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Theology and Religion Flexible Learning Programme, Certificate

Theology and Religion Flexible Learning Programme, Certificate

Course Overview

Overview

The Theology and Religion Flexible Learning Programme is a part-time distance programme which offers a range of course options and qualification outcomes.

It warmly welcomes applicants interested in theology and religious studies, including those who wish to undertake vocational studies relevant to church ministry and convocation.

There are various modes of study available on the Theology and Religion Flexible Programme:

ISS – Individual Study
(Programme Code: TBC)
If you are looking to take various modules, more for interest rather than immediate programme pathway, then ISS is a perfect option. There are no prerequisites and compulsory subject areas.

Certificate in Theology and Religion
(Programme Code: 14V891R1)
For a Certificate in Theology and Religion, students would be required to take 120 credits which may be drawn from a selection Level 1 and Level 2 distance learning courses offered as part of the Theology and Religion Flexible Programme.

Diploma in Theology and Religion
(Programme Code: 14V892R2)
For a Diploma in Theology and Religion, it would be required to take 240 credits with at least 100 at Level 2. Credits taken as part of the Certificate in Theology and Religion can contribute towards the Diploma.

There are no compulsory courses for either the Certificate or Diploma in Theology and Religion.

Bachelors in Theology (Distance)
(Programme Code: with Honours 08V82070, without 08V82088)
2016-2017 onwards a new qualification in Bachelors in Theology (without or with Honours) is available.

AT A GLANCE
LEARNING MODE On Campus Learning
DEGREE QUALIFICATION Certificate
DURATION 96 months
STUDY MODE Full Time
What You'll Study

There is a vast range of courses on offer to distance learning students, which alternate on a yearly basis so to maximise on choice and selection.

There are two semesters to the academic year with a range of courses being offered in each half session. To be as flexible as possible students are able to take as many courses per annum, (upper limit 75 credits with a lower limit of 15 credits per academic year). There are no compulsory subjects and advice is given to all students to ensure suitable course selection.

*Please note that courses offered each academic year may change. The courses listed below are being offered in the current academic year.

The programme allows students to exit with one of the following:

  • Individual Subject Study
  • Certificate in Theology and Religion
  • Diploma in Theology and Religion
  • Bachelor in Theology
How You'll Study

Level 1 / 2 (Certificate/Diploma)

It is possible to take courses at either level one or level two. If a course is taken at one level, it is not possible to reduplicate at another level. A selection of courses may include:

NT1077  NT201M The Rise of Christianity

NT101C  NT201C Religions of Ancient Greece and Beyond

NT1580  NT251K Introduction to the Hebrew Bible

NT1581  NT251P Introduction to Christian Theology

NT1078  NT1578 Ancient Greek Language

NT101Z  NT201Z Atheism and Atheisms

NT151H  NT251R Exploring the New Testament

NT1010 Latin 1  NT1508 Latin 2

NT1502 Key Works for European Civilisation

Level 2 / 3: Diploma / Degree

It is possible to take the following courses at either level two or level three. If a course is taken at one level, it is not possible to reduplicate at another level. A selection of courses may include:

NT202W  NT302W Pastoral Care

NT202U  NT302U Scottish Church History and Theology

PROGRAMME YEAR 3 (Degree)

A selection of courses may include:

NT3092  NT4043 What is Religion and Theology? A Synoptic Consideration

NT3092  NT4043 Secularism

NT352Y  NT452Y Animals and Monsters in the Greek World and Beyond

PROGRAMME YEAR 4 (Degree)

A selection of courses may include:

NT355C/NT4543 The Followers of Lady Poverty: St Francis and his disciples

NT4044  NT4544 Dissertation

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 and Religion Flexible Learning Programme?

Certificate and Diploma in Theology and Religion courses are delivered by subject specialists within the School of Divinity, utilising a range of innovative online technologies.

Each course offers blended teaching and learning approaches, to include subject specific learning platforms, synchronous online tutorials, downloadable lectures and learning materials.

As a student at the Northampton University  you would have full access to the student faculties and support, such as library access (online journals and digitalised volumes), student support, student academic support, personal tutor and online Student Hub. 

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 and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.

 

The University Careers and Employability 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.

* 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
  • 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

Theology, BTh

Theology, BTh

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

Studying Theology at Northampton will help you prepare for a wide range of careers. The University places a strong emphasis on applied learning and the skills that you learn will help you meet the requirements of top employers. Many of our graduates continue their studies at postgraduate level and go on to be involved in internationally recognised research programmes. Other graduates have found employment in a wide range of areas, including the churches, media and journalism, teaching, public service and administration, the NGO sector, business, government and publishing.

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
  • 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