Programme Overview
The programme has been designed to offer you an integrated study of the Bible and Christian theology, history, mission and traditions in a global context. The BA in Theology will provide you with knowledge and skills in the Old and New Testaments, Historical and Systematic Theology, and Practical and Applied Theology.
You also have the opportunity to learn the biblical languages Hebrew and Greek. You will have the privilege of studying alongside and interacting with students and faculty from diverse backgrounds and denominations, which enriches the whole study programme.
Personal spiritual growth comes not only through the taught programme, but also through being part of our community and taking part in the extracurricular activities organised by the student body.
You will have the privilege of studying alongside and interacting with students and staff from diverse backgrounds and denominations, which enriches the whole study programme. In addition, you will experience personal spiritual growth through the taught programmes, and also through the community and extracurricular activities organised by the student body.
Who is this programme for?
As the BA in Theology is designed to offer a deeper understanding of God and Scripture and its relevance to individuals, the church and the world, it is a programme intended to appeal to a broad range of students. It allows the student to grow in their faith and excel academically, as they develop a sense of where they will go next, after their time of study.
At London School of Theology we believe in theological education that is integrative, which means modules are not set in rigid sub-disciplinary tracks, but are in dialogue with each other on a shared matrix reference to the Bible – experience, tradition, reason, and community. It also means that we endeavour to characterise each module through elements of academic knowledge and understanding, spiritual formation and ministerial training.
Programme Structure
Whether you study on campus in London, remotely online, or as a blended combination, you will take the same modules, meet the same outcomes, undertake the same assessments, benefit from quality teaching and tutoring provision and graduate with the same degree.
All undergraduate Theology students can study the same programme on campus, online or in any blended combination of the two delivery modes.
There are three broad categories in the curriculum: Biblical studies, Historical/Systematic theology and Practical theology.
- Biblical Studies
The Bible is a rich, complex and exciting book, fundamental to the Christian faith. It is vital for us to grasp how its message relates to those around us. Studies in this area will help you develop a better understanding of the content of the Christian Scriptures and the tools necessary for their interpretation.
You will study both Old and New Testaments, concentrating on various books, themes, genres, and explore how the books were understood in their original contexts. You will also study the Bible as the Church’s Message to the contemporary world and explore how its message relates to issues today. You have the option of studying biblical languages, both Hebrew and Greek, to third year level.
Biblical Studies modules include: New Testament Survey; Old Testament Survey; Genesis, Prophets and God; Jesus and the Gospels; Key Biblical Texts (Romans); Issues in Biblical Texts (Corinthians); New Testament Greek 1A, 1B & 2; Old Testament Hebrew 1 & 2.
- Historical and Systemic Theology
How did the Church survive in its fledgling beginnings? What motivated the Church to embrace certain doctrines and reject others? Who were the original story writers and leaders of the Christian faith? Why are they important to the life and expression of Church today? The history of how the Christian faith has been lived and worked out is one from which we can learn so much.
This area of study will introduce you to the history of the Christian community, its response to changing situations and the development of vital Christian doctrines. Through understanding this heritage in its historical context, you’ll learn what implications it has for our modern context. You will be expected to analyse and reflect on major historical and theological shifts and paradigms, as well as develop your critical skills by engaging with various texts, doctrines and movements.
Theology and historical modules include: Introduction to Doctrine; Key Christian Thinkers; Person and Work of Christ; Relational Theology; Sin, Grace and Eschatology; Person and Work of the Holy Spirit.
- Practical Theology
This area of study integrates theology with practical experience to give you the opportunity for personal growth and spiritual development. You will engage with biblical concepts of discipleship, spirituality, and leadership, explore different traditions of Christian spirituality, and look at pastoral aspects of lifestyle, values and relationships.
Practical Theology modules include: Spiritual Theology; Practical Placement; Preaching; Pastoral Care; Pastoral Leadership; Innovation in Youthwork; Evangelism.
Click here for more details of the modules and programme structure at each level of study.
Church Ministry Track
The Church Ministry Track is an expression of LST’s commitment to the UK and worldwide church, and to its equipping for the next generation, by investing in future leadership.
This is a mentored pathway through the BA (Hons) Theology programme that helps prepare students for more effective Christian ministry in a variety of settings. It is not an ordination programme or a new degree programme (the student will graduate with a BA in Theology) but a mentoring track, to prepare the student for the specifics of church ministry. The Church Ministry Track itself is not assessed and is not for credit – as such it will not be named in students’ final Middlesex University-approved award.
Time Commitment
For full-time students it is expected that you will be able to commit around 40 hours per week to your studies. For students studying on campus lectures will take place between 9am – 6pm on Mondays to Fridays. This normally equates to around 12 hours of lectures and 30 hours of personal study time. Two practical placement modules are completed at levels 4 and 5, and a final dissertation project at level 6.
For students studying online we also recommend a commitment of 40 hours per week to enable you to complete the necessary work.
For part-time students it is expected that you will be able to commit around 20 hours per week to your studies. For students studying on campus lectures will take place between 9am – 6pm on Mondays & Tuesdays in Year 1 and Thursdays & Fridays in Year 2. For students studying online we also recommend a commitment of 20 hours per week to enable you to complete the necessary work.
Full-time students are expected to complete the BA in 3 years. Part-time students are expected to complete the BA in 6 years.
Entry Requirements
Students enrolling for the Certificate, Diploma or BA (Hons) Degree must demonstrate the ability to undertake an undergraduate programme of this nature successfully. This will normally mean two A levels plus three different GCSE passes at grade C or above (one GCSE must be English), or equivalent alternatives for students under 21.
Mature students (aged 21 and over) without these qualifications will be considered individually. If you do not meet the above entry requirements, please contact the Engagement Team who will help you to identify a suitable programme of study.
Career Pathways and Next steps
Graduates are equipped for a wide range of careers or ministries in church, mission, the workplace and within the community at large. Former students of our undergraduate Theology programme have gone on to work in such fields as:
• Church leadership
• Youth leadership
• Politics
• Missionary work
• Teaching
• Chaplaincy
• Business
• Writing
• Creative direction
• Academia
• NGO’s
