BA(Hons) Theology Degree Prospectus 2020

PROSPECTUS 2020 

TWENTY-FIRST 

CENTURY DISCIPLES 

2020 

PROSPECTUS 

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BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE 

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CONTENTS 

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8 

14 

16 

20 

22 

28 

30 

36 

38 

40 

42 

44 

45 

46 

Principal’s Message 

Why Theology? 

Where Does Theology Lead? 

About Northern Ireland 

Our Lecturers 

Our Community 

BA(Hons) Theology 

Key Teaching on This Course 

Practical Training 

Graduate Diploma 

MA in Theology 

Learning For Everyone 

Finance & Fees 

How to Apply 

Accommodation 

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PRINCIPAL’S 

MESSAGE 

Thank you for considering studying at Belfast Bible College. 

The course you are considering is a brand new edition of our 

BA in Theology. We have spent many months listening 

to students, graduates and employers, alongside reflecting 

on our own role as educators. This has culminated in creating 

a course that provides the foundation for strong theological 

engagement and will create space for you to develop the skills 

you need to live out your faith. 

As you contemplate what steps to take with regard to your 

education and what might best equip you, know we will take 

seriously our role in your learning and development. We are 

excited to be part of equipping 21st Century disciples and would 

love to be part of your story. 

HELEN WARNOCK 

Principal 

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Our goal is to equip 

21st century disciples 

through theological 

education that is 

orientated towards 

a lived-out faith that 

impacts the world. 

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We 

equip 

twenty-first 

century 

disciples 

through 

theological 

education 

that: 

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BUILDS CONFIDENCE IN GOD, 

THE GOSPEL AND THE BIBLE 

FOSTERING 

Spiritual maturity 

Appreciation of cultures 

and context 

Mission heart 

Biblical literacy and 

connected living 

PROVIDES TOOLS TO BE ONGOING 

LEARNERS AND PEOPLE OF INFLUENCE 

FOSTERING 

Robust theological 

thinking and critical 

reflection 

Effective engagement 

in the context in which 

we live and serve 

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WHY THEOLOGY? 

“Ultimately theology is intensely 

practical. It leads to worship 

because, done appropriately, 

it generates an increased 

understanding of the greatness 

of God, an increased appreciation 

of His character and, so, 

an increased desire to be 

in relationship with Him. “ 

DR KAREN FULTON 

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“Theology gives us a tried and trusted language 

to discuss, understand and share about unseen 

realities, ultimate things, and the foundation of 

existence. What we see, taste, hear and feel are 

real, but in many cases these are not the most 

important realities. Unseen realities such as God, 

truth, revelation, mercy, justice, eternity and the 

Kingdom of God – all expressed in time and space, 

here and there – are, I believe, eternal matters, the 

substance of significance both in and beyond daily 

experience.” 

DR CINDY BROWN 

“I have been fortunate to have experience 

of life and work in a variety of contexts. Each 

of these has thrown up different challenges, 

questions and issues that had to be addressed. 

It seems to me that dealing with these issues as a 

Christian is in fact to do theology. So the question 

is not whether or not we do theology, but whether 

or not we do it well.” 

DR PETER MCDOWELL 

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WHAT DOES STUDYING 

Throughout the undergraduate programme you will be 

introduced to a variety of disciplines. At times they will be 

distinctive and at times clearly integrated. To help introduce 

these, we’ve asked four of our lecturers to take the topic 

of leadership and give their perspective. 

MISSIOLOGY 

One of the key issues in the theology of mission 

is contextualisation; that is, how the gospel 

relates to the culture in which mission is being 

practised. True contextualisation is the result 

of a creative engagement between the gospel 

and the culture. 

Christian leadership might look very different 

depending on what context one is in. In a 

context in Northern Ireland, for example, 

leaders engaging in mission will have to 

consider their church and social contexts. 

They will reflect on how the gospel relates 

to people living in a divided society which is 

becoming increasingly secular and how the 

church community is to be a faithful, witnessing 

community. In contrast, however, leaders 

in Asian, African or Latin American cities will 

perhaps be addressing how the gospel relates 

to urban poverty in slums and to people 

of other faiths. 

Missional leaders seek to understand their 

cultural context and to encourage a creative 

engagement between that context and the 

gospel. In doing this they will draw upon 

the skills gained in the other theological 

disciplines, such as Biblical studies, practical 

theology and systematic and historical 

theology. 

PRACTICAL THEOLOGY 

Practical theology sets up a conversation 

between experiences of life and ministry 

and convictions from Scripture and tradition. 

The process can start on either side of the 

conversation. 

For example, when I see a leader 

communicate a vision, if their vision or style 

impresses me, I might want to copy them; if it 

doesn’t, I won’t. Practical theology teaches me 

first to reflect on this experience and to take 

the questions that arise to the Bible, with the 

help of theologians, to seek God’s perspective. 

It isn’t happy to ‘just do something’; it wants to 

do the right and best thing. 

Similarly, Scripture teaches that leaders should 

be servants. What does that mean 

in practice in my leadership where I am? 

