It is possible to study specific modules at undergraduate level and receive formal certification from our validating university (University of Chester) without having to enrol and complete the full Bachelor of Theology programme.

Anyone taking modules this way is enrolled with KEDS as an Associate Student. Associate Student status is ideal for anyone interested in exploring particular subjects in greater depth, for example out of personal theological interest, for further training, or in preparation for further studies at a higher level.

Regulations and How To Enrol

Complete the online application and pay the application fee in the normal manner, making sure you select the Associate Student option from the course options.. In the section asking your reasons for wanting to take a particular course you should also indicate which module(s) you intend to study during the current acadamic year. Details of individual module aims and content are available on the BTh page.

Tuititon fees are the same as for the BTh. Associate Students pay for each module in advance and fees are non-refundable.

Entrance qualifications and criteria are the same as for the BTh. After enrollment you simply work through your studies in the normal manner. If, at some stage in the future, you decide to upgrade to full BTh status any modules already completed are added to your transcript.

Associate Student status permits completion of a maximum of 60 credits per academic year (anyone wanting to complete more will be required to apply for the full BTh programme). Associate Student status is only permitted over two consecutive school years, after which you will need to enrol on the BTh programme.

Each module must be completed within six months of commencement. Entry to final level modules of the BTh are decided on a case-by-case basis, but usually will only be permitted where an Associate Student has completed studies at Certificate and/or Diploma level, whether at KEDS or elsewhere.

For more information view the BTh  course specification (University of Chester website). For content of individual modules scroll down that document and click on the module codes hyperlinks.

The Knowing Your Bible programme, leading to KEDS' own Certificate and Advanced Certificate in Biblical Studies, is a flexible, online programme designed to provide an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Bible and its interpretation.

It is suitable for anyone seeking detailed and structured Bible study without having to commit to the amount or level of work associated with a degree-level programme. It is also ideal for those interested in exploring whether or not to pursue biblical and theological studies before committing to a full degree.

Key Features

• Structured course with a strong focus on biblical knowledge and interpretation
• Emphasis on developing Bible knowledge and study skills without the time commitment of a full degree
• Focus on both biblical interpretation and application
• Flexible, online programme at each student's own pace
• Includes many reading resources - students do not need to budget for various book purchases
• Low cost programme to help ensure maximum accesibility

Structure

Students take eight Knowing Your Bible modules to complete the Certificate. Upon completion of these modules students also have the option to complete two further modules from the KEDS BTh programme, leading to the Advanced Certificate in Biblical Studies. These last two modules can be put towards the full BTh degree for those interested in pursuing further theological studies at an advanced level.

The eight Knowing Your Bible modules are as follows:

KYB1 Introduction to the Bible
KYB2 Old Testament Survey
KYB3 World and Theology of the New Testament
KYB4 Survey of Biblical Interpretation
KYB5 Biblical Interpretation and Genre
KYB6 Major Doctrines of Christianity
KYB7 Biblical Prophecy
KYB8 Bible Polemics

For more details about the course and module content see the KYB specification.

Fees

All applicants pay a fee of 35 GBP when submitting an application. Thereafter, the 2020-21 fee for the first Knowing Your Bible (KYB1) module is 45 GBP. Subsequent modules (KYB2-KYB8) are 35 GBP each. For couples or small groups enroling together there is a further reduction of 5 GBP per module per person.

Anyone choosing to progress to the Advanced Certificate pay additional fees for those two modules (these are the same fee as BTh modules).

FAQs

For further details about the Knowing Your Bible programme visit our FAQs pages.

The KEDS Graduate Diploma provides graduates holding a degree in a subject other than theology the opportunity to earn an internationally recognised undergraduate qualification in the subject.

The award demonstrates advanced knowledge, understanding and skills in theology, providing formal certification for the following example scenarios:

• Non-Theology graduates seeking formal certification to study the subject at postgraduate level
• Ordinands and Christian workers requiring formal evidence of studies in Theology
• Christians in lay positions seeking formal evidence of theological study
• Qualified schoolteachers requiring Religious Studies certification to expand a teaching portfolio
• Individuals with Theology qualifications seeking to update their knowledge in the field
• Individuals who seek formal British undergraduate certificate in Theology for whatever reason
• Anyone with a degree who wants to study Theology for personal reasons

If you plan to take the course to secure specific employment or enrol on a particular postgraduate programme you should first ascertain that it meets that institution's requirements.

Programme Structure

Students take six modules from those available at the final stage of King's B.Th. programme. The Graduate Diploma is studied online and can be completed full-time over one year or part-time over two, three or four years.

For detailed aims, structure and content select the Graduate Diploma specification (links to the University of Chester website). To access content of individual modules scroll further down that document and click on them underlined module codes.

The MA in theology offers advanced specialisation in both biblical studies and theology (including Evangelical theology). Typical of British postgraduate theology degrees there is a strong emphasis on independent research, including a substantial thesis element permitting an extended area of independent research and writing in the subject of students’ own choosing.

The degree is designed to appeal to a wide range of students, including those holding undergraduate qualifications in religion, divinity or theology, and clergy or other professionals seeking to extend their theological study. The MA is also a suitable qualification for those seeking to pursue research at doctoral level.

Course Aims and Focus

The MA provides an opportunity for specialisation in biblical studies and broader theological issues, with a range of electives on offer via an online course culminating in certification with a British university.

For Evangelicals there is also the opportunity to focus upon a detailed and scholarly examination of the history, thought and current trends of the modern Evangelical movement, allowing for both a greater appreciation of and critical engagement with the various expressions and components of their tradition.

The course is also relevant to observers and commentators of Evangelicalism who do not belong to the movement.

The MA also contributes to existing Christian ministry. Subject specific skills include advanced hermeneutical tools and the critical evaluative skills to engage with and critique modern society and its challenges from a Christian perspective.

Structure and Time Limits

The MA can be completed over one year full-time and up to six years part-time. Prospective students may commence the course any time of the year. The entire MA is completed online and there are no residential or attendance requirements. 

The degree consists of six taught modules (two-thirds of the MA) and a dissertation (one-third). There are also Postgraduate Certificate Diploma early exit awards.

For detailed aims, structure and content view the MA programme specification specification on the Chester website. For detailed content of individual modules scroll down and click on the module code hyperlinks.

Entrance Requirements

Ordinarily a good degree in either theology, religious studies, divinity (e.g. BTh, BA, BD, BMin) or a degree in a related area of theology and religion. However, we may also accept motivated students with undergraduate degrees in other disciplines and/or ministry experience. Each case is assessed on an individual basis.

View our FAQs or contact the Director of Operations Dr Andy Cheung for questions relating to entrance requirements.