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Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) Honours Degree in Biblical Hermeneutics and Theology accredited by the University of Wales, Lampeter
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. The British BTh is broadly equivalent to an MDiv. Please see the British Government's NARIC website for official guidance and comparison on how international degrees compare. See Notes for North American Students. AIMS OF THE COURSE 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. Distance education: As with all of our courses, the entire programme is available online through our e-learning (aka blended learning) platform. Students make use of our innovative eCampus that provides a complete study, resource and research facility enabling a complete online learning environment.
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 eCampus, 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) Electives (students choose one of the following) 121 New Testament Greek 1 (20 credits) 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) Electives (the remaining modules can be chosen from the following bringing total to 120 credits) 121 New Testament Greek 1 (20 credits) 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). Electives (students select any three) 302 Theology of the Book of Romans (20 credits)
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. Applicants should note that by 31 July 2010 accreditation of our degrees will transfer from our current collaborative partner (University of Wales, Lampeter) to Chester University, subject to validation, 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).
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:
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. Notes for North American Applicants |