Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS)

• A highly desirable certificate that the Catholic Education Service strongly encourages all teachers to have that aim to work in a Catholic school
• A range of highly trained experts delivering the course
• An opportunity to learn and develop personal understanding of Biblical text in relation to the Catholic faith.
• A wide range of resources to support students in their studies of CCRS
• To provide an insight regarding expectations of Catholic schools and opportunities that are available.
• Subsidised fees for those students already studying another course at Newman

This modular course is designed to give you an understanding of basic Christian theology, and an appreciation of the special place of Religious Education in Catholic schools. The Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS) is managed and awarded by the Board of Religious Studies on behalf of the Bishop’s Conference of England and Wales. It is a highly desirable requirement for any teacher who intends to teach in a Catholic school and also provides a basis for further study. At Newman University the CCRS programme aims to support teachers in their approach to Catholic education.

The opportunity to study for the Certificate is provided for all undergraduate students and is delivered within the normal undergraduate timetable. The CCRS is also delivered on Tuesday evenings* over a two-year period in the autumn and spring terms. It offers an important opportunity, for those in Catholic education and those who wish to develop their knowledge of the Catholic faith, to study and discuss the teachings of the Catholic Church and its implications. The course consists of eight ten-hour modules, two of which relate directly to the teacher’s work in a Catholic school. Attendance and successful completion of an assignment forms the assessment criteria for each module. Any person who is or wishes to be involved in Catholic education and formation may apply for this course.

This includes those involved in Religious Education in schools, Parish Catechesis and other ministries in the Church and anyone who wishes to follow the course for faith development or personal interest. The course seeks to ensure that you have at least a basic knowledge and understanding of the beliefs of the Catholic faith. You may take the entire Certificate at Newman University over two years or individual units over a longer period of time. It is also possible to transfer from, or to, other national centres providing that the entire Certificate (all eight units) is completed within a period of five years. The course is open to people from any faith background.

*Please note this may need to be changed due to Government advice and changes.