Program Overview

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Theological Studies

Theological Studies aim to enhance connections between theological study, professional practice, and practice-based learning. The program consists of three courses: Undergraduate Certificate in Theological Studies, Undergraduate Diploma in Theological Studies, and Bachelor of Theology (BTh).

Course Overview

These courses constitute a coherent programme of studies, allowing students to progress from the Certificate to the Diploma or BTh. The Undergraduate Certificate provides an introduction to theology, Christian ministry, and religious studies. The BTh allows for in-depth study of these disciplines.

Undergraduate Certificate in Theological Studies

The Certificate introduces students to the study of theology as a subject discipline, covering biblical studies, historical and systematic theology, and practical theology. Students take six papers from a range of introductory options, including:

• Introduction to the Old Testament
• Introduction to the New Testament
• The History of the Church
• Introduction to Christian Doctrine
• Spirituality, Ministry and Worship
• Contemporary Mission and Culture
• Relationships between Christian Faith and Philosophy and Science
• Elementary Biblical Hebrew or Greek

Assessment is by essay, project, or written examination. The course aims to equip students for further study in theology, including possible progression to the BTh or Diploma.

Undergraduate Diploma in Theological Studies

The Diploma builds on the introductory level knowledge and skills acquired in the Certificate. Students develop a broader knowledge and understanding of the beliefs, practices, texts, and history of the Christian tradition, as well as other world religions. Diploma students take a further six papers, including at least one biblical paper, one history/doctrine paper, and one practical theology/religious studies paper.

Bachelor of Theology (BTh)

The BTh builds on the introductory knowledge and skills acquired in the Certificate. Students develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the beliefs, practices, texts, and history of the Christian tradition, as well as other world religions. BTh students take a further twelve papers, including at least one biblical paper, one history/doctrine paper, and one practical theology/religious studies paper. Students also undertake a piece of individual research culminating in a dissertation or project.

How You Will Study

The courses are taught by two of the permanent private halls of the University of Oxford, in conjunction with the Department for Continuing Education. Teaching includes:

• 20 contact hours for each paper
• Shared teaching across all students
• Small group tutorials
• Private study, with around 200 hours of private study for each paper

Assessment varies between papers, including essays, projects, portfolios, and written examinations.

Who Are These Courses For?

These courses are designed for individuals pursuing different vocations, with an indication of vocational experience in the field of Christian ministry. Students must demonstrate skills in critical analysis, wide contextual knowledge, and the ability to manage their own time.

Admission Requirements

For admission to the Certificate, students normally need:

• Five GCSE passes at grades A-C, including English Language
• Two passes at A-level (A2 level)

For direct admission to the BTh, students should normally have:

• A good first degree (or equivalent) in a different subject
• Three good A-levels (A2 level)

Exemptions from these requirements will be considered for mature applicants or those otherwise qualified.

Fees and Funding

Fees are:

• ｣4,767/｣9,535 (Home, Islands, and Republic of Ireland students, part-time/full-time)
• ｣17,630/｣35,260 (Overseas students, part-time/full-time)

Fees are collected via the college, and students are required to pay in full no later than one week after the start of the course.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must meet the University's English language requirements, with scores including:

• IELTS Academic: overall score of 7.5 (with at least 7.0 in each component)
• TOEFL iBT: overall score of 110 (with component scores of at least 22, 24, 25, and 24)
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): overall score of at least 191 (with a minimum of 185 per component)
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): overall score of at least 191 (with a minimum of 185 per component)

Exemptions from this requirement will be considered for applicants who have studied the International Baccalaureate programme, the Singapore Integrated Programme (SIPCAL), or been educated full-time in the medium of the English language.

Visa Requirements

If a student visa is required, the University will vouch for English language ability on the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), provided the student has achieved the University's required results in one of the accepted English language tests.

Credit

The syllabus and teaching of the Certificate are aimed at first-year undergraduate level, and students will be awarded 120 Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) points at FHEQ Level 4 on successful completion of the Certificate. The BTh does not carry CATS points.