Bachelor of Theology
The BTh programme is designed to provide high quality, academic and vocational training in pursuit of an in-depth understanding of the Christian faith, and to prepare students for pastoral ministry and other forms of Christian service.
This degree programme is validated by the University of Glasgow.
The programme may be taken on a full-time basis (four days a week), or a part-time basis (two days a week). After three years successful study (or up to six, part-time), students will hold a degree from the University of Glasgow, one of Britain’s oldest and most academically respected universities.
If you would like a stimulating, challenging, comprehensive, in-depth education in Biblical Studies, Christian Theology and related disciplines, ETS can offer you a well-designed curriculum, excellent facilities and first-class tuition. In addition, as you progress through your studies, you will become acquainted with a student body which is remarkably cosmopolitan in composition, making life-long friendships that will span the globe.
Alongside the core courses that make up the programme, it is possible to take additional training modules specific to various traditions. The Presbyterian Church Ministry Module is offered to develop a better understanding of the Presbyterian tradition. Alternatively, a 12-week, Independent Church Ministry Module, delivered in association with the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC), serves as an effective bridge which applies our core courses to independent fellowships and churches.
BTh with Greek and Hebrew
Students who incorporate Hebrew and Greek into their study programme will gain an in-depth understanding into Biblical terminology and syntax. This programme, designed specifically for Bible expositors, will provide for students who wish to maximise their Biblical language skills in order to understand the nuances of Biblical text.
BTh without Greek and Hebrew
The same programme, but with less emphasis on Greek and Hebrew is an option aimed at preparing students for areas of Christian service where there is less of a requirement to know Biblical languages, but who nonetheless require an understanding of Christian truth in depth, and skill in communicating that truth.
Study Part-time
The BTh programme can also be completed on a part-time basis: students can study two days a week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays, or Thursdays and Fridays) and complete the course in a time frame from four to six years.
The part-time arrangement is designed to fit with church-based training schemes for ministers and other Christian workers.
Distance Learning
ETS has responded to today’s demands for flexibility by offering the option of completing the BTh degree through online distance learning. While we believe that real, in-person interaction always makes for a better learning experience, this option is convenient for those who, for a variety of personal reasons (employment, family, financial constraints, illness or disability), cannot attend classes in person.
- Find out more about distance learning here.
Equipped for Mission
Whether you feel called to mission here in Scotland or elsewhere in the world, we can now offer students excellent preparation and mentoring for mission through the recently established ETS Centre for Mission. The Centre is currently being developed with the aim of providing tailored, practical training to all those who are about to embark on mission.
In this video, Systematic Theology lecturer Dr Bob Akroyd explains why you should consider applying for the Bachelor of Theology degree programme at ETS.
Watch the video above to find out more about the Bachelor of Theology with Greek and Hebrew.
Typically, holders of the degree will be able to:
- Engage in competent exegesis and exposition of the Christian scriptures
- Demonstrate an extensive knowledge of Christian belief and of the history of Christian thought
- Evaluate differing theological and religious positions
- Identify and analyse issues and problems in current biblical, theological and religious scholarship
- Articulate and defend theological beliefs
- Communicate the Christian faith effectively
- Provide basic pastoral care
Further Information
The Degree of Bachelor of Theology normally follows a prescribed curriculum: one course in each of Elementary Greek (or elective) and Elementary Hebrew (or elective); Church History 1, Church History 2 (Scottish, or elective), Systematic Theology 1 and 2, Practical Theology 1 and 2, Old Testament 1 and 2, and New Testament 1 and 2.
Candidates will be required to submit a 10,000 word dissertation. The area of study may be chosen from any one of the Seminary’s five departments.
Each course consists of two consecutive semester-long modules (each semester is of fifteen weeks’ duration).
Students may elect to do alternative courses in place of Elementary Hebrew, Elementary Greek and Scottish Church History.
World Mission Days are also organised twice per semester to encourage mission-mindedness among the staff and students.
More details about the contents of the BTh programme can be found here.
Key books from the reading lists will be available here: ETS Bachelor of Theology
Mound Books is the official book supplier for all our ETS reading lists.
Their opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 5pm and books may be ordered by telephone (07863 905900), e-mail ([email protected]), or through their website (www.moundbooks.com).
Each book has been heavily discounted and postage is free to any UK address on orders over £15. When ordering through the website, shipping costs for Europe and the rest of the world will appear automatically at the checkout.
Course fees can be found here.
For admission to the BTh programme applicants will normally require university entrance qualifications. In the UK context, this would mean, for example: SQA Highers, or their equivalent: AAB, BBBB, ABBC.
The Senate will take into account not only conventional academic qualifications, but also vocational or professional experience, completion of appropriate access courses (such as the ETS Access to Theology programme) or possession of the Seminary’s own Certificate in Theology or Diploma in Christian Studies.
Students for whom English is not their first language are required to sit a Secure English Language Test (SELT) and achieve an equivalent of IELTS 6.5 prior to entry onto the programme.
Find out more here.
The Undergraduate Admissions Policy can be found here.
