Course summary
Why this course? • With campus-based and online delivery, this course is specifically designed for people who may already have significant life commitments. • Our staff are committed, practising Christians who represent a diversity of traditions and theological streams: Church of England, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal and evangelical. • An ideal course for those seeking a formal academic ‘top up’ for their previous experience in Christian service and knowledge of the Bible. About this course This course is for those who always wanted to study theology at university level, but never managed to find the time. In many instances, their studies, ministry or career took them in a different direction. They now find themselves serving in churches, schools, missional organisations and the third sector, feeling the need for a more structured approach to their study of the Bible and Christian theology. The Biblical Studies and Theology Certificate of Higher Education equips students with the tools, knowledge and skills they need to effectively study and teach the Old and New Testaments. Students learn how to see their own beliefs and practices within the context of the church’s 2000 year history. And they gain fluency in discussing the major doctrines that have shaped the Christian faith. Students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Higher Education which equates to 120 credits at Level 4. They can finish their studies at that point, or continue studying toward our FdA/BTh undergraduate degrees in Theology, Mission and Practice. The content of this course is the same as the first year of these degrees. Full-time students will attend online classes on Tuesday evenings, and face to face teaching on campus on Saturdays, for a period of 10 months. Part-time students will attend online classes on Tuesday evenings and one or two Saturdays per term, and will gain the Cert HE over two years. Skills On our Bibilical Studies and Theology Certificate of Higher Education, our priority is ensuring that you graduate with a professional skillset. This incorporates developing the knowledge and skills to effectively study and teach the Old and New Testaments, learning how to see your own beliefs and practices within the context of the church’s 2000 year history and gaining fluency in discussing the major doctrines that have shaped the Christian faith. Students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Higher Education which equates to 120 credits at Level 4. Career opportunities Graduates of the Biblical Studies and Theology (Certificate of Higher Education) program will find themselves equipped with a profound understanding of Biblical Studies and Theology, enabling them to contribute effectively in various roles within their communities and beyond. These roles may encompass serving as deacons, elders, council members, or administrators within their local churches, guiding Bible study groups and Sunday School classes, leading worship, undertaking missionary work, providing licensed counseling services, engaging in social service endeavours, and assisting within the charity and third sector. Additionally, for licensed educators working in church-affiliated schools, this program offers a valuable foundation. Furthermore, it presents an excellent opportunity for those considering careers in Christian service, allowing them to explore their calling without the commitment of a longer program. Upon completing this course, a seamless transition into the FdA/BTh program awaits, marking the beginning of an even more profound journey of theological exploration and service.
Modules
Introduction to Theological Formation This module addresses the nature and challenges of beginning theological study and leads students toward a critical self-awareness of their own learning journey in theology. Skills and knowledge acquisition, alongside character development, are seen as complementary aspects of each student’s theological formation . Old Testament Students engage with texts representing the four major genres of the OT corpus: the Pentateuch, Historical Books, Wisdom Literature, and the Prophetic books. In each case, students are presented with a framework within which they can determine the original meaning of the text, and are equipped with interpretive tools that will assist in drawing out the significance of the biblical message for contemporary faith and practice. New Testament Students engage with a thorough discussion of the historical, literary, religious and cultural background in both Jewish and Graeco-Roman contexts, as well as focused explorations of the Gospels, Acts, Paul, other epistles and the book of Revelation. Texts are explored to uncover what they tell us not only about Christianity’s founding figures and ideas, but also the communities within which they were written. Engaging Scripture This module aims to help students make authentic connections between the biblical text and contemporary thought and practice. Using a framework that distinguishes between discourse located ‘behind’, ‘within’ and ‘in front of’ the text, this will approach the task in two different ways, both of which will be important for later professional contexts. History of Christian Thought The history of the Christian church is shaped by its wrestling with fundamental questions relating to the substance of belief, the source of revelation, the nature of the church and the purpose of the church in the world. The purpose of this module is to help students understand their theological formation in historical context and to explore how engagement with these overarching questions has shaped Christian thought and identity from the first century to the present day. Introduction to Christian Doctrine This module explores the underlying concepts, figures, methods, and questions in historical and contemporary expressions of Christianity. These underlying concerns will be considered in dialogue with various forms of Christian practice and in dialogue with the doctrinal context of students’ own traditions as well as displaying an awareness of the breadth and diversity of Christian doctrine as it is understood and practiced in the world today.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
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.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
There are no qualification requirements for this course.
English language requirements
Test | Grade | Additional details |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 6 | with a minimum of 5.5 in each band |
TOEFL (iBT) | 80 | with the following minimum scores: Reading: 18 Writing: 17 Listening: 17 Speaking: 20 |
PTE Academic | 59 | with no less than 59 in any band |
Cambridge English Advanced | C | grade C in tests prior to 2015 with no less than 'weak' in any band |
We may accept other high school English qualifications if you are applying for an undergraduate degree. Please contact us at [email protected] to clarify.
English Language requirements
https://www.roehampton.ac.uk/international/entry-requirements/
Unistats information
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
EU | £15000 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
International | £15000 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Provider information
University of Roehampton
Erasmus House
Roehampton Lane
Wandsworth
SW15 5PU