Practical theology teaches me to work out how 

my knowledge changes things. It isn’t happy 

just knowing truths about God; it wants to obey 

God in everything. 

Practical theology, done well, challenges 

me to make all my theology practical and all 

my practice theological. It seeks faithfulness 

in beliefs (orthodoxy) and behaviours 

(orthopraxy) for the sake of the gospel 

and the glory of God. 

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THEOLOGY LOOK LIKE? 

SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY 

Since the time of the apostles, the Church has had 

leaders of all sorts. They have differed in their 

temperaments, skills, education, worldview and 

work. Some have done much good for the Church 

and others have done much damage. 

Systematic and historical theology help us to 

frame our reflections on the subject of leadership 

through what Christianity has taught about the 

Church, power, what it means to be human and the 

Kingdom of God in the world. 

Christian leadership is about humble service as 

well as using one’s gifts, training and opportunities 

through the power of the Holy Spirit. Doctrines such 

as what it means to be human (anthropology) and 

what the Church is (ecclesiology) give us essential 

pointers to how Christians can lead others, 

regardless of their context. 

Church history gives us a plethora of examples of 

good and bad leaders – those who sought God 

and His Kingdom before self and power, and those 

who abandoned their submission to Christ for their 

own gain. Alongside the leaders of Scripture, these 

historical figures give us inspiration, direction and 

courage to lead as, when and where God leads 

us today. 

BIBLICAL STUDIES 

2 Timothy 3:16 describes all Scripture as two things: 

God-breathed and useful for forming Christian 

belief and practice. If all Scripture is useful, this 

raises the question of how we use it (all of it) well. 

Regarding the subject of leadership, how does 

Scripture both form and inform our understanding? 

The Bible gives examples of both good (we might 

think of the apostle Paul here) and bad (any 

number of kings in the Old Testament who ‘did 

what was right in their own eyes’) leadership. 

It also gives guidance for how to be an upright 

leader in the eyes of God, which begins with 

being a servant. Christ himself offers a pattern of 

servant-leadership to follow, both in His teaching, 

His relationships and His obedience to the 

Father. Scripture builds on that, with exhortations, 

encouragement and admonition for all Christians 

on serving, and possibly leading, in whatever 

context we find ourselves, using the gifts God 

has given. 

The subject of leadership is a ‘hot topic’ today, 

both culturally and in the Church. Wherever 

our beliefs and practice lead us, they must be 

grounded in and accountable to the teaching 

of Scripture. 

Studying Theology will equip you with greater knowledge and 

a willingness to ask good questions as you learn to take the time 

to soak yourself in the Bible, to consider the voice of history, 

to wrestle with context and push yourself to wise practice. 

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WHERE DOES THEOLOG 

CHURCH 

Pastor / Minister 

Kids’ & Youth Worker 

Outreach Worker 

Worship Leader 

GOVERNMENT 

Social Worker 

National & Local Government 

Civil Service 

Teaching in Schools, 

Colleges & Universities 

CREATIVE 

Songwriter 

Journalist 

Editorial Assistant 

PR & Advertising 

Sales & Marketing 

Television 

CHRISTIAN MINISTRY 

Youth Worker 

Schools Worker 

Community Development 

Compassion Ministries 

Care & Counselling 

MISSION 

Church Planting 

NGO Worker 

International Development 

Evangelism 

Medical Mission 

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Y LEAD? 

FORMER STUDENTS’ STORIES 

Amy is from Scotland and was living in 

Northern Ireland for a year as an intern with 

Drop Inn Ministries after which she started 

studying on the degree course. 

“I didn’t want to be a Religious 

Studies teacher and I didn’t want 

to be a minister or pastor, as 

I was often asked when people 

found out what I was studying. 

What I did know was I was 

passionate about the Church and 

seeing God’s Kingdom grow.” 

God has been faithful in my journey and 

although I wasn’t entirely sure why He led 

me to the Bible College, I use what I learned 

both in my studies and in being part 

of the community almost every day”. 

While still a student, the leaders in her 

church approached her about working 

for her church one day a week. This work 

developed and when she graduated she 

began working 4 days a week with Drop Inn 

Ministries and one day for her church. 

“Both jobs are very varied, I’ve learned new 

skills and had some amazing opportunities. 

CHRIS & SARAH KEILLER 

Chris and Sarah spent their first year in Thailand in fulltime 

language study and have worked in Central Thailand 

with OMF for the last 7 years, helping to support local 

churches. They spend a large part of their time visiting 

and developing new believers. 

The Thai people are very welcoming, but it takes time to 

work out how to share the gospel with people who are 

from a Buddhist culture - they would both be quick to tell 

you they still have a lot to learn! It is in spending time 

developing deep relationships that they then create opportunities 

to talk about God. 

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A B O U T 

NORTHERN 

IRELAND 

HISTORY 

Located on the edge of Europe, the region we 

call Northern Ireland, whose people span the 

globe, has a rich Christian heritage. Its main 

city, Belfast, was an industrial powerhouse in 

the Victorian era and, having emerged from 

the ‘Troubles’ of the 1960s-1990s, is now a 

vibrant, lively city. 

