BA(Hons) Theology Degree Prospectus 2020
Our 3-year degree in Theology. Taught in Christian community, weaving together strands of Biblical Studies, Practical Theology, Systematics, Church History and Mission. A core set of modules based around Practical Training and vocational development and another set of core modules based on engaging the world.
Our 3-year degree in Theology. Taught in Christian community, weaving together strands of Biblical Studies, Practical Theology, Systematics, Church History and Mission. A core set of modules based around Practical Training and vocational development and another set of core modules based on engaging the world.
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PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
TWENTY-FIRST<br />
CENTURY DISCIPLES<br />
<strong>2020</strong><br />
PROSPECTUS<br />
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BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
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PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
CONTENTS<br />
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Principal’s Message<br />
Why <strong>Theology</strong>?<br />
Where Does <strong>Theology</strong> Lead?<br />
About Northern Ireland<br />
Our Lecturers<br />
Our Community<br />
<strong>BA</strong>(<strong>Hons</strong>) <strong>Theology</strong><br />
Key Teaching on This Course<br />
Practical Training<br />
Graduate Diploma<br />
MA in <strong>Theology</strong><br />
Learning For Everyone<br />
Finance & Fees<br />
How to Apply<br />
Accommodation<br />
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BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
PRINCIPAL’S<br />
MESSAGE<br />
Thank you for considering studying at Belfast Bible College.<br />
The course you are considering is a brand new edition of our<br />
<strong>BA</strong> in <strong>Theology</strong>. We have spent many months listening<br />
to students, graduates and employers, alongside reflecting<br />
on our own role as educators. This has culminated in creating<br />
a course that provides the foundation for strong theological<br />
engagement and will create space for you to develop the skills<br />
you need to live out your faith.<br />
As you contemplate what steps to take with regard to your<br />
education and what might best equip you, know we will take<br />
seriously our role in your learning and development. We are<br />
excited to be part of equipping 21st Century disciples and would<br />
love to be part of your story.<br />
HELEN WARNOCK<br />
Principal<br />
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PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
Our goal is to equip<br />
21st century disciples<br />
through theological<br />
education that is<br />
orientated towards<br />
a lived-out faith that<br />
impacts the world.<br />
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BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
We<br />
equip<br />
twenty-first<br />
century<br />
disciples<br />
through<br />
theological<br />
education<br />
that:<br />
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PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
BUILDS CONFIDENCE IN GOD,<br />
THE GOSPEL AND THE BIBLE<br />
FOSTERING<br />
Spiritual maturity<br />
Appreciation of cultures<br />
and context<br />
Mission heart<br />
Biblical literacy and<br />
connected living<br />
PROVIDES TOOLS TO BE ONGOING<br />
LEARNERS AND PEOPLE OF INFLUENCE<br />
FOSTERING<br />
Robust theological<br />
thinking and critical<br />
reflection<br />
Effective engagement<br />
in the context in which<br />
we live and serve<br />
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BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
WHY THEOLOGY?<br />
“Ultimately theology is intensely<br />
practical. It leads to worship<br />
because, done appropriately,<br />
it generates an increased<br />
understanding of the greatness<br />
of God, an increased appreciation<br />
of His character and, so,<br />
an increased desire to be<br />
in relationship with Him. “<br />
DR KAREN FULTON<br />
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PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
“<strong>Theology</strong> gives us a tried and trusted language<br />
to discuss, understand and share about unseen<br />
realities, ultimate things, and the foundation of<br />
existence. What we see, taste, hear and feel are<br />
real, but in many cases these are not the most<br />
important realities. Unseen realities such as God,<br />
truth, revelation, mercy, justice, eternity and the<br />
Kingdom of God – all expressed in time and space,<br />
here and there – are, I believe, eternal matters, the<br />
substance of significance both in and beyond daily<br />
experience.”<br />
DR CINDY BROWN<br />
“I have been fortunate to have experience<br />
of life and work in a variety of contexts. Each<br />
of these has thrown up different challenges,<br />
questions and issues that had to be addressed.<br />
It seems to me that dealing with these issues as a<br />
Christian is in fact to do theology. So the question<br />
is not whether or not we do theology, but whether<br />
or not we do it well.”<br />
DR PETER MCDOWELL<br />
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BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
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PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
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BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
WHAT DOES STUDYING<br />
Throughout the undergraduate programme you will be<br />
introduced to a variety of disciplines. At times they will be<br />
distinctive and at times clearly integrated. To help introduce<br />
these, we’ve asked four of our lecturers to take the topic<br />
of leadership and give their perspective.<br />
MISSIOLOGY<br />
One of the key issues in the theology of mission<br />
is contextualisation; that is, how the gospel<br />
relates to the culture in which mission is being<br />
practised. True contextualisation is the result<br />
of a creative engagement between the gospel<br />
and the culture.<br />
Christian leadership might look very different<br />
depending on what context one is in. In a<br />
context in Northern Ireland, for example,<br />
leaders engaging in mission will have to<br />
consider their church and social contexts.<br />
They will reflect on how the gospel relates<br />
to people living in a divided society which is<br />
becoming increasingly secular and how the<br />
church community is to be a faithful, witnessing<br />
community. In contrast, however, leaders<br />
in Asian, African or Latin American cities will<br />
perhaps be addressing how the gospel relates<br />
to urban poverty in slums and to people<br />
of other faiths.<br />
Missional leaders seek to understand their<br />
cultural context and to encourage a creative<br />
