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Can I begin whenever I want, or must I wait for the beginning of the next academic year?
You can enrol on the programme at any time of the year. There is no need to wait until September, when university courses traditionally begin. There is no reason why you can't begin studying right now, if you so wish. Simply complete the application form (see below) and we will begin processing your application immediately.
Do I need any formal entrance qualifications to enrol on the course?
Applicants aged 18-23 will normally have A-levels or equivalent (eg High School Diploma, Baccalaureate, etc). Mature students aged 23 and above may be permitted onto the course with no formal qualifications, providing they can demonstrate they will be able to cope with the scope and nature of the work at this level, and are able to commit the necessary time and effort to their studies. The faculty will make a judgement based on your application and possibly arrange a telephone interview. Progression from Diploma to the final Bachelor stage is dependent on quality of work submitted at Level 2. Applicants must also agree to abide by our statement of faith.
Will I need to buy many textbooks?
Not necessarily. Aside from several highly recommended texts you should purchase as you will need to refer to them regularly, some of the reading material is included in electronic format online, while the Virtual Campus also contains links to useful academic resources on the Internet. We also subscribe to several academic theological journals for online access. Moreover, as a student, you can also join Lampeter's library, which in turn permits you to access nearly 130 University and theological libraries nationwide. The college is also constantly looking at new ways of providing you with access to reading materials. We have recently approached a number of publishers and secured permission to reproduce some of the reading material on the college's Virtual Campus created exclusively for students. This is a tremendous facility which allows students to access some of the reading material remotely, wherever they are, as long as they have an internet connection.
What if I have not studied for a long time?
It is natural to feel somewhat apprehensive if you have not studied for some time, or at this level. But don't let this deter you. Many of our students found themselves in a similar position when they first enrolled. The school provides you with all the help and support you need to develop the necessary study skills for this course. We particularly concentrate on offering support and developing skills during the first module, allowing you to move on to other modules with confidence.
Is any particular denominational or doctrinal bias forced upon students?
No. Other than the College's statement of faith, staff seek only to promote good, sound exegesis of the Bible. Students are assessed on their exegesis and abilities to sustain arguments from a sound, biblical perspective. Students will not have any particular view `pushed upon them'; neither will they be expected to toe a particular doctrinal line in order to progress through the course.
I've already completed some studies in Theology (or, I have some ministry experience). Are there any study exemptions available for me?
Substantial study exemptions are available to qualifying students, based on previous Bible College or Theological studies. There may also be exemptions for those with experience in ministry, but without any formal qualifications. To be considered, call the College office on 08700 421704 to discuss the matter, or email us with details (include institutions, dates, programme titles, topics covered and grades, or for those seeking exemptions for ministry experience, submit a CV/resume of not more than two pages setting out your ministry experience). We will then look at your case and get back to you with some indication of the exemptions you might expect to receive. However, please note the college can only make a recommendation to the University of Wales, which makes the final decision about exemptions granted.
How much of the course is available online?
Currently, you can enrol, order modules and access various study resources online. You can also stay in touch with the college office and tutors, and also submit assignments, by email. At present, audio lectures are posted to students in CD-Rom format. Recently, however, we upgraded our website so that visitors can now download audio material, and soon students will be able to download the audio lectures for each module if they so choose. At this stage, all aspects of the course will be available online.
What is the maximum/minimum period of time I can take the course over?
The Certificate and Diploma stages of the degree can be completed in is little as one academic year for each, extending to four years for each. The final stage of the degree must be completed in two years. So you can take a full degree over anything between three and ten years if you so wish.
Do I have to attend any lectures?
No. You can complete the entire course by distance learning. There is also an option to attend special lectures and seminars (see below).
Are there opportunities to attend classes on a casual basis?
Yes. We often organise special lectures and seminars, allowing you to meet up with lecturers and other students. Details are publicised on the website or by email.
What kind of tutorial support is available to me?
We provide a comprehensive knowledge base on the password-protected student pages of the website. You can also stay in touch with the college by email and telephone. A tutor is usually available to answer any practical, academic and theological queries, either by 'phone or email. Different tutors also provide additional help and support, usually by email.
Do I have to pay my student fees up front?
You simply pay for the module(s) you are working on, rather than for a term or year. You can buy modules as and when you please, either one at a time or several at once.
How much flexibility do I have to organise my studies?
These studies have been designed to offer you maximum flexibility and convenience. You may speed up or slow down your studies, for example, by taking one module one term, three the next, and then taking a break and not submitting any work during the following term. Also, if during a particular term you find that work, church and/or family commitments mean you cannot complete a module by the next marking session, you may simply submit your assignment late (which will be held over until the next marking session). It is important, though, that you set targets and work through the programme at a reasonable rate, otherwise you will begin to fall behind.
Am I a student of King's Evangelical Divinity School (or the University of Wales, Lampeter?
Both. Initially you are registered with King's Evangelical Divinity School (formerly Midlands Bible College and Divinity School), but once you order your first study pack you are asked to complete a Lampeter application form so that you are also formally registered as an undergraduate student with the University. Details on how to register, together with a copy of the form, may be found in your first module pack.
Who marks my assignments: King's Evangelical Divinity School, or Lampeter?
All assignments are marked by King's tutors. A sample is then sent to Lampeter for moderation for quality-control purposes. If your work is randomnly selected for moderation, any comments made by Lampeter tutors will be included at the bottom of your essay coversheet. In some cases, Lampeter tutors may adjust the original mark awarded.
Do I earn a King's Evangelical Divinity School or a University of Wales award?
Both. The accredited degree programme is a University of Wales qualification, but you also receive a certificate for attending King's. You are formally registered with both institutions.
Once I apply, what happens next?
Your application will be processed and someone from King's may contact you. Acceptance letters are sent by email with instructions on how to order your first module, which can be purchased online.
How can I apply for an identification card to prove my status as a student?
University of Wales students are eligible to apply for Student Union membership and receive a student identification card. This card proves your status as an undergraduate student, which can sometimes also be used to obtain discounts for books, travel, etc.
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