Theological Studies BA (Hons)

Overview

Study Catholic theology in an ecclesial context with our Theology degree. You will cover a range of topics, such as:

• Church history
• systematic theology
• theological anthropology
• ecclesiology
• Mariology.

Our student, Dominic, tells us that this programme “educates the whole person and is a fascinating preparation for life and work in our complicated world”.

After completing our theology course, you can pursue a Bachelor of Sacred Theology (STB) - awarded through Mater Ecclesiae College, the Pontifical Faculty at St Mary's.

Exceptional Rankings

Our theology programme is ranked highest in the country, with a score of 100% in the 2022 National Student Survey (NSS). The Good University Guide (2023) also places us in the top 10 for theology courses.

Build Knowledge and Connection with Two Communities

You will learn with our Mater Ecclesiae College and also Allen Hall in Chelsea. This means you will benefit from the intellectual life and connections at both seminary communities.

Make London Your Classroom

We are only a 30-minute train ride from central London, giving you easy access to the capital’s pivotal religious buildings, organisations, and history. Some places to visit include:

• St Paul’s Cathedral
• Westminster Cathedral
• Tower of London.

Course Content

Modules

These modules are the modules that were available to students in the 2024/25 academic year and are illustrative of what may be offered for 2025/26.

• Year 1
  • Church History
  • Fundamentals of Systematic Theology
  • God in Christ
  • Theological Anthropology
  • Ecclesiology and Mariology
• Year 2
  • Ecumenism and Interfaith
  • Extended Essay
• Year 3
  • Core modules

Teaching Methods

You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.

Teaching and learning methods will provide an appropriate balance among:

• a variety of teaching formats: traditional lectures, seminars, multimedia content (e.g., film clips, voting software), individual and group tutorials
• large and small group work: e.g., class debates, guided reading exercises, quizzes
• tutor-led and independent learning sessions
• e-learning: fullest possible use of Moodle platform for timely uploading of teaching resources, discussion forums, dissemination of resources and audio lecture capture where possible
• exploration of a wide range of materials and sources, ancient and modern.

Assessment Methods

The variety of assessment methods used on the course seeks to balance traditional learning and more contemporary approaches. There is a particular emphasis on oral means of assessment, in respect of the centrality of oral communication for vocational ministry in the Church.

Feedback

We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.

Entry Requirements

2025 and 2026 Entries

• Start date: September 2026
• Standard offer: 120 UCAS points
• Contextual offer: 96 UCAS points

International Requirements

International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any section. (or equivalent).

UCAS Personal Statement Support

Create your UCAS personal statement through our online builder and we'll email you a copy of your completed version at the end.

Further Information

For more information about entry requirements please get in touch.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

• Home: £9,535
• International: £17,100

Additional Costs

Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme.

Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.

Scholarships

Find out more about our range of scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.

Living Costs

A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.

Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.

Career Opportunities

With our Theology degree, you will develop essential transferrable skills, including communication, leadership, and resilience.

You can also contact our Career Services at for further information on work and postgraduate opportunities.

Previous Students Have Secured Employment As:

• priests
• teachers
• pastoral care workers
• journalists
• civil servants

Useful Links

• Academic Term Dates
• Admissions Policy
• Programme Specification
• Academic Regulations
• Terms and Conditions of Acceptance
• Programme availability and Course Information Disclaimer

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St Mary's University - Theological Studies BA (Hons)

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Degree Overview:

• Ranked first in the country according to the National Student Survey (2022) and listed in the top 10 for theology courses by The Good University Guide (2023).
• Covers a range of topics: Church history, systematic theology, theological anthropology, ecclesiology, and Mariology.
• Leads to: Bachelor of Sacred Theology (STB) upon completion, awarded through Mater Ecclesiae College.

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Outline:

• Module-based structure: Modules may vary year to year.
• Modules in 2023/24 academic year:
• Year 1:
• Church History
• Fundamentals of Systematic Theology
• Year 2:
• Core God in Christ
• Core Theological Anthropology
• Core Ecclesiology and Mariology
• Ecumenism and Interfaith

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Assessment:

• Variety of assessment methods: Traditional formats like essays and exams, as well as more contemporary approaches like presentations and projects.
• Emphasis on oral communication: Reflecting its importance in vocational ministry within the Church.
• **Feedback provided within 15 working days.

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Teaching:

• **Traditional lectures and seminars.

• Multimedia content: film clips, voting software.
• **Individual and group tutorials.

• Large and small group work: class debates, guided readings, quizzes.
• E-learning: Moodle platform for resources, discussion forums, and lecture recordings.
• Exploration of diverse materials and sources: ancient and modern.

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Careers:

• Develops transferable skills: communication, leadership, resilience.
• Potential career paths:
• Priests
• Teachers
• Pastoral care workers
• Journalists
• Civil servants

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Other:

• Located near central London: Easy access to religious sites and historical landmarks.
• Program available at two seminary communities: Mater Ecclesiae College and Allen Hall.
• Contact time vs. independent study: 77% vs. 23%.
• Student support available: Extensive system in place.
• **Living costs guide available.

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• Home: £9,250
• International: £16,320
• Please note: these fees are annual and may increase in line with inflation each year subject to the Government's review of Higher Education Funding.

St Mary's University Twickenham London

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Overview:

St Mary's University Twickenham London is a university located in London, known for its strong student experience and high teaching quality. It consistently ranks highly in national university guides for student experience, teaching quality, and location.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

St Mary's University is celebrated for its student experience. The university offers a vibrant campus life and opportunities to enhance career prospects.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Top Teaching Quality:

Ranked in the top 5 for teaching quality in the UK (The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024).

Exceptional Student Experience:

Ranked in the top 10 for student experience in the UK (The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024).

Safe Location:

Ranked among the safest universities in England and Wales (Complete University Guide, 2023).

High Employability:

98% of graduates are in employment, vocation, or further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA, 2023).

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Other:

St Mary's University is currently accepting applications through Clearing.