CULTURE 

Our culture is like the Northern Irish people 

–fun, profound and exciting. From musicians 

such as Van Morrison and Snow Patrol, 

to writers like C.S. Lewis and Seamus Heaney 

and sports stars including Rory McIlroy and 

George Best, whether it is someone famous 

or just your next door neighbour, we are 

a creative people. 

CHURCH 

We have a history of deep spirituality 

that has had a great effect throughout 

the world. St Patrick and others laid the 

foundations for an expression of faith 

in which the gospel creatively engaged 

with Ireland’s Celtic culture. Columba and 

others moved out from Ireland to Iona in 

Scotland, from where they evangelised 

the northern part of Great Britain and 

onwards deep into continental Europe. 

In more recent times, many of our men 

and women have engaged in missionary 

service across the world. The church here 

is theologically strong, socially aware 

and is becoming increasingly creative in 

its approach to impacting the nation. 

WHAT TO SEE 

Vast, scenic coastlines, historic cathedral cities 

and green rolling countryside combine to make 

this a beautiful and fascinating country. 

You will enjoy exploring the whole island 

of Ireland and experiencing the warmth 

of Irish hospitality. 

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Edinburgh 

35 minute flight 

Belfast Bible College 

Leeds Bradford 


London Luton 


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OUR CAMPUS 

WORSHIP CENTRE 

The hub of our community, 

where we join together for 

worship and prayer. 

LIBRARY 

With an extensive collection 

of theological books, this is 

a top quality resource for 

study. 

CLASSROOMS 

Our three large lecture 

rooms and several smaller 

ones are where we provoke 

you to think, learn and 

communicate. 

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M U S TA R D 

SEED CAFÉ 

The place to go for good 

food and to spend time in 

community. 

GLENBURN HOUSE 

Home to staff offices, 

meeting rooms and some 

teaching spaces. 

HOSTELS 

We encourage students to 

consider living on site for at 

least their first year, giving 

an opportunity to learn to 

share their faith living in 

community. 

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OUR LECTURERS 

H E L E N 

WARNOCK 

D R K A R E N 

FULTON 

DR CHARLIE 

HADJIEV 

D R P E T E R 

MCDOWELL 

Practical Theology 

New Testament and 

Hellenistic Greek 

Old Testament Study 

and Hebrew 

Missiology 

Helen brings vast ministry 

leadership experience; 

having worked in the 

local church, with Youth 

For Christ NI and then for 

13 years as the Director 

of Scripture Union 

Northern Ireland. She is 

passionate about seeing 

people of all ages grow 

and develop in their 

faith, and is particularly 

invested in seeing people 

engage with their context 

and wrestle with the 

complexity of living out 

their faith in Jesus in 

these times. 

Karen has lived in 

London, where she 

worked as a computer 

consultant, and Kenya, 

where she taught in a 

theological college. 

Living in another 

culture in Kenya was 

a key experience in 

Karen’s life, developing 

in her an interest in 

considering how much 

our understanding of the 

Bible is influenced by our 

own, often unconscious 

and unrecognised, 

cultural assumptions 

which can impede an 

accurate understanding 

of the Biblical text. 

Charlie grew up in 

communist Bulgaria and 

saw a Bible for the first 

time when he was at 

University. Reading the 

story of Jesus transformed 

his life. This led to 

studying theology and 

eventually completing 

doctoral research at 

Oxford. He has served 

as General Secretary 

of a Christian student 

movement in Bulgaria, 

an Academic Dean of 

a theological college 

in Sofia, an Associate 

Regional Secretary for 

IFES Europe, and a coleader 

of a new church 

plant in Bulgaria. 

Peter spent almost six 

years working with the 

United Mission to Nepal, 

first as an engineer then 

as coordinator of the 

Language and Orientation 

Programme for new 

expatriate missionaries. As 

a Presbyterian minister he 

has served congregations 

in Limerick and Belfast, 

the Irish Churches Peace 

Project and the Church 

Mission Department. 

He is interested in the 

relationship between 

gospel and culture and 

in appropriate forms of 

spirituality for the post- 

Christendom context. 

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DR JOY ALLAN 

Practical Theology 

and Missiology 

Joy ‘accidentally’ took a 

theology class in her first 

year of an MA in English 

and fell in love with it, to 

the point of changing her 

degree; she has been 

in love with theology 

ever since. She has been 

training with and working 

for churches of various 

denominations, working 

in social/mental health 

care, and teaching in 

the UK and Italy. It is her 

care for the marginalised, 

passion for teaching, and 

love of theology, which 

forms her theological 

outlook. Her work was 

based in Pentecostal/ 

Charismatic churches, 

which has formed much 

of her own personal and 

professional context. 

DR CINDY 

BROWN 

Systematic and 

Historical Theology 

Cindy was introduced to 

systematic theology in her 

early 30s, which was a 

simultaneous discovery of 

a language to understand 

the deep things of faith 

and her vocation of 

being a theologian. 

Alongside this, her 

mission experience 

across four continents 

impressed upon her that 

there is a host of ways 

to express what the 

Church believes, but there 

remains one core to it 

all: Jesus Christ and Him 

crucified, resurrected and 

ascended. 

