Study Options & Information

Methods of Study

These days, students have diverse requirements for theological education. Some desire full-time residential courses where they can live on campus and be part of a permanent Christian community. On the other hand, busy pastors and working church members may be unable to undertake full-time Bible study. In their case, they might prefer distance learning or part-time options that enable them to study from home. They might want a correspondence / postal course, or options for online / Internet-based study. Others might want occasional intensive week-long or weekend seminars. Still others might be looking for a one day a week option enabling them to work and study at the same time.

Fortunately, British Bible colleges and seminaries have adapted to these requirements and increasingly offer a broad range of full-time, part-time or unrestricted study programmes. Some Christian schools are specialists providing only online or distance learning courses while others provide multiple study options depending on the needs of the student. The best advice for any prospective student is to think carefully about their needs.

Courses

There is also great diversity in course options. Students can choose anything from a short course or single module to a full PhD. Various subjects can be studied including Theology, Biblical Studies, Missions, Music and Worship, Church History, Ethics and Morality, Philosophy, Greek and Hebrew, Biblical Studies, Hermeneutics and Exegesis, Textual Studies, Church Doctrine, Christian Society and Politics, Black Theology, Cultural Studies, Jewish and Holocaust Studies, Islamic Studies, Pentecostalism, Biblical Counseling, Youth and Children's Work, Social Work, Christian Ministry, Preaching, Pastoral Studies, Missions and Evangelism, Christian Leadership, Religious Studies and much more

It is not necessary to study for a degree either. Nearly all of the institutions listed at this site also provide internally validated short courses. These are usually cheaper and more flexible but do not count towards degree level academic credit.

Course Levels

In the UK, degree qualifications are classified into four bands: levels 1, 2, 3, 4. Levels 1 to 3 represent undergraduate study whereas level 4 represents postgraduate study. 

Level 1 (undergraduate): Certificate (Cert HE)
Level 2 (undergraduate): Diploma (Dip HE)
Level 3 (undergraduate): Bachelor (BA; BTh; BMin; BD etc)
Level 4 (postgraduate): Master (MA; MTh; Th.M; MPhil etc)
Level 4 (postgraduate): Doctorate (Ph.D; DMin; Th.D etc)

In the UK, there is no difference among degrees at the same level. For example, MA is equivalent to MTh, whilst BA and BTh are recognised as the same.

Fees

An important point for many students is the question of fees. These vary depending on several factors:

• Type of Qualification: Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor, Masters and Doctorate will vary in cost.
• Length of Study: Charges are partly based on time so fees are different depending on whether it is a 1, 2 or 3 year course.
• Method of Study: Full-time, part-time, distance learning priced differently. Residential courses will naturally cost more than non-residential courses.

Many colleges also offer bursaries or grants, and affiliated universities may also have funding schemes. In addition, scholarships can be awarded from various organisations. Prospective students should contact their chosen institution to find out more.

Costs do vary between the various Bible colleges and seminaries listed on this site but they are typically broadly similar. It may be prudent for prospective students to compare the prices of equivalent courses among colleges.

International Students

These days, most Bible colleges listed in the directory accept students from all over the world. This is achieved through open learning (or distance learning) and it enables students to study for degrees without having to travel to the UK. Communication with the college is achieved through post, email or via the web.

Students have successfully completed degree courses at British Bible colleges from many different countries including: Akrotiri and Dhekelia, American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Ascension Island, Australia, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cameroon, Canada, Cayman Islands, Cook Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, The Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guam, Guyana, History of Samoa, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Maakhir, Madagascar, Malawi, Malta, Isle of Man, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Montserrat, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nigeria, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Pitcairn Islands, Puerto Rico, Puntland, Republic of Ireland, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somaliland, South Africa, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tokelau, Trinidad and Tobago, Tristan da Cunha, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, USA, US Virgin Islands, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe and other countries.

Doctrine and Denominations

All of the theological institutions listed in this directory hold to an evangelical basis of faith. Within Evangelicalism, there are variations in doctrinal and denominational practice and students may want to consult with colleges to identify their particular theological stance. For example, some colleges hold to a reformed position; others are Wesleyan: still others Dispensational or Charismatic. Among denominations are colleges that are Baptist, Anglican, and Pentecostal, while others are independent or non-denominational.

For further information on colleges and applications, please contact the individual college itself. The UK Bible College Directory can be found here.
 

UK Bible College Directory www.bible-college.co.uk (c) 2008