Licentiate in Theology

Course Description

This course is aimed at those who lack formal university entrance qualifications, but would still like to undertake a rigorous course in Theology and Biblical Studies.  This programme is not validated by the University of Glasgow.

The main differences between the LTh and the BTh programme are the following:

• Greek and Hebrew are optional

• Only 10 (rather than 12) courses are prescribed

• Candidates are not required to submit a Dissertation.

Intended outcomes: typically, holders of the LTh will be able to:

• engage in competent exposition of the Christian scriptures

• demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of basic Christian beliefs

• show familiarity  with the history of the church

• communicate the Christian faith effectively

• provide basic pastoral care

Transferable skills:

Those who complete the programme should acquire the ability to work to deadlines, 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. 

Licentiate in Theology Entrance Qualifications

Applicants should be mature students (over twenty-one). Every effort is made, consistent with maintaining standards, to make the Licentiate as accessible as possible.  

The normal Entrance Qualification is: 2 Highers (BB) or their equivalent. Alternatively, places may be offered to students who have successfully completed appropriate Access Courses such as the Free Church College part-time courses.  

Applications will also be considered from prospective students lacking the above qualifications, provided they can demonstrate such aptitude for study as indicates ability to cope with the course.

Licentiate in Theology Programme of Studies

The Programme of Studies for the Licentiate will consist of two courses in each of the College's five departments, making ten courses in all (300 credits), as follows:

Old Testament Studies 1 and 2; New Testament Studies 1 and 2

Church History 1 and 2; Practical Theology 1 and 2; Systematic Theology 1 and 2

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

Candidates for the Licentiate in Theology are not required to submit a Dissertation

Read more about the programme of studies...

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.

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 the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (or other grant-awarding body) may not be willing to make awards to students for a four-year course.

Assessment:

A policy of continuous assessment applies to all courses.  A student's performance will be assessed on Course Work (mainly essays) and on Class Examinations.  The relative weighting of Course Work and Examinations varies from department to department.  In no department will Course Work account for less than 40% or more than 50% of the assessment.

Licentiate in Theology Awards

The Licentiate in Theology will be awarded to candidates who secure Grade D or higher in eight out ten courses and a Grade no lower than E in the remaining two.

Licentiate in 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.  However, 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.

Licentiate in Theology Course Fees

For course fees see here.

For more information:

College Secretary - contact@freescotcoll.ac.uk