DR WILLIAM 

FORD 

Old Testament Study 

and Hebrew 

Before and in between 

studying theology, William 

spent two periods in 

London, firstly a gap 

year with the London City 

Mission, and secondly 

training to be a chartered 

accountant. His aim is 

not just to give students 

more knowledge of the 

Old Testament, but also 

to inspire them to study it 

further themselves. 

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OUR COMMUNITY 

CHAPEL SERVICES 

We believe it is important to 

acknowledge, as a community, our 

dependence on God and our need for 

Him, so once a week we meet to worship 

God together and to hear from Him 

FELLOWSHIP GROUPS 

To encourage the building of authentic 

relationships, staff and students 

participate in small groups, where they 

have the chance to get to know each 

other better, share their spiritual journeys 

and enjoy social activities together. 

REFLECTION AND 

RENEWAL 

We believe in the principle of pausing in 

the midst of our normal activities in order 

to listen to God, so once a semester we 

have a morning when there are no lectures 

and we gather together to reflect and be 

renewed. Through teaching from Scripture, 

testimony, individual and group reflection, 

we allow our souls to be fed and restored. 

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MISSION 

We teach missiology in the classroom 

and we include mission sessions during 

our chapel services, when we may look 

at Business as Mission or we may reflect 

on how we engage with culture – all with 

the goal of equipping twenty-first century 

disciples for whatever God has for them 

after their studies. 

PRAYER MEETINGS 

At several points of the week, there 

are opportunities to come together 

to pray; we also have a Prayer Week 

once or twice a year, when we enjoy 

more focussed times of prayer; and for 

individual prayer time we have a prayer 

room and a prayer walk. 

AREAS OF SERVICE 

We believe that our love for God is 

demonstrated in our love for one 

another, so we invite students to serve 

the community by engaging in practical 

service. This could be leading worship, 

serving lunch, leading a fellowship 

group, training in pastoral care or 

helping with gardening. 

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Alongside their 

studies, students 

are offered an 

experience of 

living and serving 

in community, 

which gives them 

the opportunity 

to develop their 

gifts, grow in their 

faith, deepen their 

relationships with 

God and allow 

Him to shape their 

characters. 

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S T U D E N T 

CHAIR 

MATTHEW CAMPBELL 

The College provides its students with 

many opportunities to learn in the 

classroom but also to serve on campus. 

As a student it has been my experience 

that learning and serving go very much 

hand in hand. 

Being part of the Bible College means 

being part of a community, and there 

are many different aspects to community 

life that all students are invited to take 

part in. Every Tuesday at 12pm, the staff 

and students meet to worship God. I 

have come to learn that in our worship 

services we don’t disengage our brains, 

but rather our acts of worship and 

what we have learned in the classroom 

complement each other in how we 

continually get to know our God more 

and more. 

Community life provides ways for 

students to serve, through leading 

worship, leading fellowship groups, 

sharing in chapel and other practical 

ways. There is fantastic pastoral support 

on campus with a team of people with 

willing ears to listen and give support. 

As a community, we strive to love one 

another in a way that demonstrates 

Christ-likeness. 

The Student Committee works for 

students and helps them in many ways, 

but primarily our aim is to provide 

opportunities for students so that they 

engage and get involved in community 

life. Student Committee oversee 

a number of great student events 

throughout the year: from the welcoming 

Castlewellan retreat at the beginning 

to the celebratory Student Formal 

at the end. 

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BA(HONS) THEOLOGY 

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EQUIPPING YOU AS A 21ST CENTURY DISCIPLE 

In our rapidly changing world, 

we are continually presented 

with opportunities to interact 

with a diverse range of people. 

Each day we have to engage 

with political opinion, social 

debate, ethical conundrums 

and cultural diversity. These can 

be local or global, physical or 

virtual, simple or complex and 

we have the choice as to how 

we respond and bring the reality 

of God into the world. 

In the 21st Century, we 

increasingly have to interact with 

those that do not hold the same 

worldviews and principles as 

we do. The challenge is how we 

understand views different from 

our own and then present the 

truth of Scripture in a way that is 

understood and meaningful 

to those hearing it. How can 

we move beyond debates 

to be a living demonstration of 

the Gospel so that it transforms 

the people around us? 

The opportunities for serving 

Jesus in this century are 

continually developing and 

changing. We want to equip 

you with the ability to encounter 

new situations with knowledge, 

maturity and Christian character. 

We want to help you develop 

as a critical thinker who can 

communicate clearly, 

a practitioner with the ability 

to engage meaningfully and 

a disciple committed 

to following Jesus. 

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K E Y T E A C H I N G 

ON THIS COURSE 

1. BIBLICAL STUDIES 

Understanding how to read and interpret 

the Bible is a key feature of this course. 

We want you to develop a high level 

of Biblical literacy and a depth of 

knowledge about how to connect the 

teachings of the Bible to the people 

with whom you will live and serve. 

