Theology

BA (Hons) Single

 Theology enables you to engage the twenty-first century world with a variety of Christian perspectives.

Campus Chester
Course BA (Hons) Single
Length 3 Years Full-time
Start date September 2012

Theology encourages you to think critically about the Bible, key doctrinal issues, philosophy, ethics, as well as considering local and global expressions of Christian faith. Religious beliefs and practices in the contemporary world have a deep influence, and sometimes a radical impact, on national and international issues, as well as in individual lives and faith communities. Theology helps you understand what’s behind this impact and provides a space in which you can ask and pursue the very biggest questions.

At Chester the study is academically challenging, providing a space for theological study for those with or without a faith perspective. From the Hebrew Bible to Spirituality and popular culture, you are encouraged to explore and challenge traditional ideas and to consider Christian belief and its engagement with the world in a contemporary context. You can focus on Christian theology and its engagement with philosophical, doctrinal and ethical issues; consider contemporary Christian ideas on gender, race, disability, post-colonialism and religious pluralism; explore Christianity from various global perspectives and its impact on public life; and evaluate traditional and innovative ways of interpreting the Bible.

Next: Modules

The outline of the curriculum below gives you an indication of the kinds of modules you will study if you decide to come to Chester. It also provides you with information about the kinds of options you can choose from to tailor a programme of study to suit your own interests.

First Year (Level 4)

In the first year you can expect to study the following core modules:

  • Introduction to Theology
  • The Bible: Contents and Contexts
  • The Bible: Readers and Perspectives
  • Philosophy and Ethics
  • Global Perspectives on Christianity

Students then choose one module from the following list:

  • Judaism and Buddhism
  • Hinduism and Islam
  • Study of Religion

Second Year (Level 5)

You can expect to choose from a range of modules in Theology such as:

  • Theological Ethics
  • Systematic Theology
  • Contextual and Practical Theology
  • Hebrew Bible: History and Story
  • New Testament: Paul’s Practical Theology

You can also choose some modules in:

  • Islam Religion and Philosophy
  • Hindu Philosophy and Theology
  • Anthropology of Religion
  • Spirituality and Popular Culture
  • Religious Education or Work Based Learning

Third Year (Level 6)

All students can expect to do a Dissertation in Theology which counts as a double module.  In addition you can choose from modules such as:

  • Great Theological Thinkers
  • Feminist Perspectives in Christian Theology
  • Jesus and the Gospels
  • Medical Ethics

And you may choose one option from:

  • Ritual Studies
  • Jews, Christians and Pagans
  • Religion and Culture

 

Next: Assessment

In the first and second year assessment is in a variety of forms :

  • essays
  • portfolios
  • presentations
  • group seminars and a few short examinations

 

In your third year

  • assessment is entirely by coursework, with some oral components
Next: Careers

Students go on to a wide range of careers in education, caring professions, publishing, Christian ministries, social and public services, voluntary organisations, business and industry. 

If you become interested in postgraduate study, the department has programmes leading to Masters degrees in Theology, Religious Studies, Faiths and Public Policy, and Practical and Contextual Theology.

Next: Entry requirements
UCAS: A minimum of 240-280 UCAS points from GCE A Levels or equivalent
BTEC: BTEC National Diploma/Certificate: merit/distinction profile
Irish/Scottish: B in 4 subjects
International Baccalaureate: 26 points
QAA: QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma, Open College Units or Open University Credits
OCR: OCR National Extended/Diploma: merit/distinction profile
Extra Information:

Welsh Baccalaureate (core) will be recognised in our tariff offer.

The Advanced Diploma: acceptable on its own.

The department welcomes mature students without the above formal qualifications who can demonstrate their interest/experience in the subject area.

Bachelor of Theology may only be studied as a single honours degree programme.

How to apply

Beginning: Overview

Who to contact

  • For admission enquiries

    Undergraduate Admissions

    University of Chester

    Parkgate Road

    Chester

    CH1 4BJ

    T:
    01244 512175
    enquiries@chester.ac.uk

  • For enquiries about course content

    Professor David Clough, Professor of Theological Ethics and Acting Head of Department
    T:
    01244 511044
    d.clough@chester.ac.uk