engagement between that context and the<br />
gospel. In doing this they will draw upon<br />
the skills gained in the other theological<br />
disciplines, such as Biblical studies, practical<br />
theology and systematic and historical<br />
theology.<br />
PRACTICAL THEOLOGY<br />
Practical theology sets up a conversation<br />
between experiences of life and ministry<br />
and convictions from Scripture and tradition.<br />
The process can start on either side of the<br />
conversation.<br />
For example, when I see a leader<br />
communicate a vision, if their vision or style<br />
impresses me, I might want to copy them; if it<br />
doesn’t, I won’t. Practical theology teaches me<br />
first to reflect on this experience and to take<br />
the questions that arise to the Bible, with the<br />
help of theologians, to seek God’s perspective.<br />
It isn’t happy to ‘just do something’; it wants to<br />
do the right and best thing.<br />
Similarly, Scripture teaches that leaders should<br />
be servants. What does that mean<br />
in practice in my leadership where I am?<br />
Practical theology teaches me to work out how<br />
my knowledge changes things. It isn’t happy<br />
just knowing truths about God; it wants to obey<br />
God in everything.<br />
Practical theology, done well, challenges<br />
me to make all my theology practical and all<br />
my practice theological. It seeks faithfulness<br />
in beliefs (orthodoxy) and behaviours<br />
(orthopraxy) for the sake of the gospel<br />
and the glory of God.<br />
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PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
THEOLOGY LOOK LIKE?<br />
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY<br />
Since the time of the apostles, the Church has had<br />
leaders of all sorts. They have differed in their<br />
temperaments, skills, education, worldview and<br />
work. Some have done much good for the Church<br />
and others have done much damage.<br />
Systematic and historical theology help us to<br />
frame our reflections on the subject of leadership<br />
through what Christianity has taught about the<br />
Church, power, what it means to be human and the<br />
Kingdom of God in the world.<br />
Christian leadership is about humble service as<br />
well as using one’s gifts, training and opportunities<br />
through the power of the Holy Spirit. Doctrines such<br />
as what it means to be human (anthropology) and<br />
what the Church is (ecclesiology) give us essential<br />
pointers to how Christians can lead others,<br />
regardless of their context.<br />
Church history gives us a plethora of examples of<br />
good and bad leaders – those who sought God<br />
and His Kingdom before self and power, and those<br />
who abandoned their submission to Christ for their<br />
own gain. Alongside the leaders of Scripture, these<br />
historical figures give us inspiration, direction and<br />
courage to lead as, when and where God leads<br />
us today.<br />
BIBLICAL STUDIES<br />
2 Timothy 3:16 describes all Scripture as two things:<br />
God-breathed and useful for forming Christian<br />
belief and practice. If all Scripture is useful, this<br />
raises the question of how we use it (all of it) well.<br />
Regarding the subject of leadership, how does<br />
Scripture both form and inform our understanding?<br />
The Bible gives examples of both good (we might<br />
think of the apostle Paul here) and bad (any<br />
number of kings in the Old Testament who ‘did<br />
what was right in their own eyes’) leadership.<br />
It also gives guidance for how to be an upright<br />
leader in the eyes of God, which begins with<br />
being a servant. Christ himself offers a pattern of<br />
servant-leadership to follow, both in His teaching,<br />
His relationships and His obedience to the<br />
Father. Scripture builds on that, with exhortations,<br />
encouragement and admonition for all Christians<br />
on serving, and possibly leading, in whatever<br />
context we find ourselves, using the gifts God<br />
has given.<br />
The subject of leadership is a ‘hot topic’ today,<br />
both culturally and in the Church. Wherever<br />
our beliefs and practice lead us, they must be<br />
grounded in and accountable to the teaching<br />
of Scripture.<br />
Studying <strong>Theology</strong> will equip you with greater knowledge and<br />
a willingness to ask good questions as you learn to take the time<br />
to soak yourself in the Bible, to consider the voice of history,<br />
to wrestle with context and push yourself to wise practice.<br />
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BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
WHERE DOES THEOLOG<br />
CHURCH<br />
Pastor / Minister<br />
Kids’ & Youth Worker<br />
Outreach Worker<br />
Worship Leader<br />
GOVERNMENT<br />
Social Worker<br />
National & Local Government<br />
Civil Service<br />
Teaching in Schools,<br />
Colleges & Universities<br />
CREATIVE<br />
Songwriter<br />
Journalist<br />
Editorial Assistant<br />
PR & Advertising<br />
Sales & Marketing<br />
Television<br />
CHRISTIAN MINISTRY<br />
Youth Worker<br />
Schools Worker<br />
Community Development<br />
Compassion Ministries<br />
Care & Counselling<br />
MISSION<br />
Church Planting<br />
NGO Worker<br />
International Development<br />
Evangelism<br />
Medical Mission<br />
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PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
Y LEAD?<br />
FORMER STUDENTS’ STORIES<br />
Amy is from Scotland and was living in<br />
Northern Ireland for a year as an intern with<br />
Drop Inn Ministries after which she started<br />
studying on the degree course.<br />
“I didn’t want to be a Religious<br />
Studies teacher and I didn’t want<br />
to be a minister or pastor, as<br />
I was often asked when people<br />
found out what I was studying.<br />
What I did know was I was<br />
passionate about the Church and<br />
seeing God’s Kingdom grow.”<br />
God has been faithful in my journey and<br />
although I wasn’t entirely sure why He led<br />
me to the Bible College, I use what I learned<br />
both in my studies and in being part<br />
of the community almost every day”.<br />
While still a student, the leaders in her<br />
church approached her about working<br />
for her church one day a week. This work<br />
developed and when she graduated she<br />
began working 4 days a week with Drop Inn<br />
Ministries and one day for her church.<br />
“Both jobs are very varied, I’ve learned new<br />
skills and had some amazing opportunities.<br />
CHRIS & SARAH KEILLER<br />
Chris and Sarah spent their first year in Thailand in fulltime<br />
language study and have worked in Central Thailand<br />
with OMF for the last 7 years, helping to support local<br />
churches. They spend a large part of their time visiting<br />
and developing new believers.<br />
The Thai people are very welcoming, but it takes time to<br />
