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Undergraduate Studies (BTh) PDF Print E-mail

Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) Honours Degree in Biblical Hermeneutics and Theology accredited by the University of Wales, Lampeter


INTRODUCTION

For those  seeking a thorough knowledge and understanding  of the Bible and its interpretation, strong analytical and evaluative skills in Theology, and formal certification with a British university, King's Evangelical Divinity School (formerly Midlands Bible College and Divinity School) is pleased to offer the Bachelor of Theology (BTh) (Honours) in Biblical Hermeneutics and Theology.*

The course takes a modular approach which means that the entire degree is split into individual teaching units, each covering a different subject. Modules are worth either 10 or 20 credits and a total of 120 credits is required for each level of the degree. (It is also possible to study the individual modules separately as stand-alone courses.)

*North American applicants: The nature and scope of a U.K. University degree in Theology is such that it focuses on similar subject matter and develops skills more commonly associated with a U.S. seminary programme. See Notes for North American Students.

AIMS OF THE COURSE
 
Whatever your reason for wanting to study the Bible and Theology, whether to make you more effective in existing Christian ministry, to equip you 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, this programme will provide you with the knowledge, understanding, skills and tools you require.

 

 

This programme equips students to approach the Bible objectively and interpret the text responsibly. You will also learn about the unity and interdependence of the Bible (permitting in-depth doctrinal studies), how to apply the Bible (both in your personal life and within a ministry context), and how to express what you have learned, enabling you to discuss theological and doctrinal issues with confidence, preach and exhort as God gives you opportunity, and refute error.


STRUCTURE AND NATURE OF THE PROGRAMME

The programme consists of three stages. For the Certificate stage, most modules consists of audio lectures and set reading assignments. Assessment is by means of a 2000-word assignment per module. There are no examinations. Diploma and Bachelor modules consist of recorded lectures, wider reading, and longer written assignments. The Certificate (CertHE) and Diploma (DipHE) stages of the degree are early exit awards for those who do not complete the full Bachelor of Theology programme.

Each module is available in electronic format. Our open learning courseware packs (among the first by a UK theological institution) ensure the delivery of a high quality, exciting and rewarding distance-learning experience. Each module can be accessed remotely online and consists of MP3 recorded lectures and study notes, while our innovative Virtual Campus 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 Virtual Campus, and access to fellow students through the various student forums. Our aim is to ensure your distance-learning experience is as productive and enjoyable as possible.

Level 1:  Certificate in Higher Education in Biblical Hermeneutics (CertHE)

The Certificate consists of ten core modules and a double elective module (total 120 credits).

Core Modules

101 Introduction to the Bible (10 credits)
102 Old Testament Survey (10 credits)
103 New Testament-Survey (10 credits)
104 The Synoptic Gospels (10 credits)
131 Biblical Exegesis: Theory and Methodology (10 credits)
132 Exegesis in Practice (10 credits)
133 History of Hermeneutics (10 credits)
141 Hermeneutics and Theology (10 credits)
142 Exegesis and Bible Polemics (10 credits)
143 Exegesis and the Preacher (10 credits)

Electives (students choose one of the following)

121 New Testament Greek 1 (20 credits)
122 New Testament Greek 2 (20 credits)
127 Introduction to Biblical Hebrew (20 credits)
129 Lands of the Bible (may also be taken as a study trip to Israel) (20 credits)


Level 2:  Diploma in Higher Education in Biblical Hermeneutics (DipHE) 

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

Core Modules (students choose at least three of the following Bible book studies, total 60-80 credits)

201 Book of Deuteronomy (20 credits)
202 Interpreting 1 and 2 Samuel (20 credits)
203 Letter to the Hebrews (20 credits)
232 Applying 1 Corinthians in Church Ministry Today (20 credits)

Electives (the remaining modules can be chosen from the following bringing total to 120 credits)

121 New Testament Greek 1 (20 credits)
122 New Testament Greek 2 (20 credits)
127 Introduction to Biblical Hebrew (20 credits)
225 The Church and Israel (20 credits)
229 Lands of the Bible (may also be taken as a study trip to Israel) (20 credits). Also offered at Level 1 with differentiated assessment.
231 Case Studies in Hermeneutics (20 credits)
299 Independent Research Module (20 credits)


Level 3:  Bachelor of Theology (Hons) (B.Th.)

