Bachelor of Theology

Bachelor of Theology Course Description

This is a degree programme validated by the University of Glasgow.  It is designed to provide vocational training for those preparing for the pastoral ministry and other forms of full-time Christian service (including teaching Religion in schools).  It also provides a good foundation for post-graduate theological study and a career in theological education. 

Typically, holders of the degree will be able to:

• engage in competent exegesis and exposition of the Christian scriptures

• demonstrate a professional knowledge of Christian belief and of the history of Christian thought

• evaluate differing theological and religious positions

• identify and analyse issues and problems in current biblical, theological and religious scholarship

• articulate and defend personal theological beliefs

• communicate the Christian faith effectively

• provide basic pastoral care

Transferable skills

Those who complete the programme should acquire the ability to be self-motivating, to work under pressure, to assume responsibility as members of a team and to function harmoniously alongside their peers.  They will also gain experience in the use of word-processors and information-technology and in research, writing, presentations and public speaking. 

Duration

The course may be taken over a minimum of three years. Any student may opt for a four-year course, but applicants should note that graduate candidates for the ministry of the Free Church of Scotland require the permission of the Training of the Ministry Committee to extend their courses; and that the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (or other grant-awarding body) may not be willing to make awards to graduates for a further four-year course.

Bachelor of Theology Entrance Qualifications

For admission to the BTh programme applicants will require normal university entrance qualifications. For example

·        3 (Scottish) Highers if you have 2 in the A-band and 1 in the B-band

·        4 Highers if all of them are in the B-band

·        4 Highers if you have one A, one C and two Bs.

Mature students (over 21) will have to demonstrate such aptitude for study as indicates ability to complete the course.  The Senate will take into account not only conventional academic qualifications,  but also vocational or professional experience, completion of appropriate access courses and possession of the College’s own Certificate in Theology or Diploma in Christian Studies.

Foreign Language Students

Candidates for whom English is not their first language are required to secure a TOEFL mark of 580 or its equivalent (IELTS 6.5, EPTB 44).

Bachelor of Theology Course Catalogue

The Programme of Studies for the BTh degree will be: one course in both Elementary Greek and Elementary Hebrew; two further courses in both Old Testament and New Testament; and two courses in Church History, in Systematic Theology and in Practical Theology.

Each course consists of two consecutive semester-long modules (each semester is of fifteen weeks duration).

Candidates will also be required to submit a 10,000-word dissertation in one of these departments.

The full Bachelor of Theology Course Catalogue can be downloaded here.

Free Church Ministry Module

This is an additional part of the programme for Candidates for the ministry of the Free Church of Scotland.  Details may be found here.

Bachelor of Theology Application Form

You can apply in either of two ways.

• Download and print the form below and return the completed form by post to the College - contact details here.

• Or, you can download the form, save it to your computer, then send the completed form as an email attachment to the College - contact details here.

If you do not have the software to read Adobe Acrobat files you may download the free software by clicking here - . If you have any difficulty in downloading a form, please e-mail contact@freescotcoll.ac.uk to request one.

Candidates for the ministry of the Free Church of Scotland

Candidates for the ministry of the Free Church of Scotland are admitted to the College in accordance with regulations laid down by the General Assembly.  The initial approach towards recognition should be made through the applicant's own Kirk Session, who will give advice on how to proceed.  The usual procedure involves interviews by the Kirk Session, the Presbytery and the Training of the Ministry Committee.

Free Church candidates are normally required to follow the BTh programme.  In normal circumstances they cannot begin this course till they have obtained a first degree, but there are special regulations for more mature students.  Details of these may be obtained from the Clerk to the Training of the Ministry Committee, Free Church of Scotland, The Mound, Edinburgh, EH1 2LS.

Bachelor of Theology Course Fees

For course fees see here.

For more information:

College Secretary - contact@freescotcoll.ac.uk