Looking at the Biblical text in its original 

context gives an awareness of how the 

message of the text would have been 

understood by the first hearers and how 

culture and translation can impact your 

understanding of the Biblical text. 

3. DEVELOPING PRACTICE 

Our Developing Practice modules are at the 

heart of our goal to equip you as a disciple; 

confident in your faith, reflective in your 

practice and informed and passionate 

in your theological thinking about connecting 

with and serving your neighbours, wherever 

you are. 

YEAR 1 

Discipleship and Service: 

This opportunity to serve regularly 

in a weekly placement, will raise 

awareness of social issues and 

theological questions. The focus 

is on reflective practice, personal 

development, spiritual formation and 

discipleship. 

2. SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY 

The language and terminology we use 

to describe the Christian faith has been 

developed over the last two thousand 

years. These terms, such as, Christology, 

trinitarian, eschatology, sacrament and 

many more are used regularly by the 

Church but are packed with meaning 

and depth that are important for those 

in Christian ministry and leadership to 

understand. You will be encouraged to 

consider a range of views on different 

issues, including those different from 

your own, to gain an understanding 

of different viewpoints and a better 

understanding of your own views. The 

interdenominational and international 

nature of the College provides a context 

for some interesting discussions and 

debates. 

YEAR 2 

YEAR 3 

Mission and Ministry: 

There will be weekly and block 

placements where you are encouraged 

to challenge yourself, to develop 

accountable working relationships, 

outstanding team skills and have 

a clear awareness of your own skills 

and abilities. 

Vocation and Connection: 

You will have the opportunity to 

consider and evaluate your vocation, 

know skills and focus for your next 

steps after college. This will help you 

develop as a leader of integrity who 

has a desire for lifelong learning and 

the tools to provide for your spiritual 

growth, professional growth and selfcare 

in ministry and employment. 

CORE MODULES 

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4. HISTORICAL STUDIES 

The Church today stands on the 

foundation of those who have gone 

before, people and events that have 

spread the Church into the worldwide 

phenomenon that it is now. Starting from 

the years after the early Church of the 

New Testament to the present day you 

will look at the successes and failures of 

(the decisions that have been made by) 

those who have gone before us. 

7. ENGAGING THE WORLD 

In Engaging the World you will grapple 

with the interconnectedness of the Bible 

and theology; with issues such as culture, 

economics, politics, worldviews and ethical 

issues. 

YEAR 1 

The Bible and Mission: 

You will develop a Biblical 

understanding of mission based 

on God’s engagement with the world 

from Genesis to Revelation, centred 

on the work of Christ. You will then 

explore how this should inform your 

engagement in the world in mission. 

5. MISSION STUDIES 

Sharing the Good News of Jesus is 

a central command of the Bible. We 

want you to be able to understand 

how to speak into a range of cultures 

and contexts, whether local or global. 

You will have the opportunity to study 

other religions, understanding what they 

believe, and also study subjects such as 

evangelism and apologetics which teach 

you how to engage constructively with 

those of other faiths. 

6. PRACTICAL STUDIES 

Throughout the degree, you will learn 

key skills such as communication and 

critical thinking which will allow you to 

be confident in working in any area. We 

also allow students to focus on particular 

areas which are of interest to them and 

their future calling. In the final year of the 

degree you get to choose from a range 

of practical subject areas that allow you 

to learn key skills and understanding in 

that particular area to develop you. 

YEAR 2 

YEAR 3 

Cultures Then and Now: 

Focuses on the important relationship 

between the gospel and culture. 

You will explore how the gospel can 

be communicated in ways that are 

relevant to different cultures, but also 

how the gospel challenges aspects 

of all cultures. 

Worldviews or Issues & Ethics: 

There are two Engaging the World 

modules and you must choose one, 

but you may choose to do both. 

The first explores the concept of 

worldview and missiological responses 

to several contemporary challenges, 

such as neoliberalism, postmodernism, 

and secularism. The second focuses 

on how Christians can engage in 

informed and meaningful ways with 

specific issues, such as sexuality, 

euthanasia and poverty. 

CORE MODULES 

Within the traditional 

framework of our 

theology degree, we 

have developed a new 

core set of modules 

which give our students 

a unique advantage 

as we seek to equip 

them as 21st Century 

Disciples. 

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MODULE CHOICES 

YEAR 1 

LEVEL 4 - FOUNDATIONS 

This is about learning how to study theology 

and acquiring the skills & knowledge, as well 

as an understanding of the underpinning 

concepts and principles, which allow you to 

study the Bible in more depth. 

YEAR 2 

LEVEL 5 - DEVELOPMENT 

We encourage you to develop your ability to 

evaluate theological issues and then to communicate 

your ideas and arguments in an articulate way. We 

want to you be able to think more independently 

and be able to reflect on your Christian experience 

and practice in the light of scholarship. 

