Bachelor of Arts Theology

Learning, teaching and assessment

 

Teaching and learning together

Our ultimate aim is not just to impart information but to work towards the transformation of students as they reflect with others on loving Christ more deeply in order to explain him simply. We pursue the enhancement of teaching and learning within the College by fostering:

• habits in the lecturer of reflective, self-critical intentionality and innovation
• an ethos in the classroom of directed, active and hospitable learning
• an ethos amongst the faculty of collegiality, teachability and servant leadership
• an ethos in the College of teachability, servant leadership and worship

 

Study hours and make up of study

Within Higher Education, it is generally understood that 1 credit = 10 hours of study, shared between class time, pre-class reading, private study and assessment.

This means that a 10 credit module = 100 hours of study. So for the BA (Hons), 360 credits = 3600 study hours over the programme as a whole.

In-class learning involves lectures, seminars, discussions, worked examples and presentations. Out-of-class study involves reading, reflecting, researching, writing assignments, group projects and revision for exams. At BA (Hons)-level, it may also include preparation of a dissertation or research project.

 

Learning, teaching and assessment

The College aims to provide a learning experience which is demanding and exhilarating, reflecting the highest academic standards as well as excellence in pedagogy. Our programmes have been commended for their commitment to integrating the academic and practical aspects of training for ministry vocations. Additionally, the College has been commended for excellence in teaching biblical languages and biblical studies. Students experience this through a rich and varied learning experience which encompasses lectures, seminars, language classes, field trips, placements and a range of formative and summative assessments. Through these assessments, the College aims to provide all students with an equal opportunity to demonstrate their achievement of Threshold Learning Outcomes (at module level) and Programme Learning Outcomes. Underlying all of the College’s programmes is a commitment both to information and to transformation, and a belief that the sub-disciplines within Theology are integrated within the framework provided by scripture, which can and does speak into every area of life. 

You will be awarded the BA (Hons) Theology once you have attained a Pass grade or better in modules worth at least 360 credits at Level 4+, including all of the compulsory modules.  At least 100 of these 360 credits must be at Level 4, at least 100 must be at Level 5 and at least 120 must be at Level 6+.  Where timetabling and successful completion of pre-requisites allow, the remaining 40 credits may be chosen from the selection of electives available at Levels 4 and 5 (in the CertHE year), at Levels 4, 5 and 6 (in the DipHE year) and at Levels 4, 5, 6 and 7 (in the BA Year).  With respect to the BA Year, students may seek permission to take one Enhanced BA-Level option module (Level 7) from the selection available each year as a ‘challenge module’; this will be in lieu of the equivalent module at BA level (Level 6). Such modules carry a weighting of 15 or 30 credits (rather than 10 or 20) and will be available subject to timetabling constraints and the successful completion of relevant pre-requisites.

The final classification of the BA (Hons) degree will be based only on the grades achieved at Level 6 or higher, and not on the grades achieved at Levels 4 or 5.  The classification will be calculated on the basis of the grades achieved in ALL successfully passed modules at Level 6 or higher; as such if a student chooses to take more than 120 credits at Level 6 or higher, then their final grade will include the results of ALL these modules (taking into account the individual credit weightings of each module). Students who do not satisfactorily pass the requirements for a BA (Hons) may be awarded the lower awards of either the DipHE or the CertHE Theology, depending on the number and level of credits achieved.  

A student registered for the BA (Hons) may decide to leave College before the end of their programme. After one year full time or two years part time, given the appropriate modules studied and credit total, a student could exit and be awarded a CertHE Theology. After two years full time or four years part time, given the appropriate modules studied and credit total, a student will have completed all of the requirements for a DipHE Theology and may therefore exit and be awarded this qualification. Credits gained beyond this award may be used towards any future programme under the national Credit Accumulation & Transfer Scheme (CATS).

You may also decide to extend your studies in order to gain a ‘higher’ award than the BA (Hons). Students who wish to register for a PGCert, PGDip or MA may do so before the end of their third year; however, students wishing to register for an MTheol must do so before the end of their second year.