The officer training course is a diploma in higher education, valiadated by the University of Gloucestershire, which is shaped to develop Christian leaders of integrity. Alongside academic study, cadets undertake placements and personal initiative projects in the community, including hands-on involvement in local hospitals, prisons and social centres. Most importantly, the programme centres on the spiritual growth and mature development of each person.

Cadets usually undertake a two-year course: year one at certificate level, year two at diploma level. The course is divided into four 'fields' of work and is subject to continuous assessment rather than formal examinations. The four fields are:

• Personal Growth and Spiritual Development
• Biblical Studies, including biblical interpretation and Old and New Testament studies
• Ministry and Mission, including pastoral ministry,management and communication skills, and mission studies

• Faith and Practice, including Salvationist doctrine, Church and Salvation Army history, and contemporary society and Christian ethics

Training culminates in commissioning as a Salvation Army officer, usually with the rank of captain, which also makes you an accredited minister of religion.

Officership is a lifelong commitment and needs to be undertaken after deep thought and prayer. Only if you have a genuine love for people, a deeply-rooted faith and sense of personal mission, and have gained the relevant knowledge and skills, can you be appointed as a Salvation Army officer.

Training through distance learning and at partner colleges

Officer training is normally provided at the College itself. However training can also be provided on a non-residential basis through distance learning,which may take up to five years, or through one of our partner colleges located right across the country.

Nearly 80 per cent of the UK population are within 60 miles of a partner college.

Vocational discovery events

In view of the serious commitment that officership entails, the College offers a variety of vocational discovery events. If you are considering training as an officer, these events give you the opportunity to reflect and seek guidance on the issues involved.

1 Carlisle & Blackburn Diocesan Training Institute, Church House, West Walls, Carlisle CA3 8UE; www.cbdti.org.uk
2 Cliff College, Calver, Hope Valley S32 3XG; www.cliffcollege.org
3 Havering College of Further & Higher Education, Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch, Essex RM11 2LL; www.havering-college.ac.uk
4 International Christian College, 110 St James Road, Glasgow G4 0PS; www.icc.ac.uk
5 London School of Theology,Green Lane, Northwood HA6 2UW; www.lst.ac.uk
6 Moorlands College, Sopley, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 7AT; www.moorlands.ac.uk
7 Nazarene Theological College, Dene Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2GU; www.nazarene.ac.uk
8 Regent's Park College, Pusey Street, Oxford OX1 2LB; www.rpc.ox.ac.uk
9 South Wales Baptist College, 54-58 Richmond Road, Cardiff CF24 3UR; www.swbc.org.uk
10 Southern Theological Education and Training Scheme, 19 The Close, Salisbury, Wilts SP1 2EE; www.stets.ac.uk
11 St John's College, Bramcote, Nottingham NG9 3DS; www.stjohns-nottm.ac.uk
12 Trinity College, Stoke Hill, Stoke Bishop, Bristol BS9 1JP; www.trinity-bris.ac.uk

 More information on the School for Officer Training

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