
A course that equips students with the tools, knowledge and skills they need to study and teach the Old and New Testaments, while gaining fluency in discussing the major doctrines that have shaped the Christian faith.
Start Date:
September 2022
Entry Tariff:
No formal qualifications required, please see Entry Requirement block below.
Degree Type:
Cert HE
Duration:
1 year full time
2 years part time
UCAS Code:
V620
School:
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements and you will not be expected to have any academic or theological background although, where appropriate, those who have already done some church-related study will be welcome.
Applicants interested in joining advised to contact mtenquiries@roehampton.ac.uk to receive additional information and guidance on how to apply for September 2022 entry. All applicants are required to attend an interview.
Once we hear from you, we will guide you through the following steps:
- The pre-interview form: We’ll send you a short form that asks you to tell us about your ministry involvement and faith story.
- The interview: We will contact you to schedule a short online interview with a member of our staff team.
- After these steps have been completed, you will hear from us regarding our admission decision.
- UK Residents: We will direct you to our direct application form where you will submit additional information. If you are considering the option of applying for financial assistance through Student Finance England, you will be able to do to so once you have accepted an offer for admission.
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.
Course and Module Details
Overview
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.
For students unable to attend campus a fully online programme of teaching is available.
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.
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.
These modules are those we currently offer and may be subject to change each year.
Career Options
This course is designed to strengthen you in your current areas of professional service or Christian vocation. A deeper knowledge of Biblical Studies & Theology can enhance the service of those who are currently:
- Deacons, elders, council members, or administrators in their local churches
- Bible Study leaders and Sunday School teachers
- Worship leaders
- Missionaries
- Licensed counsellors
- Social service workers
- Charity and third sector workers
- Licensed educators working in schools affiliated with a church
This course of study is also an excellent option for those who are considering careers in Christian service, but who may not be ready to commit to a longer course of study. After completion of this course, transition into the FdA/BTh programme is seamless.
How to apply
There are no formal entry requirements and you will not be expected to have any academic or theological background although, where appropriate, those who have already done some church-related study will be welcome.
Applicants interested in joining advised to contact mtenquiries@roehampton.ac.uk to receive additional information and guidance on how to apply for September 2022 entry. All applicants are required to attend an interview.
Once we hear from you, we will guide you through the following steps:
- The pre-interview form: We’ll send you a short form that asks you to tell us about your ministry involvement and faith story.
- The interview: We will contact you to schedule a short online interview with a member of our staff team.
- After these steps have been completed, you will hear from us regarding our admission decision.
- UK Residents: We will direct you to our direct admissions form where you will submit additional information. If you are considering the option of applying for financial assistance through Student Finance England, you will be able to do to so once you have accepted an offer for admission.
Validation and curriculum review
What is validation?
Validation is a formal process through which the University approves a programme (content, teaching, learning and assessment) as being of appropriate standard and quality. This is a normal process used throughout the university sector.
The University expects to publish details of the validated programme in the academic year prior to the start date of the programme. You are advised to check the University website at that time to ensure that you have up-to-date information. In the meantime, if you require information you should contact 0208 392 3232.
What is curriculum review?
Curriculum review is the regular and systematic monitoring and reviewing of programmes. It is a normal process in the sector and it is the way by which the university ensures that your course remains up-to-date and relevant. The process may result in changes to the content, structure and/or assessment of the programme.
The University expects to publish details of the re-validated programme by 31 March in the academic year prior to the start date of the programme. You are advised to check the University website at that time to ensure that you have up-to-date information. In the meantime, if you require information you should contact 0208 392 3232.