work out how to share the gospel with people who are<br />
from a Buddhist culture - they would both be quick to tell<br />
you they still have a lot to learn! It is in spending time<br />
developing deep relationships that they then create opportunities<br />
to talk about God.<br />
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BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
A B O U T<br />
NORTHERN<br />
IRELAND<br />
HISTORY<br />
Located on the edge of Europe, the region we<br />
call Northern Ireland, whose people span the<br />
globe, has a rich Christian heritage. Its main<br />
city, Belfast, was an industrial powerhouse in<br />
the Victorian era and, having emerged from<br />
the ‘Troubles’ of the 1960s-1990s, is now a<br />
vibrant, lively city.<br />
CULTURE<br />
Our culture is like the Northern Irish people<br />
–fun, profound and exciting. From musicians<br />
such as Van Morrison and Snow Patrol,<br />
to writers like C.S. Lewis and Seamus Heaney<br />
and sports stars including Rory McIlroy and<br />
George Best, whether it is someone famous<br />
or just your next door neighbour, we are<br />
a creative people.<br />
CHURCH<br />
We have a history of deep spirituality<br />
that has had a great effect throughout<br />
the world. St Patrick and others laid the<br />
foundations for an expression of faith<br />
in which the gospel creatively engaged<br />
with Ireland’s Celtic culture. Columba and<br />
others moved out from Ireland to Iona in<br />
Scotland, from where they evangelised<br />
the northern part of Great Britain and<br />
onwards deep into continental Europe.<br />
In more recent times, many of our men<br />
and women have engaged in missionary<br />
service across the world. The church here<br />
is theologically strong, socially aware<br />
and is becoming increasingly creative in<br />
its approach to impacting the nation.<br />
WHAT TO SEE<br />
Vast, scenic coastlines, historic cathedral cities<br />
and green rolling countryside combine to make<br />
this a beautiful and fascinating country.<br />
You will enjoy exploring the whole island<br />
of Ireland and experiencing the warmth<br />
of Irish hospitality.<br />
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PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
Edinburgh<br />
35 minute flight<br />
Belfast Bible College<br />
Leeds Bradford<br />
40 minute flight<br />
London Luton<br />
45 minute flight<br />
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BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
OUR CAMPUS<br />
WORSHIP CENTRE<br />
The hub of our community,<br />
where we join together for<br />
worship and prayer.<br />
LIBRARY<br />
With an extensive collection<br />
of theological books, this is<br />
a top quality resource for<br />
study.<br />
CLASSROOMS<br />
Our three large lecture<br />
rooms and several smaller<br />
ones are where we provoke<br />
you to think, learn and<br />
communicate.<br />
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PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
M U S TA R D<br />
SEED CAFÉ<br />
The place to go for good<br />
food and to spend time in<br />
community.<br />
GLENBURN HOUSE<br />
Home to staff offices,<br />
meeting rooms and some<br />
teaching spaces.<br />
HOSTELS<br />
We encourage students to<br />
consider living on site for at<br />
least their first year, giving<br />
an opportunity to learn to<br />
share their faith living in<br />
community.<br />
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BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
OUR LECTURERS<br />
H E L E N<br />
WARNOCK<br />
D R K A R E N<br />
FULTON<br />
DR CHARLIE<br />
HADJIEV<br />
D R P E T E R<br />
MCDOWELL<br />
Practical <strong>Theology</strong><br />
New Testament and<br />
Hellenistic Greek<br />
Old Testament Study<br />
and Hebrew<br />
Missiology<br />
Helen brings vast ministry<br />
leadership experience;<br />
having worked in the<br />
local church, with Youth<br />
For Christ NI and then for<br />
13 years as the Director<br />
of Scripture Union<br />
Northern Ireland. She is<br />
passionate about seeing<br />
people of all ages grow<br />
and develop in their<br />
faith, and is particularly<br />
invested in seeing people<br />
engage with their context<br />
and wrestle with the<br />
complexity of living out<br />
their faith in Jesus in<br />
these times.<br />
Karen has lived in<br />
London, where she<br />
worked as a computer<br />
consultant, and Kenya,<br />
where she taught in a<br />
theological college.<br />
Living in another<br />
culture in Kenya was<br />
a key experience in<br />
Karen’s life, developing<br />
in her an interest in<br />
considering how much<br />
our understanding of the<br />
Bible is influenced by our<br />
own, often unconscious<br />
and unrecognised,<br />
cultural assumptions<br />
which can impede an<br />
accurate understanding<br />
of the Biblical text.<br />
Charlie grew up in<br />
communist Bulgaria and<br />
saw a Bible for the first<br />
time when he was at<br />
University. Reading the<br />
story of Jesus transformed<br />
his life. This led to<br />
studying theology and<br />
eventually completing<br />
doctoral research at<br />
Oxford. He has served<br />
as General Secretary<br />
of a Christian student<br />
movement in Bulgaria,<br />
an Academic Dean of<br />
a theological college<br />
in Sofia, an Associate<br />
Regional Secretary for<br />
IFES Europe, and a coleader<br />
of a new church<br />
plant in Bulgaria.<br />
Peter spent almost six<br />
years working with the<br />
United Mission to Nepal,<br />
first as an engineer then<br />
as coordinator of the<br />
Language and Orientation<br />
Programme for new<br />
expatriate missionaries. As<br />
a Presbyterian minister he<br />
has served congregations<br />
in Limerick and Belfast,<br />
the Irish Churches Peace<br />
Project and the Church<br />
Mission Department.<br />
He is interested in the<br />
relationship between<br />
gospel and culture and<br />
in appropriate forms of<br />
spirituality for the post-<br />
Christendom context.<br />
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PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
DR JOY ALLAN<br />
Practical <strong>Theology</strong><br />
and Missiology<br />
Joy ‘accidentally’ took a<br />
theology class in her first<br />
year of an MA in English<br />
and fell in love with it, to<br />
the point of changing her<br />
degree; she has been<br />
in love with theology<br />
ever since. She has been<br />
training with and working<br />
for churches of various<br />
denominations, working<br />
in social/mental health<br />
care, and teaching in<br />
the UK and Italy. It is her<br />
care for the marginalised,<br />
passion for teaching, and<br />
love of theology, which<br />
forms her theological<br />
outlook. Her work was<br />
based in Pentecostal/<br />
Charismatic churches,<br />
which has formed much<br />
