CertHE/DipHE/BA(Hons) in Theology
Introduction
Our BA course focuses on the core disciplines of theology, biblical studies, leadership and mission. There is a choice of two tracks, Biblical & Pastoral Theology or Theology & Missional Leadership.
The course is aimed at equipping emerging church and mission workers, volunteers, ordinary church members and any prospective student to better appreciate the origins, development and application of the Christian message within a variety of cultural settings and learn a selection of basic ministry skills. It will provide you with theological education and skills for Christian service, together with the development of personal character and spirituality. You will be introduced to a broad understanding of the world, religion, faith, spirituality and our role in serving the community and the Christian faith. In the first year, you will receive a foundation in the core subjects in Theology, Biblical Studies, Pastoral Theology and Missional Leadership. You are then able to deepen your understanding in the second and third years within your chosen pathway.
You will be encouraged to see the relevance of your degree outside the confinements of BCC, church or the ministry and to think critically about how your knowledge, skills and resources can be useful in the marketplace. By marketplace, we are referring to the streets, the community, social media and in the churches and faith communities. By means of vocational, placements, and ministry work you will be able to broaden your experience in the marketplace and analyse the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and challenges of doing practical ministry. The aim is to give you a global, ethical, spiritual, academic and a well-balanced lifestyle and outlook on life.
The course will prepare you intellectually and practically for a variety of forms of vocational Christian ministry including the development of presentation and communication skills, understanding of ministry and mission in cross-cultural and intercultural contexts, and the ability to apply biblical and theological knowledge within a ministry and mission setting.
The course is composed of three levels, the Certificate in Higher Education, Diploma in Higher Education and the BA (Hons) degree. Students are expected to pass one level of study before progressing to the next level, though each level can form a self-contained qualification which can be taken separately if desired. Each level consists of 120 credits of study.
The course is validated by Newman University.
Programme Length
3 years full-time or 4-7 years part-time.
Delivery Method
Blended (i.e online and face-to-face residential sessions). More information about learning and teaching methods can be found in the Programme Specification (see link in Course Content below).
Course Content
Information about the content of this course can be found in the Programme Specification here
Course Fees
For undergraduate course fees please click here.
For our other course fees, please click here.
Financial Support
Our BA course has been approved for student finance. To find out if you’re eligible please read Get undergraduate student finance: step by step on the GOV.UK website here.
Students with disabilities and/or learning difficulties may be eligible for funding to cover study-related costs they have because of a mental health problem, long-term illness or any other physical or learning disability. You can find out more information here.
We encourage you to make your application as early as possible to ensure funding is in place for the start of the academic year when your first semester’s fees will be payable.
Assessment
Assessment is by a variety of methods to help develop a range of different skills including essays, portfolios, formal examinations, presentations, placement reports, role plays and research projects.
More information can be found in the Programme Specification (see link in Course Content above).
Entry Requirements
3 A levels at grade C or above (or equivalent) in a humanities/social science related subject and 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including English at 5/C or above, or recognized equivalents are required.
Mature applicants (21+), with considerable length of practical ministry experience who do not have formal qualifications, may be admitted to the programme if the Admissions Committee deems them able to complete the programme successfully. As part of this assessment applicants will normally be required to submit an essay on a Biblical subject.
Those seeking admission to the BA programme will normally be accepted only subject to satisfactory references and interview. For students wishing to transfer credits into the scheme from other UK universities and recognised institutions, the rules followed will comply with the rules and processes for Newman University. The eligibility of credits gained from overseas institutions will be assessed using UK NARIC guidelines.
Students with a bachelor’s degree from another subject may enrol directly to level 6 for a full classification with Honours degree programme provided that they have a first or second classification degree.
English language requirements:
All students must provide evidence of appropriate competency in written and spoken English. For students whose first language is not English, and who have not studied in English up to at least Level 2 the normal requirement will be IELTS 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in any band) or equivalent.
Other requirements:
All students will have the maturity of character and motivation to be involved in the overall ethos of the course. This is normally ascertained from the application, interview and references.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) will be required before students can begin their placement.
Employment Prospects
Section 12 of the Programme Specification (see link in Course Content above) provides information about employment prospects for students who study this course and tells you what careers some of our students have pursued after completing the course.
How to Apply
Find out how to begin the application process and access the online application form here.