BA joining at DipHE level

The BA in Kingdom Theology is a flexible evening course track, divided into three two-year stages (with three corresponding exit awards: CertHE, DipHE and BA). This course is designed for students who already have a CertHE in Theology, who would like to progress to the next level of their studies by completing a DipHE in Kingdom Theology as the next stage towards a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. These courses will take students to a deeper level of engagement with the biblical texts, as well as giving the opportunity to explore the challenging questions of the Christian response to contemporary culture. The course is flexible, so you can decide how long you want to study for, and is designed to be manageable alongside full-time work or a busy family life.

The course is accredited by the University of Chester.

Content

John’s Gospel

with Dr Brad Jersak

This module introduces students to the critical study of John’s gospel as a distinct witness to the historical Jesus. The gospel is examined both as a complex piece of literature and as a first century document that reflects in various ways the character of emerging Judaism of the late second Temple period in the wider Greco-Roman world.

Spirit and Text: Transformational Hermeneutics

with Jo Soper

This module introduces students to Hermeneutics, issues of interpretation, meaning and understanding. There is an exploration of the integral role of the Spirit in biblical hermeneutics and ways of engaging with the text by the Spirit so that individuals, church communities and the world are changed as a result.

The Christian Dialogue with Other Faiths

This module introduces students to the questions that arise from the Christian dialogue with other faiths. Students will critically engage with different models of interreligious dialogue and examine the issues of the exclusive truth claims of religions in a plural and global world. There will be opportunity for theological reflection on working in interfaith contexts.

Application

Entry Requirements

If you are under 25, 180 UCAS points will give you automatic qualification. If you have fewer than 180, we will interview you to determine whether the course is right for you.

If you are over 25, no previous qualifications are required, though we may interview you to ensure the course is right for you.

Application Process

1. Complete the online application form.

2. We will contact your referees.

3. Upon the receipt of satisfactory references, and everything else being in order, we will make you an offer.

4. Upon being made an offer, you may secure your place by paying a £250 non-refundable deposit (which is deducted from your first fee payment). We suggest you do this promptly as the most popular Hubs have maximum intakes.

Teaching

Residential Teaching

Each year you will attend two residential teaching sessions which are in-depth periods where students come together for a few days to focus on the core course teaching. The cost of Residentials, including food and accommodation, is included in the course fees.

Hub Teaching

The unique flavour of studying with WTC is largely defined by the experience of studying locally in a worshipping and learning community known as a Hub. Hubs meet on Monday or Tuesday evenings, depending on the location, and are environments in which you can form meaningful relationships with your fellow students, have time and space to discuss the issues arising in the teaching and worship together.

A typical Hub evening looks like this:

5.45pm - arrive, chat with fellow students
6.00pm - worship and ministry time
6.30pm - watch a recorded lecture with other students - with time for discussion throughout the session
7.30pm - seminar with a faculty member to discuss the week’s teaching and ask questions
8.30pm - time to pray together with other students, discuss and think over the evening’s teaching

Online resources

A rich variety of resources are available on the WTC’s online learning website, MyWTC. This includes articles, lecture notes, recorded lectures and other resources.

Fees

Costs

The course fees for 2013/14 are are £2,600. WTC offer a bursary of £400 towards a student's fees, so the cost of the year can be as low as £2,200. For more information about the fees, please click here.

The fees include:

Residential teaching sessions
Teaching in local Hubs
Access to library in local Hubs and other university libraries across the UK
Access to study resources and the Hub and online
University registration

Other costs you may need to consider which are not included in the fees are as follows:

Your personal living expenses throughout the year
Travel to and from Residential sessions

Travel to and from the Hub location for 20 weeks of the year
Any books you may wish to purchase to supplement the books provided in the library

Supporting yourself

We recognise that the courses represent a significant expense for many people. As such, we recommend that those who have difficulty funding themselves explore a number of available options for raising finance:

Your church: it may be that your church are willing to make a contribution to help with some or all of your fees. It is always worth asking. It may also be worth approaching individuals or couples within your church.

Sponsorship: if you have links with local charities it may be worth approaching them regarding sponsorship. There are also some grant trusts who offer support for theology students. This website: www.turn2us.org.uk provides details of bodies who may be able to support you.

Grants and Awards for UK Students: some local education authorities in the UK offer financial assistance. See this website for details:

Financial Help for Adult Learners

Dates & FAQs

Two 4-day residential teaching blocks per year where all WTC students across the UK gather together:

28-31 August 2013
3-6 January 2014

Ten teaching evenings and two community/admin evenings, either on a Monday or Tuesday (depending on your Hub location), between 6pm and 10pm throughout the year. The course is assessed by six essays across the year.

Where can I study?

WTC courses are based in local churches who host the teaching and contribute content to the Leadership and Ministry part of the course. This course is available at the Hubs indicated on the map below:

I love the way the course fits around my working and personal life