Frequently asked Questions

Browse below for some of the most asked questions and answers:

Who is our certificate and diploma for?

Our certificate and diploma are aimed at Evangelical Christians who envision working in cross-cultural mission work. Both programmes are designed for people with little or no cross-cultural and formal Bible training to be better equipped to serve overseas. Each of the programmes prepares the student to gain better intercultural understanding and provides foundational knowledge in the following areas: Old and New Testament, Systematic Theology, Personal/Character formation, Ministry, and tools to study Scriptures.

 

What are the entry criteria?

In order to be considered for a place to study with us you need to have completed high school (or equivalent, Special Access cases are considered), be at least 21 years old and be an active follower of Jesus Christ. You must be able to speak, write and study in English at a level of IELTS 6.0. You should be actively serving the local church, have the support of your home church and be seriously considering going into cross-cultural missionary service on completion of your studies with us.

 

What qualification will I get?

If you join Cornerstone for one year, you will be awarded a Certificate of Intercultural Studies (issued by Cornerstone) and a Certificate of Theology (accredited by ECTE). Note that ECTE is recognised in Evangelical circles, but our certificate does have legal status in the Netherlands.  If you do the two-year programme, you will be awarded a Diploma in the same way as the certificate described above.

EQF (QF-EHEA) QUALIFICATION

EQF 5-PARTIAL
(SHORT CYCLE-PARTIAL)

EQF 5
(SHORT CYCLE)

Qualification nomenclature

Certificate in Intercultural Studies

Diploma in Intercultural Studies

ECTS credits

60

120

Duration

1 year

2 years

 

How is the course assessed?

Our one or two-year programmes involve a variety of teaching and assessment methods, including reading, listening, group discussions, research, writing essays, class presentations, creative assignments, book critiques and others. Students receive feedback mostly in written form via our Virtual Learning Environment and a 50% minimum grade is required to pass a course.

 

How is the course delivered?

Both our programmes are full-time and residential. For families, one of the parents can study part-time.

A typical week consists of four mornings per week in the classroom (lectures, discussion, presentations), plus self-study, group work, ministry teams and practical activities around the college in the afternoons. Roughly 16 hours of self-study per week is expected. Community living and learning are part of our core values and an integral part of learning at Cornerstone.

 

What is involved in living in community?

At Cornerstone, we have different accommodation sections/areas of living. Men and women live in different areas of the building and families have their own small apartments or clusters of rooms. Kitchens and bathrooms are shared. During the first year of study, students normally share a room with another student. When possible, second year students get an individual room. We have varied accommodations for families, depending on the family size and availability of spaces.

During week days meal times are enjoyed together, with breakfast, lunch and dinner provided in our main dining room.

To keep costs low and promote community living, students and volunteers join practical activities in the college (i.e. lunch wash up, gardening, cleaning, etc.). We normally spend one hour a day on these duties and on Mondays we spend 3 hours in the afternoon doing practical work in groups.

We also enjoy having devotional times together. Three times a week we start our day in chapel enjoying a sermon, worship, testimony or prayer time together. Around 3 hours per week is dedicated to being involved in a local ministry team. Sports, film nights, prayer/worship nights, campfires are often planned by students throughout the year making community life full and fun.  

 

How many credits do I study per year and can I transfer credits?

Each year of study is equivalent to 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). Each ECTS is equal to 28 hours of learning activities (class, self-study, reading or group work). It is important to point out that a Certificate and Diploma of Higher education do not have a legal status within the Dutch Education system. However, the Cornerstone study programmes are accredited by the ECTE and do offer possibilities for further studies. We have partnerships with other colleges where you can take your credits to and from, and the ECTS credits attained at Cornerstone. It is the responsibility of the (prospective) student to check with other colleges/universities if our credits are accepted for their programme.

 

When can I start the programme?

We have one intake per year at the end of August/beginning of September. Applications must be sent by March for people outside the European Union and by the end of May for Europeans.

 

Can I join just for one module?

Yes, you are welcome to join some of our modules as a short course. See more here.

 

What can I do after I graduate from Cornerstone?

Most of our students work interculturally as missionaries. Other graduates serve working for non-profit organisations, as church planters, kids’ workers, mobilisers, working in local churches, as youth leaders, doing business as missions, etc.