Changes to the Theology Programme - New and revised Theology programmes for External Students - Download [pdf: 6pgs, 90KB]
Why study theology? Religious beliefs provide a sense of purpose, a source of values and a way of life for many people. Studying theology gives you an opportunity to learn about others' beliefs, to understand how these beliefs have shaped societies, and to evaluate your own beliefs - whether you are an active member of a faith community, or have no faith at all.
The University of London Bachelor of Divinity (BD), one of the oldest and most highly respected in the world, will enable you to wrestle with complex issues which go to the heart of who we are as human beings. The wide range of subjects available makes it a fascinating programme of study.
These qualifications are intended to appeal to two different kinds of students. Firstly, those who would like a University of London award in theology, but do not feel ready to commit themselves to studying for a full degree. Secondly, those students who do not satisfy the University’s entrance requirements for admission to the degree (Certificate of Higher Education only).
The Diploma and Certificate give such students the opportunity to gain access to the degree programme if their studies are successful. If you obtain the Diploma or Certificate in Theology you may transfer your registration to the BD and automatically be credited with the units passed.
You will gain a deeper understanding of individuals and communities who have been influenced by religious belief. Christianity will be your main focus, with options to study other religions and/or specialise in areas such as the philosophy of religion and ethics, church history or science and religion. You will be able to produce clear written accounts of your knowledge and arguments, analyse texts, and study questions which are of fundamental human concern.
| You study | Study period | Cost (2009-2010) | |
| Bachelor of Divinity | 12 modules | 3-8 years | £3,088 |
| Diploma of Higher Education in Theology | 8 modules | 2-5 years | £2,054 |
| Certificate of Higher Education in Theology | 4 modules | 1-5 years | £1,120 |
| We also offer a Certificate of Higher Education in Philosophy, Religion and Ethics | |||
The programmes have been developed by Heythrop College, a specialist College of theology and philosophy within the University of London. The skills you will gain are valuable in many walks of life. The ability to understand and analyse complex ideas and to produce a coherent written account is essential in many contexts. Theology is particularly useful not only for those working with one of the churches, but also for those in the teaching profession, the social services, or other occupations that are concerned with people and their values. The managerial and organisational levels of the voluntary sector are also particularly interested in those with theological expertise.
“ I am a freelance stylist for pop promos and a costume
designer for TV commercials. I wanted a constructive and meaningful use for my time between jobs,
and a friend suggested tertiary education. I chose the BD because it was the most challenging,
interesting and varied syllabus I looked at, combining as it does language, history and philosophy.
All in all, it is not an exaggeration to say that my return to academia has literally changed
my life. My studies have added another dimension to my life which is that much richer as a consequence.”
Paul Frecker
Current student, UK.
You have 3-8 years to complete the BD degree, 2-5 years to complete the Diploma, and 1-5 years to complete the Certificate. The total fees payable to the University are £3,088 for the BD, £2,054 for the Diploma, and £1,120. Please note that these figures do not reflect any annual fee increase and assume completion in the minimum study period permitted.
The study materials that we send you include:
Note: You need to provide your own textbooks - so before you register for the programme we do advise you to consider the facilities available to you locally, and how accessible books are likely to be.
You can either study independently at a pace that suits you, or enrol for additional classes at a local institution (either full or part time) and benefit from the more formalized support this provides.
| Application deadline | 17 September (non-EU) 17 October (EU) in the year before you intend to sit your first examinations |
| Registration deadline | 30 November |
| Despatch of study materials | Shortly after your registration form is received |
| Start studying | As soon as you receive your study materials |
| Examinations take place | May |