Course summary
Theology and Music is a combined and integrated programme designed for musically gifted students with training in performance, music theory, and aural skills. It provides the opportunity to develop those skills and knowledge to a very high level, whilst equipping students theologically. The Theology and Music programme is unique in Europe. As well as core theological studies, it offers a wide range of practical and theoretical music modules. Key to the programme is the intentional integration of theology and music, allowing them to inform and converse with each other (in contrast to a traditional combined degree where disciplines are studied separately). Students are offered a broad and wide-ranging curriculum, encompassing performance, historical studies, analytical work, composition, and arranging. The programme, offered at Certificate, Diploma and Degree levels, is specifically targeted at musically gifted students with significant training in performance, music theory, and aural skills. Applicants will usually have come through a formal music education route, perhaps having taken A-level music or with equivalent experience. Mature students with previous musical training are also very welcome to apply, and we especially encourage applications from orchestral, vocal, and keyboard musicians. The programme is not restricted to classical musicians, and jazz/world musicians with the requisite skills and knowledge may certainly apply. The Theology and Music programme allows students to hone and advance their musical skills to an advanced, often professional level within the context of theological education and a pastoral Christian environment. Students are equipped for a wide range of careers, as musicians and composers in the Church, or more generally as performers, composers, teachers, educators, and music directors. A range of stimulating module options caters for individual skills and interests. Faculty members include leading practitioners and thinkers in music, theology, and related fields. This wealth of experience, combined with a rigorous approach to the integration of music with theological and biblical insights, promises a challenging, but rewarding and enjoyable programme of study. First Study An important feature of the Theology and Music programme is our focus on individual musical development. All students on this programme receive individual tuition on their first study instrument, voice, or in composition, and are assessed by recital or portfolio. The lessons are given by professional instrumental tutors engaged by London School of Theology, and a specific course of study is tailored to each student. Almost any instrument can be accommodated; if we don’t have a current tutor for your instrument, we will locate a suitable one for you. For a list of current first study tutors, please see the ‘Music Faculty’ page. We place a strong emphasis on the development of performance and composition, and this is reflected in the credit allocation for first study. Students testify that the end-of-year recitals/portfolios are an eagerly anticipated highlight of their studies in music at London School of Theology. Time Commitment Full-time students are expected to commit around 40-50 hours per week to their studies. For students studying on campus, lectures will take place between 9am – 6pm on Mondays to Fridays. This equates to around 12 hours of lectures and 30 hours of personal study time.
Modules
Core Modules: Introduction to the New Testament, Introduction to the Old Testament, Introduction to Doctrine, Spiritual Theology, History of Music in the Church, Worship Ministry in Practice, Composition and Arranging, Aural Awareness and Sight Singing, Keyboard Skills, Ensemble Skills, Person and Work of Christ, Jesus and the Gospels, Genesis Prophets and God, Spiritual Theology, Composition and Arranging, Aural Awareness and Improvisation, Forms Textures and Styles, Music Philosophy and God, Person and Work of the Holy Spirit, Creativity in Context, Christianity and the Arts, Theology and Music Project. First Study: Either Performance Studies or Composition. Optional Modules: Ensemble Performance ,Conducting and Directing, Ethnomusicology, Case Studies in Church Music, Congregational Worship Studies: Theory and Method, Songwriting, Youth and Worship, Multimedia and Multisensory Worship, Corporate Worship Studies, Relational Theology, Sin, Grace and Eschatology, Scripture, Exegesis and Hermeneutics, Pastoral Care, Old Testament Hebrew 1, New Testament Greek 1a, Preaching, Key New Testament Texts, Pastoral Leadership in the Contemporary Church, Purity and Holiness: Ritual in the Old Testament, Applied Worship Leadership.
Assessment method
Because we are seeking a broad range of learning in the programme, assessment takes a variety of forms as appropriate to the topic being studied both for Onsite and Distance Education / Online students: ▪ Essays, which allow a student to develop a line of thought around a set question or topic. ▪ Presentations to a class, which can include written notes of the presentation. ▪ Quizzes and tests, which focus on particular areas of knowledge and understanding and take place in the classroom. ▪ Examinations, which may be ‘unseen’ or ‘seen’ in advance of sitting the paper. These permit a range of material to be assessed, notably in courses which have a strong survey or content focus. These are formally assessed and take place under exam conditions. ▪ Sermon scripts or other teaching material, especially where a module focuses on developing skills in oral communication with others. ▪ Theological reflection on practice, which brings together theory and practice. This can take a journal form or a specific reflection on a particular incident or issue. ▪ Portfolio of material of a variety of kinds, which enables students to engage with wide-ranging assessments. ▪ Level 6 project of a variety of kinds, undertaken by all students, provides the opportunity for you to explore a particular issue in more depth with guidance and supervision provided by an appropriate faculty member. ▪ Musical examinations – These can be in the form of a recital, performance, rehearsal, and other live forms of examination. ▪ Compositions – These consist of musical scores written or on Sibelius, and also Logic arrangement files and audio.
