The following modules can be taken individually as stand-alone courses or as part of our wider certificate / diploma / degree level programmes. 

Module 101: Introduction to the Bible

Focuses on providing students with a sound knowledge and understanding of the various theological issues surrounding the nature, formation and transmission of the Bible text. Topics include revelation, the Bible as revelation (explored from various perspectives), inspiration, formation of the text, the canon of Scripture, authorial intent, transmission of the text and Bible transmission issues.

Module 102: Old Testament Survey

The focus of this module is to introduce the student to the Old Testament, exploring key themes and general background information. Aspects of the module include the following:

1. Introduction to the Pentateuch
2. The Patriarchal Narratives, Myth and Archaeology
3. From Slavery to Tribal Confederacy: History and Religion of Israel
From Exodus to the Book of Ruth
4. Kings and Prophets: The Monarchy, Division and Northern Exile
5. Darkening Days in the South: Isaiah and His Contemporaries Prophesy
6. Jeremiah, Lamentations and the Causes of the Exile
7. The Priestly Prophet and the Fall of Babylon
8. Chronicles to Esther: Persia, Cyrus’ Decree and the Return of the
Exiles
9. The Lives and Message of the Post-Exilic Prophets
10. Wisdom Literature, Hebrew Poetry and the Rise of Apocalyptic

 
Module 103: New Testament Survey

This module aims to introduce the student to the world of the New Testament, investigating the social and political background behind the Gospels and the Epistles. The following themes are explored:

1. From Persian to Roman Rule: Politics, Society and Religion in the First
Century
2. Jesus’ Life and Message as Portrayed in the Gospels
3. Jesus and the Religious Authorities
4. Luke-Acts: Historical or Theological?
5. The Church is Born and Expands
6. Peter, James and the Jewish Church
7. Paul, Missions and the Gentile Believers
8. Persecution of the Early Church
9. Introduction to Paul’s Epistles
10. Hebrews and the Catholic Epistles
11. The Jewish Revolt and Events Surrounding the Apocalypse

Module 104: The Synoptic Gospels

This module is a theological and exegetical study of the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) so called because they exhibit key similarities.  The module surveys the interrelationships between the Gospels and the purpose of the writers.  The syllabus contents include:
1. Nature of the Synoptic Problem
2. A Survey of Proposed Solutions
3. Source and Form Criticism
4. The Evangelists as Redactors?
5. Synoptic Comparison: How Does it Aid the Exegete?
6. Theological Purpose of Matthew
7. Theological Purpose of Luke
8. Mark’s Gospel: Historical or Theological?
9. How the Evangelists Respectively Employ Common Material
10. The Evangelists’ Use of Peculiar Material

Module 121: Beginners’ New Testament Greek

This is an introduction to Biblical Greek, assuming no previous study in the language.  The basics of Greek grammar are covered with practical exercises in translation and interpretation. The teaching is provided by recorded lectures and module workbook. Please see our separate page on the New Testament Greek course.

Module 129: Lands of the Bible

The aims of this module are as follows:

1. To explore the Holy Land, permitting students to acquire a thorough knowledge and understanding of its geography and topography.
2. To use this knowledge and understanding to enhance students’ interpretation of the Bible.
3. To introduce students to the subject of Middle East archaeology and demonstrate how it aids the exegete.
4. To enhance knowledge and understanding of the ancient history, politics and culture of the Holy Land.5. To gain some insight into aspects of modern society, culture and religion of the Holy Land.

This module is delivered primarily through a field trip to Israel. However, it may also be taken as a distance-learning option via a study pack containing various media, including maps, photographs, video footage, webpages, and notes. There is also a comprehensive reading list.

Module 131: Biblical Exegesis: Theory and Methodology

This module lays the foundations of effective hermeneutics concentrating on the method and theory of Biblical exegesis. 
The following elements are included in the course:
1. Defining Hermeneutics and Exegesis; the Expectations of the Exegete
2. Arriving at the best possible meaning of the biblical texts
4. Jewish Hermeneutics
5. Jesus and Paul
6. The fourfold sense of Scripture?
7. Reformation, the Enlightenment and Scripture
8. Historical Criticism and Its Methodologies
9. The Importance of Authorial Intention?
10. Theories of Textual Autonomy
11. Modern Theories and the Reader’s Contribution

Module 132: Exegesis in Practice

This module aims to deepen and enrich the understanding and practice of exegesis by dealing with practical exegetical techniques relating to the following aspects of biblical interpretation:
1. Old Testament Narrative
2. The Law Then and Now
3. The Psalms: Purely Devotional?
4. Wisdom in Light of its Cultural Setting
5. Guidelines on Prophecy
6. Apocalyptic: How Cryptic is it?
7. Use and Abuse of the Parables
8. Acts: A Vehicle for Doctrine?
9. The Epistles and Their Context
10. Typology