of her own personal and<br />
professional context.<br />
DR CINDY<br />
BROWN<br />
Systematic and<br />
Historical <strong>Theology</strong><br />
Cindy was introduced to<br />
systematic theology in her<br />
early 30s, which was a<br />
simultaneous discovery of<br />
a language to understand<br />
the deep things of faith<br />
and her vocation of<br />
being a theologian.<br />
Alongside this, her<br />
mission experience<br />
across four continents<br />
impressed upon her that<br />
there is a host of ways<br />
to express what the<br />
Church believes, but there<br />
remains one core to it<br />
all: Jesus Christ and Him<br />
crucified, resurrected and<br />
ascended.<br />
DR WILLIAM<br />
FORD<br />
Old Testament Study<br />
and Hebrew<br />
Before and in between<br />
studying theology, William<br />
spent two periods in<br />
London, firstly a gap<br />
year with the London City<br />
Mission, and secondly<br />
training to be a chartered<br />
accountant. His aim is<br />
not just to give students<br />
more knowledge of the<br />
Old Testament, but also<br />
to inspire them to study it<br />
further themselves.<br />
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BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
OUR COMMUNITY<br />
CHAPEL SERVICES<br />
We believe it is important to<br />
acknowledge, as a community, our<br />
dependence on God and our need for<br />
Him, so once a week we meet to worship<br />
God together and to hear from Him<br />
FELLOWSHIP GROUPS<br />
To encourage the building of authentic<br />
relationships, staff and students<br />
participate in small groups, where they<br />
have the chance to get to know each<br />
other better, share their spiritual journeys<br />
and enjoy social activities together.<br />
REFLECTION AND<br />
RENEWAL<br />
We believe in the principle of pausing in<br />
the midst of our normal activities in order<br />
to listen to God, so once a semester we<br />
have a morning when there are no lectures<br />
and we gather together to reflect and be<br />
renewed. Through teaching from Scripture,<br />
testimony, individual and group reflection,<br />
we allow our souls to be fed and restored.<br />
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PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
MISSION<br />
We teach missiology in the classroom<br />
and we include mission sessions during<br />
our chapel services, when we may look<br />
at Business as Mission or we may reflect<br />
on how we engage with culture – all with<br />
the goal of equipping twenty-first century<br />
disciples for whatever God has for them<br />
after their studies.<br />
PRAYER MEETINGS<br />
At several points of the week, there<br />
are opportunities to come together<br />
to pray; we also have a Prayer Week<br />
once or twice a year, when we enjoy<br />
more focussed times of prayer; and for<br />
individual prayer time we have a prayer<br />
room and a prayer walk.<br />
AREAS OF SERVICE<br />
We believe that our love for God is<br />
demonstrated in our love for one<br />
another, so we invite students to serve<br />
the community by engaging in practical<br />
service. This could be leading worship,<br />
serving lunch, leading a fellowship<br />
group, training in pastoral care or<br />
helping with gardening.<br />
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BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
Alongside their<br />
studies, students<br />
are offered an<br />
experience of<br />
living and serving<br />
in community,<br />
which gives them<br />
the opportunity<br />
to develop their<br />
gifts, grow in their<br />
faith, deepen their<br />
relationships with<br />
God and allow<br />
Him to shape their<br />
characters.<br />
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PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
S T U D E N T<br />
CHAIR<br />
MATTHEW CAMPBELL<br />
The College provides its students with<br />
many opportunities to learn in the<br />
classroom but also to serve on campus.<br />
As a student it has been my experience<br />
that learning and serving go very much<br />
hand in hand.<br />
Being part of the Bible College means<br />
being part of a community, and there<br />
are many different aspects to community<br />
life that all students are invited to take<br />
part in. Every Tuesday at 12pm, the staff<br />
and students meet to worship God. I<br />
have come to learn that in our worship<br />
services we don’t disengage our brains,<br />
but rather our acts of worship and<br />
what we have learned in the classroom<br />
complement each other in how we<br />
continually get to know our God more<br />
and more.<br />
Community life provides ways for<br />
students to serve, through leading<br />
worship, leading fellowship groups,<br />
sharing in chapel and other practical<br />
ways. There is fantastic pastoral support<br />
on campus with a team of people with<br />
willing ears to listen and give support.<br />
As a community, we strive to love one<br />
another in a way that demonstrates<br />
Christ-likeness.<br />
The Student Committee works for<br />
students and helps them in many ways,<br />
but primarily our aim is to provide<br />
opportunities for students so that they<br />
engage and get involved in community<br />
life. Student Committee oversee<br />
a number of great student events<br />
throughout the year: from the welcoming<br />
Castlewellan retreat at the beginning<br />
to the celebratory Student Formal<br />
at the end.<br />
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BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
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PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
27
BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
<strong>BA</strong>(HONS) THEOLOGY<br />
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PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
EQUIPPING YOU AS A 21ST CENTURY DISCIPLE<br />
In our rapidly changing world,<br />
we are continually presented<br />
with opportunities to interact<br />
with a diverse range of people.<br />
Each day we have to engage<br />
with political opinion, social<br />
debate, ethical conundrums<br />
and cultural diversity. These can<br />
be local or global, physical or<br />
virtual, simple or complex and<br />
we have the choice as to how<br />
we respond and bring the reality<br />
of God into the world.<br />
In the 21st Century, we<br />
increasingly have to interact with<br />
those that do not hold the same<br />
worldviews and principles as<br />
we do. The challenge is how we<br />
understand views different from<br />
our own and then present the<br />
truth of Scripture in a way that is<br />
understood and meaningful<br />
to those hearing it. How can<br />
we move beyond debates<br />
to be a living demonstration of<br />
the Gospel so that it transforms<br />
the people around us?<br />
The opportunities for serving<br />
