Theological Studies BA (Hons)
Course code V600
What is special about this course?
The BA (Hons) Theological Studies gives you a broad knowledge and understanding of the main disciplines of Christian theology, and the personal and professional capabilities required for a variety of ministries or general employment.
The degree is led by HTC, a non-denominational college recognised by the Church of Scotland, the Associated Presbyterian Churches, the United Free Church of Scotland and other denominations as a training provider.
You will read a wide range of theology across all main traditions and have access to special collections in HTC's impressive library.
A work placement will enable you to relate your acquired theoretical knowledge to real life situations. Visiting speakers will give you a flavour of the different areas of service that may be of interest for future employment or volunteering, for example: churches, youth work, hospital chaplaincy, army chaplaincy, seminaries and mission agencies in the UK and abroad.
Please see our FAQ sheet for further information on this course.
Special features
- You can study at HTC's main campus in Dingwall, or in Paisley, or at another university campus. Alternatively you can access lectures and course materials from home
- The ideal course for prospective ministers and pastors, ordained local ministers, readers, missionaries and religious studies teachers
- You will have access to HTC's impressive library of 65,000 volumes
- A work placement is available in year three which will enable you to relate the theoretical knowledge you have acquired to real life situations
- It is possible to include modules from a range of our degree programmes, or even take a joint degree with Archaeology, Criminology, Culture and Heritage, History, Literature, Philosophy, Politics, Scottish History or Sociology
- You can study full-time or part-time to suit your personal circumstances.
- You can study individual modules for personal or professional development, and exit at the end of each of the levels with a recognised qualification
Entry requirements
- 3 Scottish Highers at grade C or above OR
- 2 A levels at grade C or above
- Applicants with other qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
Access routes
SWAP Access courses
If you are eligible to undertake Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP), please visit our SWAP access list for further information on grade profiles and available subjects.
Access to Christian Theology at HTC.
Year 1 - CertHE
Subjects may include:
- Jesus and the gospels
- Introduction to systematic theology
- Introduction to practical and pastoral theology
- The Pentateuch
- Greek grammar 1
- Protestant Reformation
- Worship *
- Evangelism *
*these modules run on alternate years
Year 2 - DipHE
Subjects may include:
- Old Testament prophets
- Greek grammar 2
- Hebrew grammar
- Early church history
- Biblical theology of mission*
- Mission in the contemporary context*
- Introduction to youth ministry*
- Pauline theology
- Person and work of Christ
- Exploring other faiths*
- Introduction to counselling theory
- Introduction to chaplaincy
- Sacramental theology*
*these modules run on alternate years.
Year 3 - BA
Subjects may include:
- Hebrew texts
- Hebrews
- Scottish church history
- Homiletics
- Christian spirituality
- Wisdom literature
- Greek texts
- Doctrine of God
- Counselling in a pastoral setting
- Project (arranged by student)
- Work placement
Year 4 - BA (Hons)
Subjects may include:
- Christian ethics
- Luke/Acts
- Holy Spirit and the word
- Hermeneutics
- Exploring psalms
- Medieval church history
- Guided reading (on a topic agreed with your supervisor)
You must also complete a dissertation.
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time
- Part-time modular (standalone modules)
- This course is mainly delivered online with scheduled sessions and tutorials. There is normally a weekly two-hour timetabled video conference lecture for each module
- There will also be opportunities to attend occasional optional on-campus events
- Online study will be done via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
- You will have the option to take part in an in-person or online induction
- You may also have the opportunity to undertake an optional work placement at level 3
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 4 years, taking 6 modules per year
- Part-time: 8 years, taking 3 modules per year
- Part-time modular: 1-2 modules per year
You should set aside approximately 14 hours per module per week. This includes time spent in lectures and your own time spent on individual study and research.
Where can I study my course?
- Argyll
- HTC - Dingwall or Paisley campus
- Moray
- North, West and Hebrides
- Perth
- This fully online course can be studied from anywhere in the world
- Students based near to one of the listed campuses should apply to, and be enrolled and supported by, their local campus
- All other students should apply to HTC, and will be enrolled and supported by staff at our Dingwall campus
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Degrees | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £1,820 | £1,820 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £915 | £915 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £305 | £305 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term-time address in Scotland studying this course full time, the following fees apply:
| Level | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CertHE | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 4 | Honours | free | free |
4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,542
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. Students will get an automatic scholarship of £3,000 per annum and the 4th year of study will be free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Level | 2023-24 Full-time | With scholarship | 2024-25 | With scholarship | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CertHE | £13,980 | £10,980 | £14,988 | £11,988 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £13,980 | £10,980 | £14,988 | £11,988 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £13,980 | £10,980 | £14,988 | £11,988 |
| Year 4 | Honours | £13,980 | free | £14,988 | free |
Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study on the UK.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| 2023-24 | 2024-25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £13,980 | £14,988 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £6,990 | £7,494 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £2,330 | £2,498 |
Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK
Further information on international course fees.
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.
Rest of the UK, EU/EEA and international students studying online
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland), EU/EEA or Switzerland and international students, without a term-time address in Scotland, ie studying from their home country, the following fees apply:
| 2024-25 | Rest of the UK/EU | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time online per year (120 credit modules) | £6,120 | £6,960 |
| Part-time online (per 20 credit module) | £1,020 | £1,160 |
| 2023-24 | