OCCA Foundational Apologetics – Autumn 2026

A ten week online-only course aimed at encouraging and equipping Christians to have natural conversations about their faith and to respond to the tough questions of our day. This runs Thursday evenings (UK time) from 6:30-9:00pm

Overview

The Foundational Apologetics course encourages and equips Christians to have natural conversations about their faith and to respond to the tough questions of our day.

Live contact times vary. Select the course date and time that works best for you.

This engaging and stimulating course is delivered online over ten weeks but retains the journeying-in-community element that has been central to OCCA over the last 20 years. Students will have access to filmed lectures and will gather online for nine live, interactive seminars with their lecturers.

The course is a commitment of three hours per week (2.5 online at a scheduled time and 0.5 hours preparatory work) and can be accessed from anywhere in the UK and beyond. You don’t need any prior theological training to participate – the material is designed to be accessible and relevant for anyone who is looking to engage thoughtfully and meaningfully with questions about faith and today’s culture.

Topics include: Critical Thinking, The Existence of God, Science & Religion, Worldviews and Human Value.

Each session also focuses on a tough question, such as:

  • ‘Why isn’t God more obvious?’
  • ‘If Christianity is good, why has it caused so much harm?’
  • ‘Do science and faith mix?
  • ‘How can anyone believe in a dead man rising?’ 

among many others.

Schedule

This course is online-only, meeting on Thursdays at 6:30-9:00m (UK time).

The 10 week course will consist of:

  • 16 pre-recorded lectures which form the basis for seminar discussions.
  • 20 hours of contact time with lecturers, spread across 8 weekly seminars (with a break over half-term)
  • One assignment to put theory into practice (including a short written reflection on a conversation)
  • Two optional extra sessions: a general Q&A with a panel of OCCA speakers, and a workshop on answering questions.


You’ll need to meet the following requirements to receive the certificate:

  • Attend at least 75% of the live contact time sessions (Thursdays 6:30-9:00pm UK time) and;
  • Complete all prerequisite activities including watching all pre-recorded videos and completing the assignments.

Cost

The cost of the course is £380.

You can pay upfront in total, or in three instalments.

We offer a 10% discount to each person signing up as part of a group of 3 or more. Email courses@theocca.org to find out more.

If finances are a barrier to joining the course, you can find out more and apply for a bursary directly online, as we are able to consider offering limited bursaries / scholarships. Please be aware that we cannot offer full bursaries, and the amount offered is unlikely to be over 50% of the course price.

FAQs

What are the requirements of this course?

This course is open to anyone over 18, with no specific educational requirements. However, in order to complete the course please be aware that you need to attend at least 75% of live contact time sessions (Thursdays 6:30-9:00pm UK time) and complete all pre-required material including watching pre-recorded lectures and assignments.

What is the weekly time commitment?

The total time commitment per week is 3 hours: 30 minutes in preparation watching a pre-recorded lecture, and 2.5 hours live contact time.

If I can’t attend the live sessions, can I still sign up?

Unfortunately the live sessions are a required part of the course – you’re expected to attend 75% of them. If you can’t make these, keep an eye out for our other courses and events that will be coming soon!

What is the assignment?

The assignment is a conversational interview with a friend, with a short written reflection to upload.

Can I sign up as part of a group?

We do offer group discounts – contact us to find out more! We’d love for you to take part along with your household or church group. Every member of the group will still need to register individually, using a special link.

Is there an age limit on the course?

Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome! We have a whole mix of backgrounds so please don’t think this course isn’t for you – if you have any specific queries about whether this course is right for you, please do contact us.

If I don’t get a place on this course, will there be another chance to do it?

Yes there will! We run this course in Autumn, Spring and Summer. There are also some alternative timeslots which may suit you better – take a look at our upcoming dates page.

Is this the only course you run?

It isn’t! Check out our website to see more courses and events, including our free, six-episode Confident Faith: Apologetics For Everyone video series for small groups.

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