Course summary
The MA in Biblical Studies Programme provides students with the opportunity to engage with the complexities of Christian Theology through critical engagement with biblical texts, contemporary thought and culture and the practice of Christian ministry. The programme is part-time, studied online over 2 or 3 years. The programme is offered entirely online (asynchronous) mode on the VLE. Students are able to choose 1 optional module from across our level 7 provision, these modules may include (optional) live seminars delivered by video conferencing. Programme Overview: This Programme enables students to engage with the complexities of Christian Theology through critical engagement with biblical texts, contemporary thought and culture and the practice of Christian ministry. Through the programme, the student will develop mastery in the interpretation and application of scripture and theology in order to encourage personal and spiritual growth and development. This will be achieved, primarily, through enabling the student to develop mastery in understanding hermeneutical theory and its implementation in order to exegete and interpret biblical texts. Recognising that every student has their own distinctive worldview that can act as filters on biblical interpretation, the student will be asked to examine these for their influence on their understanding of Scripture and the contemporary world and enable them to develop as reflective practitioners, who use skills of critical enquiry and reflection to enhance their own practice of ministry, to become agents of change within the church context locally and globally. Entry Requirements: In normal circumstances students will be required to have a UK BS Honours degree at 2.2 level (or equivalent) as well as the necessary English language ability. A qualification in theology is not required. Some students may be required to undertake preliminary studies to provide background and foundation knowledge prior to commencing the MA. Although this delays the start of the programme, our experience is that those students who take this route into the MA gain more from the programme and are able to produce stronger assignments as a result. Time Commitment: Students will usually complete the 180 credits in 2 or 3 years, studying part time. A weekly time commitment of 15-20 hours per week should be allowed, this will enable progress through the weekly units of teaching material provided on the School’s Virtual Learning Environment. PGCert The PGCert is particularly suitable for students with no formal theological education who may be unsure as to whether an entire MA programme is achievable. Thus, this award allows progression to taught MA programmes, by way of formal introduction to theological education at a postgraduate level. The PGCert Biblical Studies (60 credits) lays the foundation for the study of the Hermeneutics (core module) and allows the student to engage in further hermeneutical study through one optional module. The PGCert is comprised of Core Module: Hermeneutics (40 credits) and one optional module (20 credits).
Modules
The programme, allows the student to develop mastery in the interpretation and application of scripture and theology in order to encourage personal and spiritual growth and development. This will be achieved, primarily, through enabling the student to develop mastery in understanding hermeneutical theory and its implementation in order to exegete and interpret biblical texts. Recognising that every student has their own distinctive worldview that can act as filters on biblical interpretation, the student will be asked to examine these for their influence on their understanding of Scripture and the contemporary world and enable them to develop as reflective practitioners. They will use skills of critical enquiry and reflection to enhance their own practice of ministry, to become agents of change within the church context locally and globally.
How to apply
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 positive one.
Entry requirements
The normal entrance requirements for this programme are a first degree in theology (2:1) or a previous degree in another discipline but with evidence of having studied theology to DipHE level, However, the programme Leader has discretion to consider other entry qualifications, so if your background does not conform to these requirements, please contact the programme Leader to discuss a possible way forward. Some students may be required to undertake preliminary studies to provide background and foundation knowledge prior to commencing the MA. Although this delays the start of the programme, our experience is that those students who take this route into the MA gain more from the programme and are able to produce stronger assignments as a result.
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
No fee information has been provided for this course
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
https://lst.ac.uk/fees-funding/postgraduate-fees/
Sponsorship information
Raising Theologians Scholarships Support for Theological Training – application now open for 2025 admissions. Scholarships will only be awarded to students who have been accepted to study at London School of Theology. 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