry
- Working in chaplaincy
- Pursuing further studies in theology or religious education
Career Opportunities:
Graduates of the program are highly sought after by Catholic schools and other organizations that require expertise in Catholic theology and religious education.
Career Outcomes:
- The program is recognized by the Bishops of Scotland as a preliminary qualification in Catholic religious education.
- Participants who successfully complete the program will receive the Catholic Teacher's Certificate (CREDL).
- Anyone else who completes the program will receive the Award in Religious Understanding (CREDL).
Disclaimer:
This is a comprehensive response based on the provided context.
Tuition fees for 2024-25 Cert UK part-time only fees - £455 per 30 Credits Additional fees Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370 Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350 Registration/exam only fee: £170