How to apply
25Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
We welcome applications from people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities on our programmes. LST is proud to have a thriving international body of students living and studying at LST. All non-UK and international students will need to apply for a visa to study at LST. You can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you're 16 or over and you meet the following requirements: you have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor (LST is a licensed sponsor for all undergraduate programmes); you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course; you can speak, read, write and understand English. As of 1 January 2021, EU students are required to apply for a student visa under the new PBS. Assessment of one's eligibility for a visa will precede an offer of a place. Applicants for whom English is not a first language must ensure that their level of English is sufficient to undertake study at LST. If English is not your first language, you may be requested to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), although this will be discussed prior to an interview. For some international students, studying at our campus is not an option, and so we also offer this course as both blended and online. Do not worry if you are unfamiliar with higher education in England! LST provides support for writing essays in the form of study skills, which all new students are required to attend. Additionally, LST lecturers operate an open-door policy, which together with peer-to-peer support available, ensures that your study experience is a postive one.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
A level - CC
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Instrumentalists or singers applying for the Theology and Music programme are expected to demonstrate a very good performance level on instrument or voice. This should normally be equivalent to Grade 7 or above. Particular importance is attached to the interview and audition, where students have the opportunity to demonstrate practical skills and general music knowledge, and we recognise that a student may not have progressed through an examination system. For international students, a validated audition-recording is acceptable in lieu of an audition on campus. A standard of Grade 5 or equivalent is required in music theory, and a completed music theory paper and information profile giving specific details of an applicant’s musical training and experience will be requested prior to auditioning. First study composers applying for this programme must possess a thorough knowledge of music theory somewhat beyond Grade 5 level and might typically have studied music A-level. They should prepare a portfolio of existing compositions, to be sent prior to interview, and have proven performance ability in at least one instrument. Piano/organ is ideal, and a standard of around grade 7. Experience of score writing software is desirable, but not required. The requirements above are in addition to the institutional entry conditions for study at London School of Theology. These require that students must demonstrate the ability to successfully undertake an undergraduate programme of this nature. This will normally mean two A levels plus three different GCSE passes at grade C or above (one GCSE must be English) or equivalent for students under 21. Mature students (aged 21 and over) without these qualifications will be considered individually. If you do not meet any of the above entry requirements, please contact [email protected] who will be happy to discuss your situation informally.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Additional entry requirements
Audition
Instrumentalists or singers applying for the Theology and Music programme are expected to demonstrate a very good performance level on instrument or voice. This should normally be equivalent to Grade 7 or above. Particular importance is attached to the interview and audition, where students have the opportunity to demonstrate practical skills and general music knowledge, and we recognise that a student may not have progressed through an examination system. For international students, a validated audition-recording is acceptable in lieu of an audition on campus. A standard of Grade 5 or equivalent is required in music theory, and a completed music theory paper and information profile giving specific details of an applicant’s musical training and experience will be requested prior to auditioning.
Portfolio
First study composers applying for this programme must possess a thorough knowledge of music theory somewhat beyond Grade 5 level and might typically have studied music A-level. They should prepare a portfolio of existing compositions, to be sent prior to interview, and have proven performance ability in at least one instrument. Piano/organ is ideal, and a standard of around grade 7. Experience of score writing software is desirable, but not required.
Other
Grade 7 or equivalent in music or voice for first study instrumentalists or vocalists. Grade 5 or equivalent music theory and ideally grade 7 in piano/organ for first study composers.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 |
To study in the UK, you will need to take a British Council IELTS test. You can take the IELTS test at any British Council office in your country, or at the British Embassy. We ask that you send us a copy of your certificate when you apply. Your ability to speak English will be assessed during an interview. An IELTS test is compulsory for anyone requiring a student visa. You can find out if your country is exempt at www.gov.uk/student-visa/knowledge-of-english
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £9000 | Year 1 |
| International | £9000 | Year 1 |
| England | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9000 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Tuition fees total £9,000 per year. This is made up of £7,500 for programme fees, and £1,500 for amenities fees (only applicable to those studying onsite and blended).
Programme Fees
Tuition Fees cover tuition for the whole academic year and are not refundable if a student withdraws part way through the year. Students who withdraw from their course of study during the year are liable for fees for the entire year.
Middlesex University Registration Fees
Included in the Tuition Fees that students pay to London School of Theology are fees the School has to pay to Middlesex University to cover the costs of registration and other academic administration associated with their validation of programmes at London School of Theology.
Amenities Fees
Amenities Fees cover the use of School facilities, use of the library (both on campus and online), and IT and admin support. Online students are not required to pay amenities fees.
Fees are reviewed annually in accordance with the most recent Office for Students guidelines.
You can find out more information about fees and funding at LST on our website, lst.ac.uk/fees-funding
Sponsorship information
Theology and Music Scholarship LST is pleased to offer a limited number of scholarships for gifted instrumentalists applying to the Theology & Music programme. This will be awarded after an applicant’s ability is successfully shown at audition/interview. 50% off accommodation charges and guaranteed accommodation for up to three years, for any year a student opts to live on campus. Raising Theologians Scholarships London School of Theology offers a range of annual scholarships to students able to demonstrate financial need, exceptional academic ability / potential, or both. London School of Theology also offers bursaries for students in financial need, but these are only available for students once they have commenced their studies with us. Our Raising Theologians Awards are available at undergraduate and postgraduate level and across all programmes. They include scholarships covering fees and / or accommodation for one or more years. To apply for a scholarship with London School of Theology you should already have been accepted for a place to study with us. Am I eligible? To qualify for an undergraduate financial need-based award, you must fulfil the following criteria: - Have a family income as assessed by Student Finance England at below £35,001 - Not be in receipt of a tuition fee loan and maintenance loan from Student Finance England
Provider information
London School of Theology
Green Lane
Northwood
London
HA6 2UW