The Bachelor stage consists of six modules of 20 credits each (total 120 credits). Students must complete three core modules and three electives.

Core Modules

301 Biblical Theology (20 credits).
332 The Bible, Culture and Historical Theology (20 credits)
399 Dissertation (20 credits)

Electives (students select any three)

302 Theology of the Book of Romans (20 credits)
331 Liberation Theologies and their Use of the Bible (20 credits)
341 Christian Ethics and the Bible (20 credits)
342 Evangelicals, the Bible and the Public Square (20 credits)
321 Greek Texts (20 credits)
327 Hebrew Texts (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 Christianity. The aim is to equip you to study the Bible both properly and correctly 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 course is offered by distance learning, there are opportunities to attend some lectures and seminars if you wish (allowing you to meet staff and other students), you may accelerate or slow down your studies from term to term, or even take a break if required. You may study for individual modules, or an entire year's worth of Cert HE or Dip HE studies, or the full undergraduate bachelor's degree. The flexibility of this course means that it is possible to enrol at any time.

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 with this programme there is the opportunity to study at a distance from home.

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.

Applicants should note that by 31 July 2010 accreditation of our degrees will transfer from our current collaborative partner (University of Wales, Lampeter) to another British accrediting university and your final degree will be awarded by that institution.

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. All teaching is conducted through our eCampus or Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).


COSTS (2009-10 academic year) 

For a fully accredited degree course, this programme offers excellent value compared with similar courses elsewhere, particularly taught courses which usually attract high accommodation and living costs. Our fees are especially low compared with fully-accredited programmes in North America. The fee indicated below represents the total cost of the full B.Th. programme based on the current 2009-10 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 subsidiary fees payable (eg registration fees, Internet fee, validation fees payable to the accreditating university etc). This programme is available for immediate enrolment.

Total fees in British Pounds (GBP) for the three year Bachelor of Theology degree based on the 2009-10 academic year are as follows:


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

4900 GBP (approx. 1633
GBP per year for full-time students)

The above fee consists of an initial payment of 175 GBP for the first ten-credit module, followed by 135 GBP per 10-credit module thereafter (120 credits per year for a total 360 credits for the B.Th.).

International students:

5890 GBP
(approx. 1963 GBP per year for full-time students)

The above fee consists of an initial payment of 195 GBP for the first ten-credit module, followed by 163 GBP per 10-credit module thereafter (
120 credits per year for a total 360 credits for the BTh.).


Notes

1. Fees indicated are fully inclusive. The above fee is the amount you pay (excluding books or travel costs). The cost is the total, complete fee  for the full undergraduate degree based on the current 2009-10 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 (but which is deducted from the first module fee if accepted onto the programme), there are no supplementary fees, unlike some other institutions which might add various supplementary fees. When comparing costs with other institutions make sure you have included all their supplementary fees.

2. Fees are payable a module in advance, that is, you pay for the module(s) you are working on.  The first module fee becomes payable when you commence your studies. 

3. Please note that once paid, all module fees are non-refundable.

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 2009-10 academic year. Any increase in 2010-11 will be reflected in the new rates which take effect from 1 September 2010.

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 and without being in education. 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 page for further information.

7. Part time students pay 50% of the full time fees per year, although the total cost for the full degree is the same as full time students.


FURTHER INFORMATION

Notes for North American Applicants
Frequently-asked questions
What our students say about studying with KEDS
Powerpoint presentation explaining course delivery
Download time typically less than a minute. If you don't have Powerpoint download the free viewer. 
Further Information and Content of Certificate Modules
Further Information and Content of Diploma Modules
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Academic versus Dogmatic Theology:  Make The Right Choice
Application Procedure and Admission Forms