Bachelor of Theology (Honours)

validated by the University of Chester

For those seeking a detailed knowledge and understanding of the Bible and its interpretation, the opportunity to develop strong analytical and evaluative skills in Theology, flexible learning with a focus on research and writing, the chance to explore a range of theological issues within an Evangelical environment, and formal certification with a British university, King's Evangelical Divinity School is pleased to offer the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) Honours degree, validated by the University of Chester.

Whatever your reason for wanting to study the Bible and Theology, whether to enhance existing Christian ministry, to equip for future full or part-time ministry, to permit you to become a more active and effective Christian in your local church, or simply because you desire a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Bible and Theology, this programme provides the knowledge, understanding, skills and tools you require. 

The entire B.Th. programme is available online through King's innovative e-learning platform. Our open learning courseware ensure the delivery of a high quality and rewarding distance-learning experience. Each module can be accessed remotely online and consists of MP3 recorded lectures and study notes, while our eCampus provides students with an interactive, resource-laden and exciting learning experience. Students have regular and free access to tutors by telephone and e-mail, support via the eCampus, and access to fellow students through the online forum. Our aim is to ensure your online learning experience is as productive, interactive and enjoyable as possible.

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.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

The B.Th. programme consists of three levels, or stages. Level 4 (the Certificate stage of the B.Th. degree) consists of a range of shorter modules, while Levels 5 and 6 are composed of longer modules with a stronger emphasis on wider reading, research and extended writing. There are no examinations. Levels 4 and 5 focus strongly on Biblical Hermeneutics, while the final stage of the degree explores a range of theological areas and issues. The Certificate (CertHE) and Diploma (DipHE) stages of the degree are early exit awards for those who do not complete the full B.Th. programme.

View our complete BTh specification.

Level 4:  Certificate in Higher Education in Biblical Hermeneutics (CertHE)

The Certificate consists of eight core modules and two elective doubles modules (total 120 credits).

Core Modules

TH4601 Introduction to the Bible (10 credits)
TH4602 Old Testament Survey (10 credits)
TH4603 New Testament-Survey (10 credits)
TH4604 The Synoptic Gospels (10 credits)
TH4605 Biblical Exegesis: Theory and Methodology (10 credits)
TH4606 Exegesis in Practice (10 credits)
TH4607 History of Hermeneutics (10 credits)
TH4608 Hermeneutics and Theology (10 credits)

Electives (students choose any two from the following list of double modules)

TH4609 Exegesis and Bible Polemics (20 credits)
TH4610 Exegesis and the Preacher (20 credits)
TH4611 Introduction to New Testament Greek 1 (20 credits)
TH4612 Introduction to New Testament Greek 2 (20 credits)
TH4613 Introduction to Biblical Hebrew 1 (20 credits)
TH4615 Lands of the Bible (study trip to Israel) (20 credits)
TH4616 Theology of Worship (20 credits)

Level 5:  Diploma in Higher Education in Biblical Hermeneutics (DipHE) 

The Diploma stage consists of six 20-credit modules (total 120 credits).

Initial Modules (students complete any two, or more if they wish, of the following modules)

TH5601Book of Deuteronomy (20 credits)
TH5602 Interpreting 1 and 2 Samuel (20 credits)
TH5603 Letter to the Hebrews (20 credits)
TH5604 Applying 1 Corinthians in Church Ministry Today (20 credits)

Core module (required for all students)

TH5620 Experiential learning (20 credits)

Electives (students select further modules from the following list to reach a total of 120 credits)

TH5605 The Church and Israel (20 credits)
TH5606 Case Studies in Hermeneutics (20 credits)
TH5611 Introduction to New Testament Greek 1 (20 credits)
TH5612 Introduction to New Testament Greek 2 (20 credits)
TH5613 Introduction to Biblical Hebrew 1 (20 credits)
TH5615 Lands of the Bible (study trip to Israel) (20 credits). 

Level 6:  Bachelor of Theology (Hons) (B.Th.)

At level 6, students complete three core modules and two electives to attain 120 credits for the Bachelor of Theology (BTh)

Core Modules (required)

TH6601 Biblical Theology (20 credits).
TH6602 The Bible, Culture and Historical Theology (20 credits)
TH6620 Dissertation (40 credits)

Electives (students select any two)

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)

WHY THIS PARTICULAR COURSE?

First, the emphasis and content of this course is quite unique. It focuses on exegesis and hermeneutics (Biblical interpretation and application) and related subjects in Christian Theology, all delivered within an Evangelical environment. The aim is to equip you to study the Bible for yourself, so that you are in a position to determine what it says and means.

Second, this is a very flexible course. In today's busy age, time is a precious commodity. Moreover, church, ministry, family and work commitments demand flexibility. This distance education course has been designed with this in mind. For example, while the B.Th. is offered by distance learning there are opportunities to attend some lectures and seminars if you wish. You may accelerate or slow down your studies from term to term, or even take a break if required. Meanwhile, the flexibility of the B.Th. programme allows students to enrol any time, so there is no need to wait for the beginning of a new academic year to commence your studies

Also, this is a programme you may complete from home. It may be unrealistic to leave home and attend a full-time residential Bible college for several years. In fact, this is usually impossible for those already in ministry or who have a family. Yet the B.Th. offers the opportunity to study from home, saving on the additional housing and maintenance costs typically associated with attending a taught programme.

For those who have already completed some theological studies elsewhere advanced standard (credit exemptions) may be available. See the Accreditation of Prior Learning page for further information.

Finally, our experience in offering distance-learning programmes, together with the high quality of our courseware packs and student support will help to ensure this is a valuable learning experience. 

FEES (2011-12 academic year) 

For a fully accredited degree course, this programme offers excellent value compared with similar courses elsewhere, particularly taught courses in the UK, which range from 3,000-9,000 GBP per year (British degrees typically consist of three years' full-time study), as well as attracting accommodation and maintenance costs. The fee indicated below represents the total indicative cost of the full B.Th. programme, not the cost per year, based on the current 2011-12 academic year fees, regardless of whether the degree is taken full-time or part-time. For comparison purposes with other colleges be sure to add up the various tuition and additional fees they charge over life of the Theology course then compare it with the figure below.

The total cost in British Pounds (GBP) for King's three-year Bachelor of Theology degree at King's, based on the 2011-12 academic fees, is as follows:

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

5,865 GBP (equivalent to 1,955 GBP per year if studied full-time over three years)

New students pay an initial fee of 195 GBP for the first ten-credit module, followed by 162 GBP per 10-credits thereafter (total 360 credits for the B.Th.).

International students:

6,480 GBP (equivalent to 2,160 GBP per year if studied full-time over three years)

New students pay an initial fee of 215 GBP for the first ten-credit module, followed by 179 GBP per 10-credits thereafter (total 360 credits for the BTh.).


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 undergraduate degree based on the current 2011-12 rates regardless of whether taken full-time or part-time. 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.

7. Part-time and full-time students pay the same overall fee for the B.Th. programme, the difference being that part-time students are able to spread the cost of their studies over a longer period. The B.Th. degree must be completed within six years of registration (though a seventh year is available in special circumstances).


FURTHER INFORMATION

Guidance Notes for North American Applicants
Frequently-asked questions
What our students say about studying with KEDS
Is Bible College for you? The practical benefits of a theological education 
Academic versus Dogmatic Theology:  Make The Right Choice
Application Procedure and Admission Forms