Graduate Diploma in Theology

validated by the University of Chester

King's Graduate Diploma in Theology, validated by the University of Chester, provides graduates who hold a degree in a subject other than Theology with a means of formally measuring competence and earning an internationally recognised undergraduate qualification in the subject without having to commit to studying for a full theological degree. Students enrolled on the programme complete 120 credits (six modules) at Level 6, which is the final stage of a B.Th. degree. The Graduate Diploma can be completed online through King's full-time over one year and part-time over up to four years.

The Graduate Diploma is a University of Chester award and graduates are eligible to attend the university's graduation ceremony held each year at Chester Cathedral.
 

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER THE GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN THEOLOGY?

The Graduate Diploma in Theology offers a formal means of measuring competence in Theology at undergraduate level, and as such is generally suitable as a formal measure of having mastered broad knowledge, understanding and skills in Theology at an advanced undergraduate level in the following scenarios:

• Graduates of subjects other than Theology seeking a qualification which will allow them to study the subject at postgraduate level
   
• Ordinands and Christian workers seeking additional formal evidence of theological study at undergraduate level
   
• Christians in lay positions seeking formal evidence of theological study
   
• Qualified schoolteachers who require a qualification in Theology/Religious Studies to expand their teaching portfolio
   
• Those who completed a Theology degree some years ago and are keen to refresh their knowledge, understanding and skills, as well as engage with more recent developments in the field
   
• Anyone with a degree in another subject interested in expanding into the field of Theology for personal reasons

NB If your reason for taking the course is specifically for seeking a particular employment or enrolling on a certain postgraduate course you should ascertain first that this represents a suitable qualification.


HOW THE COURSE IS ORGANISED

Students complete a total of 120 credits at Level 6 (the final stage of a Bachelor of Theology degree). The following two core modules must be completed by all students:

TH6601 Biblical Theology (20 credits)
TH6602 The Bible, Culture and Historical Theology (20 credits)

Students then choose four from the following five electives:

TH6603 Theology of Romans (20 credits)
TH6604 Liberation Theologies and their Use of the Bible (20 credits)
TH6605 Christian Ethics and the Bible (20 credits)
TH6606 Evangelicals, the Bible and the Public Square (20 credits)
TH6619 Independent Study Project (20 credits)

For detailed aims and outcomes of the Graduate Diploma, download the Programme Specification.


COST

Students complete six modules to earn the Graduate Diploma in Theology. The total cost in British Pounds (GBP) for the Graduate Diploma, based on the 2011-12 academic fees, is as follows:

United Kingdom and European Union permanent residents (Home Fees): 

1,985 GBP

New students pay an initial fee of 365 GBP for the first twenty-credit module, followed by 324 GBP per 20-credits thereafter (total 120 credits for the Graduate Diploma).

International students: 

2,185 GBP 

New students pay an initial fee of 395 GBP for the first twenty-credit module, followed by 358 GBP per 20-credits thereafter (total 120 credits for the Graduate Diploma).


Notes

1. Fees indicated are fully inclusive. The above fee is the amount you pay (excluding any books you may buy). The cost is the total, complete fee for the full Graduate Diploma based on the current 2011-12 rates. Other than a 10 GBP one-off application fee that becomes payable at the time of your application there are no supplementary fees. When comparing costs with other institutions make sure you have included all their supplementary fees.

2. The first module fee becomes payable when you are ready to commence your studies. Thereafter you only pay for modules you are working on (remaining module fees are paid in two installments).

3. Please note that once paid, all module fees are non-refundable. Therefore, you should only pay for modules as you need them.

4. Module fees are subject to an increase each year in line with University requirements and/or inflation. The fee indicated above is for the 2011-12 academic year. Any increase in 2012-13 will be reflected in the new rates which take effect from 1 September 2012.

5. To be classed as a UK/EU student you must have been permanently resident in the UK/EU for three years or more prior to the commencement of the course (excluding residence on a student visa). However, there are exceptions to this rule. For further information visit: www.ukcosa.org.uk. You may be required to supply documentary proof to qualify for the lower Home fee.

6. UK students may be eligible for government funding to cover some of the costs. View our financial assistance page for further information.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

To apply for the Graduate Diploma in Theology, complete our online Admission Form (see menu, left).

If you want some further insight into our Bachelor of Theology programme, the final stage of which the Graduate Diploma in Theology is based upon, please visit our B.Th. page.

To print a copy of this information download the programme leaflet.