Core Modules (all mandatory) 

Core Modules 

• Engaging the World: The Bible and 

Mission 

• Developing Practice: Discipleship and 

Service 

• Engaging the World: Cultures Then and Now 

• Developing Practice: Mission and Ministry 

Compulsory 

• Old Testament Introduction 

• New Testament Introduction 

• Methods for Theological Thinking 

• Foundations of the Christian Faith 

Compulsory 

• Introduction to Hermeneutics 

• Core Christian Doctrine 

Optional (Choose 2) 

• Contemporary Use of Scripture 

• Greek 

• Pastoral Care 

• Church in Practice 

• Encounters on the Edge 

• Jesus Through the Centuries 

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YEAR 3 

LEVEL 6 - SPECIALISATION 

The final year of the degree is when we really push 

students past the point where they just understand 

Biblical and Christian issues to where they can 

critically evaluate them, suggest solutions to 

complex problems, and then communicate solutions 

in a variety of ways. This year is about developing 

your ability to work independently in the workplace 

and ministry, understanding how to exercise good 

judgement, how to be accountable and how to think 

analytically about everything you do. 

Core 

• Engaging the World: Worldviews or Issues & Ethics 

• Developing Practice: Vocation and Connection 

Optional 

• Advanced Hermeneutics 

• Advanced study of OT text 

• Advanced study of NT text 

• Problematic Biblical Texts 

• Hebrew 

• Jesus through the Centuries 

• Being Human 

• Modern Theology 

• World Religions 

• Preaching 

• Leadership 

• Youth Ministry 

• Theology of Christian Worship 

• Evangelism and Apologetics 

• Dissertation 

(Not all optional modules will be offered each year and 

are subject to there being sufficient students interested in 

taking them. The exact modules offered or their titles are 

subject to change as part of the revalidation process. 

See website for full details of modules.) 

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S T U D Y I N G 

THIS COURSE 

WILL ALLOW 

YOU TO: 

• Understand the Biblical and theological 

foundations of Christian life and ministry 

and apply this to your own spiritual 

formation and in facilitating the spiritual 

formation of others. 

• Learn how the Bible impacts people 

in various local and global cultures and 

how to share your faith with them. 

• Be equipped with skills for ministry and 

ongoing personal spiritual development. 

• Learn how to communicate information, 

ideas, arguments, principles and 

theories, both written and oral. Present 

arguments for your views while taking on 

board the views of others. 

• Discover how to study and also to reflect 

on your strengths and weaknesses. 

• Become a critical thinker, looking 

beneath the surface of theological 

issues. 

• Grow in Christian character and develop 

as a disciple of Jesus. 

• Learn to work as a team member. 

• Come away with an understanding of 

the richness of Christianity and how it 

has been influenced by context and 

shaped by the thinking of individuals 

and churches throughout history. 

• Learn to take the teaching of Scripture 

and apply it to the world today, 

understanding how it shapes and 

influences contemporary issues. 

THIS PROGRAMME ALSO INCLUDES: 

CERT HE – 1 YEAR 

DIP HE – 2 YEARS 

HOW THIS IS TAUGHT: 

This degree programme is taught in a variety 

of interesting ways; lectures, group/work, 

class discussions, seminars, online forums 

and interactive exercises. Assessment is 

mainly through writing essays or reflective 

journals but there may also be exams, 

presentations and portfolios. This varied 

approach helps you to develop a wide range 

of skills. 

COURSE COMPOSITION: 

Around 8 hours per week of teaching 

and 25 to 30 hours per week of reading, 

individual study, placement and community 

participation. 

KEY FEATURES OF 

THIS COURSE: 

• Study part time or full time. 

• Placements and practical training 

are a core element. 

• You can move from one 

undergraduate course to another 

including to the degree. 

• Potential to transfer from another 

theological college or university. 

• Prior learning and experience 

taken into consideration for entry 

for mature students. 

34


PATHWAYS & OPTIONS 

STARTS: 

September 2020 

Study over three years full-time / six 

years part-time 

E N T R Y : 

64 UCAS points, typically A2 CC, 

plus 2 GCSE’s at Grade C or higher 

to include English Language (or 

equivalent) 

University-validated courses at Belfast Bible 

College have been Quality Assured by QAA. 

This course is delivered in partnership with 

the University of Cumbria. The teaching is 

designed and delivered by the Bible College 

lecturers while the course is validated by the 

University of Cumbria to ensure it is of an 

appropriately high standard. 

www.cumbria.ac.uk 

This course is subject to revalidation with 

the University of Cumbria which should be 

completed in February 2020. Please see our 

website for further information. 

ENTRANCE / EXIT POINTS: 

This programme is flexible, allowing you to complete different parts and still 

achieve a qualification. 

Complete year 1 and you can graduate with a Cert HE. 

Complete years 1 and 2 and you can achieve a Dip HE. 

Complete all 3 years and you can receive a BA(Hons) Degree. 

If you leave with a Cert HE or Dip HE, there is the option to return at a later 

date to continue to study towards the degree. 

35


P R A C T I C A L 

TRAINING 

Practical Placements provide exciting 

opportunities to apply theory in service. 

All students participate in both weekly and block 

placements as part of the undergraduate course. You 

can choose from a wide variety of weekly placement 

opportunities, with amazing organisations. Choose 

to work with children, young people or the elderly; 

choose to work with churches, charities, or local 

organisations. Four semesters working in specific 

situations, allows the development of meaningful 

relationships and gives valuable experience and 

significant opportunity to learn and develop skills and 

strengths for ministry and employment. The learning 

from student experiences on placement, is developed 

through class discussion and assignments in the 

‘Developing Practice’ modules. 