Jesus in this century are<br />
continually developing and<br />
changing. We want to equip<br />
you with the ability to encounter<br />
new situations with knowledge,<br />
maturity and Christian character.<br />
We want to help you develop<br />
as a critical thinker who can<br />
communicate clearly,<br />
a practitioner with the ability<br />
to engage meaningfully and<br />
a disciple committed<br />
to following Jesus.<br />
29
BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
K E Y T E A C H I N G<br />
ON THIS COURSE<br />
1. BIBLICAL STUDIES<br />
Understanding how to read and interpret<br />
the Bible is a key feature of this course.<br />
We want you to develop a high level<br />
of Biblical literacy and a depth of<br />
knowledge about how to connect the<br />
teachings of the Bible to the people<br />
with whom you will live and serve.<br />
Looking at the Biblical text in its original<br />
context gives an awareness of how the<br />
message of the text would have been<br />
understood by the first hearers and how<br />
culture and translation can impact your<br />
understanding of the Biblical text.<br />
3. DEVELOPING PRACTICE<br />
Our Developing Practice modules are at the<br />
heart of our goal to equip you as a disciple;<br />
confident in your faith, reflective in your<br />
practice and informed and passionate<br />
in your theological thinking about connecting<br />
with and serving your neighbours, wherever<br />
you are.<br />
YEAR 1<br />
Discipleship and Service:<br />
This opportunity to serve regularly<br />
in a weekly placement, will raise<br />
awareness of social issues and<br />
theological questions. The focus<br />
is on reflective practice, personal<br />
development, spiritual formation and<br />
discipleship.<br />
2. SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY<br />
The language and terminology we use<br />
to describe the Christian faith has been<br />
developed over the last two thousand<br />
years. These terms, such as, Christology,<br />
trinitarian, eschatology, sacrament and<br />
many more are used regularly by the<br />
Church but are packed with meaning<br />
and depth that are important for those<br />
in Christian ministry and leadership to<br />
understand. You will be encouraged to<br />
consider a range of views on different<br />
issues, including those different from<br />
your own, to gain an understanding<br />
of different viewpoints and a better<br />
understanding of your own views. The<br />
interdenominational and international<br />
nature of the College provides a context<br />
for some interesting discussions and<br />
debates.<br />
YEAR 2<br />
YEAR 3<br />
Mission and Ministry:<br />
There will be weekly and block<br />
placements where you are encouraged<br />
to challenge yourself, to develop<br />
accountable working relationships,<br />
outstanding team skills and have<br />
a clear awareness of your own skills<br />
and abilities.<br />
Vocation and Connection:<br />
You will have the opportunity to<br />
consider and evaluate your vocation,<br />
know skills and focus for your next<br />
steps after college. This will help you<br />
develop as a leader of integrity who<br />
has a desire for lifelong learning and<br />
the tools to provide for your spiritual<br />
growth, professional growth and selfcare<br />
in ministry and employment.<br />
CORE MODULES<br />
30
PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
4. HISTORICAL STUDIES<br />
The Church today stands on the<br />
foundation of those who have gone<br />
before, people and events that have<br />
spread the Church into the worldwide<br />
phenomenon that it is now. Starting from<br />
the years after the early Church of the<br />
New Testament to the present day you<br />
will look at the successes and failures of<br />
(the decisions that have been made by)<br />
those who have gone before us.<br />
7. ENGAGING THE WORLD<br />
In Engaging the World you will grapple<br />
with the interconnectedness of the Bible<br />
and theology; with issues such as culture,<br />
economics, politics, worldviews and ethical<br />
issues.<br />
YEAR 1<br />
The Bible and Mission:<br />
You will develop a Biblical<br />
understanding of mission based<br />
on God’s engagement with the world<br />
from Genesis to Revelation, centred<br />
on the work of Christ. You will then<br />
explore how this should inform your<br />
engagement in the world in mission.<br />
5. MISSION STUDIES<br />
Sharing the Good News of Jesus is<br />
a central command of the Bible. We<br />
want you to be able to understand<br />
how to speak into a range of cultures<br />
and contexts, whether local or global.<br />
You will have the opportunity to study<br />
other religions, understanding what they<br />
believe, and also study subjects such as<br />
evangelism and apologetics which teach<br />
you how to engage constructively with<br />
those of other faiths.<br />
6. PRACTICAL STUDIES<br />
Throughout the degree, you will learn<br />
key skills such as communication and<br />
critical thinking which will allow you to<br />
be confident in working in any area. We<br />
also allow students to focus on particular<br />
areas which are of interest to them and<br />
their future calling. In the final year of the<br />
degree you get to choose from a range<br />
of practical subject areas that allow you<br />
to learn key skills and understanding in<br />
that particular area to develop you.<br />
YEAR 2<br />
YEAR 3<br />
Cultures Then and Now:<br />
Focuses on the important relationship<br />
between the gospel and culture.<br />
You will explore how the gospel can<br />
be communicated in ways that are<br />
relevant to different cultures, but also<br />
how the gospel challenges aspects<br />
of all cultures.<br />
Worldviews or Issues & Ethics:<br />
There are two Engaging the World<br />
modules and you must choose one,<br />
but you may choose to do both.<br />
The first explores the concept of<br />
worldview and missiological responses<br />
to several contemporary challenges,<br />
such as neoliberalism, postmodernism,<br />
and secularism. The second focuses<br />
on how Christians can engage in<br />
informed and meaningful ways with<br />
specific issues, such as sexuality,<br />
euthanasia and poverty.<br />
CORE MODULES<br />
Within the traditional<br />
framework of our<br />
theology degree, we<br />
have developed a new<br />
core set of modules<br />
which give our students<br />
a unique advantage<br />
as we seek to equip<br />
them as 21st Century<br />
Disciples.<br />
31
BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
MODULE CHOICES<br />
YEAR 1<br />
LEVEL 4 - FOUNDATIONS<br />
This is about learning how to study theology<br />
and acquiring the skills & knowledge, as well<br />
as an understanding of the underpinning<br />
concepts and principles, which allow you to<br />
study the Bible in more depth.<br />
YEAR 2<br />
LEVEL 5 - DEVELOPMENT<br />
