Course Overview
Overview
Theology at Northampton focuses on the study of the Christian faith and tradition in the context of its history, institutions and its role today. Whether you have a personal, vocational or intellectual interest in learning more about the Christian faith, or want to explore the world’s major religions, Northampton is the place for you. You will gain accreditation with the Church of Scotland and great transferable skills which open a wide range of career options, in addition to ministry.
Theology and Divinity degrees at Northampton both concentrate on the study of Christian faith, life and doctrine in its historical, institutional and contemporary contexts and both the Bachelor of Divinity and Bachelor of Theology degrees are accredited by the Church of Scotland.
Theology has been taught at Northampton since the university was founded in 1495. You will join an international community of students and leading academics carrying forward this 500+ years of tradition in the highest-quality teaching and researching all aspects of theology and ministry and with close links to experts in all the world’s major religions.
You will explore the history of the church, Old and New Testaments, practical theology and theological ethics and choose from a vast array of courses including Biblical languages, the history of the Church in the West, the Reformation in Scotland, classical and contemporary Christian doctrine, the role of religion in ethical and political debates, and religious aspects of disability.
You will get to grips with the ancient languages of Hebrew, Greek and Latin, study the Quran, Confucian and Daoist sacred texts, explore the anthropology and sociology of religion and examine the links between spirituality, health and healing.
In addition to ministry and other roles in the church, your career options will be wide due to the intellectual skills you will have gained, media and journalism, public service and administration, the NGO sector, business, government service, publishing, education and research.
AT A GLANCE
| LEARNING MODE | On Campus Learning |
| DEGREE QUALIFICATION | Bth |
| DURATION | 48 months |
| STUDY MODE | Full Time |
What You'll Study
Theology at Northampton is a diverse programme that offers a range of fascinating courses. The analytical and comparative skills that you will develop will help prepare you for a wide variety of careers. Some of the topics that you will study on this course include the Hebrew Bible; The Founders of Christianity, the New Testament, Ancient Israel, Christian Doctrine and Practice, Anthropological Theories of Religion, The Origins of Christology and The Reformation in Scotland
How You'll Study
The School of Divinity, History and Philosophy emphasises a flexible approach to teaching and assessment, utilising a combination of small and large group teaching assessed through examinations, essays and presentations. Honours students write a dissertation on a subject of their choice approved by a supervisor.
Compulsory Courses
During the first year of study students take a number of Divinity and Religious Studies courses (a minimum of 60 credits) from a specified list.
- Academic Writing for Divinity, History & Philosophy (NT1007)
- Professional Skills Part 1 (NT1001)
Optional Courses
Select 90 credit points from DR/RS courses of choice at level 1, plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.
Compulsory Courses
During the second year of study students take a number of Divinity and Religious Studies courses (a minimum of 60 credits) from a specified list.
Optional Courses
Select 90 credit points from DR/RS courses of choice at level 2, plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.
Optional Courses
Select 90 credit points from DR/RS courses of choice at level 3 or above, plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.
Optional Courses
Select one of the following dissertation options:
- NT4044 Dissertation
- NT4544 Dissertation
Plus 90 credit points from courses of choice, at least 60 of which must be from DR/RS courses at level 4.
- Dissertation (NT4044) – 30 Credit Points
- Dissertation (NT4544) – 30 Credit Points
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Theology?
- According to the 2018 National Student Survey (NSS), Theology and Religious Studies is one of six subjects at the Northampton University to receive a 100% student satisfaction rating.
- The Northampton University has a tradition of theological study and excellence dating back to when it first opened in 1495.
- This programme offers a vast array of courses, including Biblical languages, the history of the Church in the West and the Reformation in Scotland.
- You will benefit from having the opportunity to study courses that particularly interest you, ensuring that you achieve the highest grade you can.
- Our department is host to an international community of scholars who study all aspects of theology and ministry.
- You will benefit from the department’s close links to religious studies specialists.
- You will have access to excellent library facilities, beautiful surroundings, and a warm welcome.
- At Northampton University, we keep our class sizes small, so that you can share your thoughts and ideas with teaching staff and other students.
Careers
Entry requirements
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB*
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB*
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB*
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB*
Minimum: BBC*
Adjusted: CCC*
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL*.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 OR AAABB*, obtained in a single sitting. (B must be at B2 or above)
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Northampton University it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL – 6.0 with: Listening – 5.5; Reading – 5.5; Speaking – 5.5; Writing – 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL – 78 with: Listening – 17; Reading – 18; Speaking – 20; Writing – 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL – 54 with: Listening – 51; Reading – 51; Speaking – 51; Writing – 54
Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:
OVERALL – 169 with: Listening – 162; Reading – 162; Speaking – 162; Writing – 169
How to apply
This programm by online learning has start dates in September and January of each academic year.
We recommend that you apply as early as possible; this is particularly important for applicants who may need to allow sufficient time to take an English language test
Documentation required
Applications are made online via the University Application Service, EUCLID.
Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you have included the following documentation with your application:
- Degree certificates showing award of degree.
- Previous academic transcripts for all past degree programmes.
- A reference in support or your application. The reference should be academic and dated no earlier than one year from the start of study on the LLM programme.
- Evidence of English language proficiency, if required.
If you are currently studying for your degree or you are not in a possession of an English test result you may still apply to the programme. Please note that it is your responsibility to submit the necessary documents.
After you apply
After your application has been submitted you will be able to track its progress through the University’s applicant hub.
Application processing times will vary however the admissions team will endeavour to process your application within four to six weeks of submission. Please note that missing documentation will delay the application process.
You will be informed as soon as possible of the decision taken. Three outcomes are possible:
- You may be offered a place unconditionally
- You may be offered a conditional place, which means that you must fulfil certain conditions that will be specified in the offer letter. Where a conditional offer is made, it is your responsibility to inform the College Postgraduate Office when you have fulfilled the requirements set out.
- Your application may be unsuccessful. If your application has not been successful, you can request feedback from us or refer to our guidance for unsuccessful applicants, which explains some of the common reasons we why we reach this decision.
View the University’s guidance for unsuccessful applicants
Terms and conditions of admissions
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The University’s terms and conditions form part of your contract with the University, and you should read them, and our data protection policy, carefully before applying.
Northampton University admissions terms and conditions