BLOCK PLACEMENT 

For the summer at the end of second year, students 

select and plan a block placement - at least 4 

weeks full time - either overseas or in the UK. These 

opportunities are as varied as students’ hopes, 

dreams, and organisational skills and the College 

framework will allow! Students spend this more 

concentrated period of time working in ministry 

situations alongside full-time workers. They experience 

the challenges and possibilities of their chosen areas 

of work, helping them to discern their suitability for a 

future commitment, by detailed reflection on an aspect 

of their choice. 

“For my placement, I headed 

over half way across the world 

to Gold Coast, Australia where 

I interned at a church called 

SurfCity. What an adventure this 

was – from helping with worship, 

youth ministry, kids’ ministry, 

administration, creative ministry 

and much more, this placement 

gave me an insight of what church 

is and allowed me to develop 

different skills and talents. Over 

the two months I was there, I saw 

incredible things happen and 

saw God work in the community 

of SurfCity Church. This adventure 

was a great experience and God 

was in the centre of everything 

that we did.“ 

Student: Esther 

36


“During my placement with Prison 

Fellowship NI, I saw the power of 

God at work with people we may 

otherwise forget about or look 

down on. He wasn’t limited by 

their prison cells, He broke right 

in and is transforming lives, an 

unforgettable experience which 

I witnessed over and over during 

my time there. This taught me how 

He isn’t restricted by where we 

are spiritually or physically either, 

and it has been a life-shaping 

experience to be a part of the 

work there.” 

Student: Kate 

A SUPERVISOR’S VIEW 

“My placement student hit the 

ground running, engaging pupils 

in God’s Good News in both 

Primary and Secondary schools, 

through assemblies, RE Lessons 

and SU Groups across East Antrim. 

It was a joy to see him grow in his 

understanding and confidence 

of how to engage pupils through 

the writing and delivering 

of a program, increasing his 

understanding of how to partner 

with and empower the local 

church. He was a huge blessing to 

East Antrim and Scripture Union!” 

Supervisor: Sarah 

37


G R A D U AT E 

DIPLOMA 

The Graduate Diploma course is for 

anyone who has an undergraduate 

degree and wants to spend a year 

developing their knowledge of the 

Bible, learning relevant skills for 

Christian ministry and developing 

their own spiritual discipline 

and devotion. 

The skills and knowledge acquired 

on this course are an excellent 

preparation to serve in Christian ministry, 

mission and leadership. It also gives 

you the confidence and skills to bring 

the gospel into the workplace or lead 

in a church or community context. The 

academic teaching on the course allows 

progression on to a Masters of Theology 

and further research. 

You can study a range of theological 

topics and gain a breadth of 

understanding about Biblical studies, 

ministry, mission, and investigate many 

contemporary religious issues. You have 

the flexibility on this course to choose the 

modules which best prepare you for your 

Christian calling. 

For a list of the modules usually offered on 

the Graduate Diploma course, see page 

35 under Level 6. You can choose any 6 of 

these modules along with the option of an 

individual research module. 

The Graduate Diploma can be studied 

intensively in one year or part-time over 

two years. 

38


ACADEMIC / SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT / PRACTICAL 

TRAINING & MISSION 

S TA R T S : 

September 2020 Study over 

one year full-time / two years 

part-time 

E N T R Y : 

A degree from a recognised 

university, at 2.2 level or a 

professional qualification 

at the same level, also 1 year 

of active engagement in some 

form of Christian Ministry. 

COURSE 

COMPOSITION: 

Around 8 hours per week 

of teaching and 25 to 30 

hours per week of reading, 

individual study and community 

participation. 

University-validated courses at Belfast Bible College have been Quality- 

Assured by QAA. 

This course is delivered in partnership with the University of Cumbria. The 

teaching is designed and delivered by the Bible College lecturers while 

the course is validated by the University of Cumbria to ensure it is of an 

appropriately high standard. 

www.cumbria.ac.uk 

39


MA THEOLOGY 

Our range of postgraduate courses aims to stimulate 

deeper thinking and Biblical understanding for those 

in Christian leadership or those pursuing an interest 

in academic theology. 

MA THEOLOGY 

Bible and Ministry in the 

Contemporary World 

Our MA is designed to help 

you to deepen your Biblical 

knowledge and then apply 

it to ministry in the 

contemporary world. 

We will be looking at current 

cultural issues, Biblical texts, 

topics of particular relevance 

to modern society, and effective 

contemporary practice in 

mission and ministry. 

We want to assist leaders in 

developing ways of thinking 

that allow them to build up their 

ministry in Biblical and relevant 

ways. 

E N T R Y : 

Applicants must normally 

hold an Honours Degree in 

any subject (Minimum Class 

2:1). Alternative entry routes 

available. 

MODE OF STUDY: 

2 years part-time study, 

delivered through week- long 

intensives and regular online 

learning. 