We encourage you to develop your ability to<br />
evaluate theological issues and then to communicate<br />
your ideas and arguments in an articulate way. We<br />
want to you be able to think more independently<br />
and be able to reflect on your Christian experience<br />
and practice in the light of scholarship.<br />
Core Modules (all mandatory)<br />
Core Modules<br />
• Engaging the World: The Bible and<br />
Mission<br />
• Developing Practice: Discipleship and<br />
Service<br />
• Engaging the World: Cultures Then and Now<br />
• Developing Practice: Mission and Ministry<br />
Compulsory<br />
• Old Testament Introduction<br />
• New Testament Introduction<br />
• Methods for Theological Thinking<br />
• Foundations of the Christian Faith<br />
Compulsory<br />
• Introduction to Hermeneutics<br />
• Core Christian Doctrine<br />
Optional (Choose 2)<br />
• Contemporary Use of Scripture<br />
• Greek<br />
• Pastoral Care<br />
• Church in Practice<br />
• Encounters on the Edge<br />
• Jesus Through the Centuries<br />
32
PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
YEAR 3<br />
LEVEL 6 - SPECIALISATION<br />
The final year of the degree is when we really push<br />
students past the point where they just understand<br />
Biblical and Christian issues to where they can<br />
critically evaluate them, suggest solutions to<br />
complex problems, and then communicate solutions<br />
in a variety of ways. This year is about developing<br />
your ability to work independently in the workplace<br />
and ministry, understanding how to exercise good<br />
judgement, how to be accountable and how to think<br />
analytically about everything you do.<br />
Core<br />
• Engaging the World: Worldviews or Issues & Ethics<br />
• Developing Practice: Vocation and Connection<br />
Optional<br />
• Advanced Hermeneutics<br />
• Advanced study of OT text<br />
• Advanced study of NT text<br />
• Problematic Biblical Texts<br />
• Hebrew<br />
• Jesus through the Centuries<br />
• Being Human<br />
• Modern <strong>Theology</strong><br />
• World Religions<br />
• Preaching<br />
• Leadership<br />
• Youth Ministry<br />
• <strong>Theology</strong> of Christian Worship<br />
• Evangelism and Apologetics<br />
• Dissertation<br />
(Not all optional modules will be offered each year and<br />
are subject to there being sufficient students interested in<br />
taking them. The exact modules offered or their titles are<br />
subject to change as part of the revalidation process.<br />
See website for full details of modules.)<br />
33
BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
S T U D Y I N G<br />
THIS COURSE<br />
WILL ALLOW<br />
YOU TO:<br />
• Understand the Biblical and theological<br />
foundations of Christian life and ministry<br />
and apply this to your own spiritual<br />
formation and in facilitating the spiritual<br />
formation of others.<br />
• Learn how the Bible impacts people<br />
in various local and global cultures and<br />
how to share your faith with them.<br />
• Be equipped with skills for ministry and<br />
ongoing personal spiritual development.<br />
• Learn how to communicate information,<br />
ideas, arguments, principles and<br />
theories, both written and oral. Present<br />
arguments for your views while taking on<br />
board the views of others.<br />
• Discover how to study and also to reflect<br />
on your strengths and weaknesses.<br />
• Become a critical thinker, looking<br />
beneath the surface of theological<br />
issues.<br />
• Grow in Christian character and develop<br />
as a disciple of Jesus.<br />
• Learn to work as a team member.<br />
• Come away with an understanding of<br />
the richness of Christianity and how it<br />
has been influenced by context and<br />
shaped by the thinking of individuals<br />
and churches throughout history.<br />
• Learn to take the teaching of Scripture<br />
and apply it to the world today,<br />
understanding how it shapes and<br />
influences contemporary issues.<br />
THIS PROGRAMME ALSO INCLUDES:<br />
CERT HE – 1 YEAR<br />
DIP HE – 2 YEARS<br />
HOW THIS IS TAUGHT:<br />
This degree programme is taught in a variety<br />
of interesting ways; lectures, group/work,<br />
class discussions, seminars, online forums<br />
and interactive exercises. Assessment is<br />
mainly through writing essays or reflective<br />
journals but there may also be exams,<br />
presentations and portfolios. This varied<br />
approach helps you to develop a wide range<br />
of skills.<br />
COURSE COMPOSITION:<br />
Around 8 hours per week of teaching<br />
and 25 to 30 hours per week of reading,<br />
individual study, placement and community<br />
participation.<br />
KEY FEATURES OF<br />
THIS COURSE:<br />
• Study part time or full time.<br />
• Placements and practical training<br />
are a core element.<br />
• You can move from one<br />
undergraduate course to another<br />
including to the degree.<br />
• Potential to transfer from another<br />
theological college or university.<br />
• Prior learning and experience<br />
taken into consideration for entry<br />
for mature students.<br />
34
PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
PATHWAYS & OPTIONS<br />
STARTS:<br />
September <strong>2020</strong><br />
Study over three years full-time / six<br />
years part-time<br />
E N T R Y :<br />
64 UCAS points, typically A2 CC,<br />
plus 2 GCSE’s at Grade C or higher<br />
to include English Language (or<br />
equivalent)<br />
University-validated courses at Belfast Bible<br />
College have been Quality Assured by QAA.<br />
This course is delivered in partnership with<br />
the University of Cumbria. The teaching is<br />
designed and delivered by the Bible College<br />
lecturers while the course is validated by the<br />
University of Cumbria to ensure it is of an<br />
appropriately high standard.<br />
www.cumbria.ac.uk<br />
This course is subject to revalidation with<br />
the University of Cumbria which should be<br />
completed in February <strong>2020</strong>. Please see our<br />
website for further information.<br />
ENTRANCE / EXIT POINTS:<br />
This programme is flexible, allowing you to complete different parts and still<br />
achieve a qualification.<br />
Complete year 1 and you can graduate with a Cert HE.<br />
Complete years 1 and 2 and you can achieve a Dip HE.<br />
Complete all 3 years and you can receive a <strong>BA</strong>(<strong>Hons</strong>) <strong>Degree</strong>.<br />
If you leave with a Cert HE or Dip HE, there is the option to return at a later<br />
date to continue to study towards the degree.<br />
35
BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
P R A C T I C A L<br />
TRAINING<br />
Practical Placements provide exciting<br />
opportunities to apply theory in service.<br />
All students participate in both weekly and block<br />
placements as part of the undergraduate course. You<br />
can choose from a wide variety of weekly placement<br />
opportunities, with amazing organisations. Choose<br />
