Degree Courses by Distance Learning

Our programmes are the same whether you study in person or by distance learning.

Undergraduate: Lectures take place via video conferencing. Students are expected to join the lectures live so that they can participate in the class. Lecture material and resources are made available via our Virtual Learning Environment, Moodle.

Postgraduate: Weekly seminars take place via video conferencing.

Yes, if you are near Edinburgh, you are welcome to visit ETS and use its facilities, including the library.

UK based students are expected to matriculate in person at ETS at the beginning of the academic session. They would also be expected to spend at least one week (4 days) per semester in the Seminary, bonding with their student colleagues, where at all possible, as well as attend each academic session Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

You might also like to come to the Awards Ceremony to collect your certificate at the end of your programme. Our BTh and MTh degree programmes are validated by the University of Glasgow; students successfully completing one of these programmes will be able to receive their degree award at the University of Glasgow’s graduation ceremony. Students registered on our validated degree programmes are also entitled to access the libraries at Edinburgh University.

Examinations should be taken in person at ETS. If necessary, alternative arrangements may be made to sit your exams closer to home.

You will need to have a PC, Mac, laptop/notebook, or mobile device with an internet connection. It is important that you have reliable internet access. The video conferencing system Zoom is used for delivering lectures and seminars.

Resources are made available via our Virtual Learning Environment, Moodle, which can be accessed via your web browser. Much of the material available will require a PDF reader (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader) or a word processor (e.g. Microsoft Word).

Students enrolled on our validated courses will be given a Microsoft Office365 account for the duration of their study, which includes Office software.

There is no difference between the qualification you receive if you choose to study by Distance Learning. It is subject to the same academic scrutiny and quality control.

We aim to provide the same level of support for all students.

Undergraduate students are assigned a Director of Studies, who you will meet with at least once a semester (this meeting can take place via Zoom), to offer academic and pastoral support where necessary.

Postgraduate students are assigned a Supervisor who will have familiarity with the area of study. You will meet regularly with your Supervisor to review progress (these meetings can take place via Zoom).

For more information on any aspect of the courses offered, you can get in touch with us directly the contact form.