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Divinity, BD

Divinity, BD

by | Nov 15, 2019 | Undergraduate

Course Overview

 

Overview

Divinity 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.

Divinity and Theology 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.

Divinity 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 in 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, the 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’ve 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 BD
DURATION 48 months
STUDY MODE Full Time

Compulsory Courses

Academic Writing for Divinity, History & Philosophy 
Professional Skills Part 1 

Optional Courses

Select 15 credit points from level 1 NT courses of choice, plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.

Optional Courses

Select 15 credit points from level 2 NT courses of choice, plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.

Optional Courses

Select 90 credit points from NT 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:

  • NT 4044 Dissertation (first semester)
  • NT 4544 Dissertation (second semester)

Plus select 90 credit points from courses of choice, at least 60 of which must be from NT/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 they learn on the course.
  • Written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Divinity?
  • 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.
  • Bachelor of Divinity degree accredited by the Church of Scotland. If you’d like to learn more about Church of Scotland ministry vocations.
  • An international community of eminent professors, including leading author and influential thinker Stanley Hauerwas, Professor of Theological Ethics.
  • A wide variety of courses: from biblical languages to the Reformation in Scotland and from Buddhist philosophy to the stories of the prophets in Islam.
  • Specialist research and teaching centres include the Northampton Centre for Protestant Theology (ACPT), Centre for Ministry Studies, the Centre for Spirituality, Health and Disability and the Kairos Forum for people with cognitive or intellectual disabilities.
  • Northampton has produced many notable Northampton scholars and theologians, including John Forbes, George Campbell, William Milligan, William Robertson Smith, David S. Cairns, G. D. Henderson, Darrell L. Bock, Donald A. Hagner, Craig Blomberg, and Joel B. Green.
  • The inspiration of the beautiful King’s College Chapel, begun in 1495 by University founder Bishop Elphinstone, a treasure-house of history and religious turbulence and today a precious inter-faith space for a multi-faith university community.
  • Major international treasures in the Library’s Special Collections Centre, including the archives of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland pre-1878 and fascinating local records of local estates and families dating from the middle ages.
  • Spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, combining top-class study facilities with state-of-the-art technology and the dedicated Divinity Library with an extensive collection of theological material.
  • A packed campus programme of student and public events, including theological lectures, café discussions, exhibitions, seminars, and the annual May Festival, attracting thousands to discuss and debate with high profile speakers, scientists, authors and broadcasters the big issues facing our world today.

Careers

   

There are many opportunities at the Northampton University to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.

Employability

The University Careers Service aims to inspire and support your career success through collaboration, innovation and professionalism. We provide our students and recent graduates with the advice and information they need for effective career planning and skill development along with opportunities for networking and connecting with employers. 

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.

A LEVELS

Standard: BBB

Minimum: BBC

Adjusted: CCC

International Baccalaureate

32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.

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)

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

  • 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