to work with children, young people or the elderly;<br />
choose to work with churches, charities, or local<br />
organisations. Four semesters working in specific<br />
situations, allows the development of meaningful<br />
relationships and gives valuable experience and<br />
significant opportunity to learn and develop skills and<br />
strengths for ministry and employment. The learning<br />
from student experiences on placement, is developed<br />
through class discussion and assignments in the<br />
‘Developing Practice’ modules.<br />
BLOCK PLACEMENT<br />
For the summer at the end of second year, students<br />
select and plan a block placement - at least 4<br />
weeks full time - either overseas or in the UK. These<br />
opportunities are as varied as students’ hopes,<br />
dreams, and organisational skills and the College<br />
framework will allow! Students spend this more<br />
concentrated period of time working in ministry<br />
situations alongside full-time workers. They experience<br />
the challenges and possibilities of their chosen areas<br />
of work, helping them to discern their suitability for a<br />
future commitment, by detailed reflection on an aspect<br />
of their choice.<br />
“For my placement, I headed<br />
over half way across the world<br />
to Gold Coast, Australia where<br />
I interned at a church called<br />
SurfCity. What an adventure this<br />
was – from helping with worship,<br />
youth ministry, kids’ ministry,<br />
administration, creative ministry<br />
and much more, this placement<br />
gave me an insight of what church<br />
is and allowed me to develop<br />
different skills and talents. Over<br />
the two months I was there, I saw<br />
incredible things happen and<br />
saw God work in the community<br />
of SurfCity Church. This adventure<br />
was a great experience and God<br />
was in the centre of everything<br />
that we did.“<br />
Student: Esther<br />
36
PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
“During my placement with Prison<br />
Fellowship NI, I saw the power of<br />
God at work with people we may<br />
otherwise forget about or look<br />
down on. He wasn’t limited by<br />
their prison cells, He broke right<br />
in and is transforming lives, an<br />
unforgettable experience which<br />
I witnessed over and over during<br />
my time there. This taught me how<br />
He isn’t restricted by where we<br />
are spiritually or physically either,<br />
and it has been a life-shaping<br />
experience to be a part of the<br />
work there.”<br />
Student: Kate<br />
A SUPERVISOR’S VIEW<br />
“My placement student hit the<br />
ground running, engaging pupils<br />
in God’s Good News in both<br />
Primary and Secondary schools,<br />
through assemblies, RE Lessons<br />
and SU Groups across East Antrim.<br />
It was a joy to see him grow in his<br />
understanding and confidence<br />
of how to engage pupils through<br />
the writing and delivering<br />
of a program, increasing his<br />
understanding of how to partner<br />
with and empower the local<br />
church. He was a huge blessing to<br />
East Antrim and Scripture Union!”<br />
Supervisor: Sarah<br />
37
BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
G R A D U AT E<br />
DIPLOMA<br />
The Graduate Diploma course is for<br />
anyone who has an undergraduate<br />
degree and wants to spend a year<br />
developing their knowledge of the<br />
Bible, learning relevant skills for<br />
Christian ministry and developing<br />
their own spiritual discipline<br />
and devotion.<br />
The skills and knowledge acquired<br />
on this course are an excellent<br />
preparation to serve in Christian ministry,<br />
mission and leadership. It also gives<br />
you the confidence and skills to bring<br />
the gospel into the workplace or lead<br />
in a church or community context. The<br />
academic teaching on the course allows<br />
progression on to a Masters of <strong>Theology</strong><br />
and further research.<br />
You can study a range of theological<br />
topics and gain a breadth of<br />
understanding about Biblical studies,<br />
ministry, mission, and investigate many<br />
contemporary religious issues. You have<br />
the flexibility on this course to choose the<br />
modules which best prepare you for your<br />
Christian calling.<br />
For a list of the modules usually offered on<br />
the Graduate Diploma course, see page<br />
35 under Level 6. You can choose any 6 of<br />
these modules along with the option of an<br />
individual research module.<br />
The Graduate Diploma can be studied<br />
intensively in one year or part-time over<br />
two years.<br />
38
PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
ACADEMIC / SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT / PRACTICAL<br />
TRAINING & MISSION<br />
S TA R T S :<br />
September <strong>2020</strong> Study over<br />
one year full-time / two years<br />
part-time<br />
E N T R Y :<br />
A degree from a recognised<br />
university, at 2.2 level or a<br />
professional qualification<br />
at the same level, also 1 year<br />
of active engagement in some<br />
form of Christian Ministry.<br />
COURSE<br />
COMPOSITION:<br />
Around 8 hours per week<br />
of teaching and 25 to 30<br />
hours per week of reading,<br />
individual study and community<br />
participation.<br />
University-validated courses at Belfast Bible College have been Quality-<br />
Assured by QAA.<br />
This course is delivered in partnership with the University of Cumbria. The<br />
teaching is designed and delivered by the Bible College lecturers while<br />
the course is validated by the University of Cumbria to ensure it is of an<br />
appropriately high standard.<br />
www.cumbria.ac.uk<br />
39
BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
MA THEOLOGY<br />
Our range of postgraduate courses aims to stimulate<br />
deeper thinking and Biblical understanding for those<br />
in Christian leadership or those pursuing an interest<br />
in academic theology.<br />
MA THEOLOGY<br />
Bible and Ministry in the<br />
Contemporary World<br />
Our MA is designed to help<br />
you to deepen your Biblical<br />
knowledge and then apply<br />
it to ministry in the<br />
contemporary world.<br />
We will be looking at current<br />
cultural issues, Biblical texts,<br />
topics of particular relevance<br />
to modern society, and effective<br />
contemporary practice in<br />
mission and ministry.<br />
We want to assist leaders in<br />
developing ways of thinking<br />
that allow them to build up their<br />
ministry in Biblical and relevant<br />
ways.<br />
E N T R Y :<br />
Applicants must normally<br />
hold an Honours <strong>Degree</strong> in<br />
any subject (Minimum Class<br />
2:1). Alternative entry routes<br />
available.<br />
MODE OF STUDY:<br />
2 years part-time study,<br />
delivered through week- long<br />
intensives and regular online<br />
learning.<br />
Validated by the University of Cumbria.<br />
40
PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
41
BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
L E A R N I N G<br />
FOR EVERYONE<br />
We want everyone<br />
to have opportunities<br />
to gain a deeper<br />
understanding of the<br />
Bible and to develop<br />
their relationship with<br />
God through theological<br />
education.<br />
42
PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
EVENTS<br />
Throughout the year we run a range of<br />
evening seminars and day conferences<br />
that speak into specific theological<br />
issues and encourage people in their<br />
faith. Details of these will be available<br />
on our website.<br />
EVENING COURSES<br />
Open to everyone, these are three or six<br />
week courses held on Tuesday evenings,<br />
looking at a range of interesting and<br />
relevant topics focussing on the Bible,<br />
Mission or Ministry. Take one module or<br />
several over the course of the year and<br />
work towards a certificate if you choose.<br />
WOMEN’S STUDY<br />
FELLOWSHIP<br />
Held on Monday mornings, this course<br />
is for women who want to spend time<br />
studying the Bible, developing their faith,<br />
and learning skills for ministry. With time<br />
for prayer, worship and fellowship, this<br />
course is very popular.<br />
PASTORAL CARE<br />
COURSE<br />
This is ideal for anyone who is involved<br />
in providing pastoral care from<br />
a Christian perspective. Learn Biblical<br />
and theological perspectives and skills<br />
for contemporary pastoral care.<br />
We run a variety of<br />
events and courses<br />
throughout the year<br />
that range from just one<br />
morning or evening to<br />
one day a week over the<br />
course of the year.<br />
43
BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
FINANCES & FEES<br />
• For all of our undergraduate courses,<br />
you are able to apply for a student<br />
loan if you are eligible. It is the<br />
same process as for any other UK<br />
university.<br />
• For students from Northern Ireland,<br />
our fees are slightly higher than<br />
the loan from the Student Loans<br />
Company. This payment can be<br />
spread over the course of the year.<br />
• The enrolment fee of £350 has to be<br />
paid each year before the start of<br />
term.<br />
• For full details of fees, please see<br />
our website. All fees may be subject<br />
to changes and increases.<br />
STUDENT SUPPORT<br />
The College provides support to our<br />
students in several ways: each student<br />
has a personal tutor who will help with<br />
academic issues; each student is part of<br />
a fellowship group where students can<br />
support one another as well as receive<br />
support from their group leader; and if a<br />
student is in need of some pastoral care<br />
at any stage, then this is available from<br />
our pastoral care team.<br />
44
PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
APPLYING<br />
Everyone is welcome to apply to study at<br />
the College and our application process<br />
is designed to make sure that we will<br />
be a good fit for each other. We want<br />
everyone who comes to study to thrive<br />
and really benefit from their education.<br />
1. Application is via our website:<br />
www.belfastbiblecollege.com<br />
2. Click on the course you want to<br />
apply for and please take some time to<br />
discover exactly what is involved in the<br />
course.<br />
3. Then on that page press the ‘Apply’<br />
button.<br />
4. The form will ask for:<br />
• Personal details<br />
• Details about your education, serving<br />
and working experience<br />
• Information about you, and how you<br />
think studying theology will benefit<br />
you<br />
• Names and emails for two referees<br />
5. We will take up your references and<br />
then when they are received we will<br />
invite you to the College for an interview.<br />
6. After the interview we normally notify<br />
you about the outcome in a couple of<br />
days.<br />
Applications are open from September<br />
2019 until August <strong>2020</strong>.<br />
From the point of application to receiving<br />
an offer is normally about three<br />
to four weeks.<br />
45
BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
ACCOMMODATION<br />
There are some amazing opportunities as Christians<br />
to learn more about ourselves and develop our<br />
relationship with God - living in Christian community<br />
for a season can be a time of real spiritual growth<br />
and personal development.<br />
Living on campus can be an enriching and exciting time, as many different and<br />
unique people share their lives and experiences. It is an amazing opportunity<br />
to come and challenge yourself to put the needs of the community above your<br />
own; to seek to serve others with willingness and joy, and to be considerate<br />
and sensitive towards others.<br />
We do encourage all our first year students to live on site, and fully commit<br />
to the community to enhance their faith development, make lasting friendships,<br />
and invest in their studies.<br />
RIVERSIDE HOUSE<br />
Riverside House has 10 comfortable<br />
single rooms on each floor. Each<br />
room has a bed, wardrobe and<br />
storage space, study desk and chair,<br />
a wash hand basin and IT access.<br />
Wi-Fi is also available. One side<br />
of the building overlooks the river<br />
and woodlands, the other the<br />
College garden and lawns. Shared<br />
facilities of four toilets, two baths<br />
and two showers are available on<br />
each floor, and there is a wellequipped<br />
ground floor kitchen and<br />
bright, comfy lounge for the exclusive<br />
use of our resident students.<br />
WELLESLEY HOUSE<br />
The ground floor of Wellesley<br />
House has four individual selfcontained<br />
flats, ideally suited<br />
to two people sharing, each with<br />
a double bedroom/study, a lounge,<br />
kitchen/dinette, and bath or shower<br />
room. The upper floor has two<br />
independent flats, each comprising<br />
five individual single study/<br />
bedrooms, two shower rooms<br />
and a kitchen.<br />
Each single study room comprises a bed, wardrobe, shelving, desk & chair,<br />
easy seat and a wash hand basin/mirror.<br />
All accommodation is fully equipped for self-catering and study.<br />
Heating, electricity and internet are all included in the price.<br />
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PROSPECTUS <strong>2020</strong><br />
GET INFORMED<br />
We have a number of Discovery Days for you<br />
to come to and experience what it is like<br />
to study at the College. Check out our website<br />
or social media to find when they’re coming up.<br />
Or if you want to come along for a visit at<br />
another time, we can arrange for you to have<br />
an individual tour and a chat with our<br />
Admissions staff.<br />
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BELFAST BIBLE COLLEGE<br />
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