Religious Education by Distance Learning (CREDL) Cert: Online distance learning
Catholic teacher’s certificate/award in religious understanding
This online programme has been specifically designed to provide students with the requisite understanding of the main tenets of Catholic Christian theology. Students will also learn about the Catholic vision of education and the methodology appropriate to Catholic religious education in primary and secondary schools. Please note, while open to all, this programme has been designed for Catholic teachers wishing to teach Religious Education in Catholic schools. Successful completion of the programme by Catholic teachers will result in the award of the Catholic Teacher’s Certificate (CREDL). An Award in Religious Understanding (CREDL) is presented to anyone else completing the programme. The Catholic Teacher’s Certificate (CREDL) is recognised by the Bishops of Scotland as a preliminary qualification in Catholic religious education.
Any teacher wishing to be appointed to teach in a Catholic denominational school in Scotland must seek the approval of Church authorities by demonstrating how his/her personal “religious belief and character” enables him/her to undertake the duties of the particular teaching post within the context of a Catholic school, with its particular mission, values and ethos. For those posts which include responsibility for the teaching of Religious Education, teachers must provide evidence of having obtained an appropriate teaching qualification in Catholic Religious Education. The award of a Catholic Teachers Certificate to mark the successful completion of this course will be accepted in all Dioceses as fulfilling the requirements for obtaining “an appropriate teaching qualification in Catholic Religious Education”. However, course applicants should note that this does not negate the requirement to obtain Approval of their religious belief and character prior to appointment.
- Online distance learning
- Academic contact: denise.porada@glasgow.ac.uk
- Teaching start: September
- Online
- Cert: 12 months part‑time
Why this programme
- The Certificate in Religious Education by Distance Learning (along with the necessary church approval) will allow you to teach in Catholic schools.
- It will provide you with the requisite understanding of the main tenets of Catholic Christian theology, the Catholic vision of education and the methodology appropriate to Catholic religious education.
- This programme is also recommended if you are a qualified teacher and want to re-visit your understanding of these issues as part of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- It can be completed concurrently with a BEd or PGDE programme and the MA Primary Education in Dumfries, (or subsequently on completion of any of these programmes).
- CREDL is the University of Glasgow route for qualified teachers or students studying an ITE programme at other universities.
Programme structure
CREDL is the University of Glasgow route for qualified teachers or students studying an ITE programme at other universities.
Core courses
For each course you will produce a portfolio, a 1,500-word essay.
Programme Outcomes
- Gain knowledge of the scriptures, doctrines, morals and practices of the Catholic faith
- Understand the roles of scripture, language, liturgy, signs and symbols in the traditions and insights of Catholic education
- Appreciate the stages of personal religious and moral development and the appropriate educational responses to these
- Explore approaches to learning and teaching in religious education, relating methods and practices to subject content, curriculum development and faith formation
- Interpret and contextualise a range of biblical, doctrinal and religious principles and beliefs, and develop and implement appropriate educational experiences based upon these
- Gain positive, varied and motivating contexts for learning and personal growth in religious education, based upon confidence in using the syllabus, resources and strategies of the subject area
- Continual critical enquiry and personal development in values and religious education
- Develop sensitivity to culture, authority, belonging and tradition in religion
- Research into the relationship of faith to life, to religious practice, to tolerance and to respect for difference
- Develop reflective professional practice in the broad interpersonal, spiritual and philosophical dimensions of education
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours
to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw
or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees for 2025-26
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
Entry requirements
You must hold a teaching qualification or be a student on a programme of initial teacher education.