Validated by the University of Cumbria. 

40


41


L E A R N I N G 

FOR EVERYONE 

We want everyone 

to have opportunities 

to gain a deeper 

understanding of the 

Bible and to develop 

their relationship with 

God through theological 

education. 

42


EVENTS 

Throughout the year we run a range of 

evening seminars and day conferences 

that speak into specific theological 

issues and encourage people in their 

faith. Details of these will be available 

on our website. 

EVENING COURSES 

Open to everyone, these are three or six 

week courses held on Tuesday evenings, 

looking at a range of interesting and 

relevant topics focussing on the Bible, 

Mission or Ministry. Take one module or 

several over the course of the year and 

work towards a certificate if you choose. 

WOMEN’S STUDY 

FELLOWSHIP 

Held on Monday mornings, this course 

is for women who want to spend time 

studying the Bible, developing their faith, 

and learning skills for ministry. With time 

for prayer, worship and fellowship, this 

course is very popular. 

PASTORAL CARE 

COURSE 

This is ideal for anyone who is involved 

in providing pastoral care from 

a Christian perspective. Learn Biblical 

and theological perspectives and skills 

for contemporary pastoral care. 

We run a variety of 

events and courses 

throughout the year 

that range from just one 

morning or evening to 

one day a week over the 

course of the year. 

43


FINANCES & FEES 

• For all of our undergraduate courses, 

you are able to apply for a student 

loan if you are eligible. It is the 

same process as for any other UK 

university. 

• For students from Northern Ireland, 

our fees are slightly higher than 

the loan from the Student Loans 

Company. This payment can be 

spread over the course of the year. 

• The enrolment fee of £350 has to be 

paid each year before the start of 

term. 

• For full details of fees, please see 

our website. All fees may be subject 

to changes and increases. 

STUDENT SUPPORT 

The College provides support to our 

students in several ways: each student 

has a personal tutor who will help with 

academic issues; each student is part of 

a fellowship group where students can 

support one another as well as receive 

support from their group leader; and if a 

student is in need of some pastoral care 

at any stage, then this is available from 

our pastoral care team. 

44


APPLYING 

Everyone is welcome to apply to study at 

the College and our application process 

is designed to make sure that we will 

be a good fit for each other. We want 

everyone who comes to study to thrive 

and really benefit from their education. 

1. Application is via our website: 

www.belfastbiblecollege.com 

2. Click on the course you want to 

apply for and please take some time to 

discover exactly what is involved in the 

course. 

3. Then on that page press the ‘Apply’ 

button. 

4. The form will ask for: 

• Personal details 

• Details about your education, serving 

and working experience 

• Information about you, and how you 

think studying theology will benefit 

you 

• Names and emails for two referees 

5. We will take up your references and 

then when they are received we will 

invite you to the College for an interview. 

6. After the interview we normally notify 

you about the outcome in a couple of 

days. 

Applications are open from September 

2019 until August 2020. 

From the point of application to receiving 

an offer is normally about three 

to four weeks. 

45


ACCOMMODATION 

There are some amazing opportunities as Christians 

to learn more about ourselves and develop our 

relationship with God - living in Christian community 

for a season can be a time of real spiritual growth 

and personal development. 

Living on campus can be an enriching and exciting time, as many different and 

unique people share their lives and experiences. It is an amazing opportunity 

to come and challenge yourself to put the needs of the community above your 

own; to seek to serve others with willingness and joy, and to be considerate 

and sensitive towards others. 

We do encourage all our first year students to live on site, and fully commit 

to the community to enhance their faith development, make lasting friendships, 

and invest in their studies. 

RIVERSIDE HOUSE 

Riverside House has 10 comfortable 

single rooms on each floor. Each 

room has a bed, wardrobe and 

storage space, study desk and chair, 

a wash hand basin and IT access. 

Wi-Fi is also available. One side 

of the building overlooks the river 

and woodlands, the other the 

College garden and lawns. Shared 

facilities of four toilets, two baths 

and two showers are available on 

each floor, and there is a wellequipped 

ground floor kitchen and 

bright, comfy lounge for the exclusive 

use of our resident students. 

WELLESLEY HOUSE 

The ground floor of Wellesley 

House has four individual selfcontained 

flats, ideally suited 

to two people sharing, each with 

a double bedroom/study, a lounge, 

kitchen/dinette, and bath or shower 

room. The upper floor has two 

independent flats, each comprising 

five individual single study/ 

bedrooms, two shower rooms 

and a kitchen. 

Each single study room comprises a bed, wardrobe, shelving, desk & chair, 

easy seat and a wash hand basin/mirror. 

All accommodation is fully equipped for self-catering and study. 

Heating, electricity and internet are all included in the price. 

46


GET INFORMED 

We have a number of Discovery Days for you 

to come to and experience what it is like 

to study at the College. Check out our website 

or social media to find when they’re coming up. 

Or if you want to come along for a visit at 

another time, we can arrange for you to have 

an individual tour and a chat with our 

Admissions staff. 

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48

BA(Hons) Theology Degree Prospectus 2020

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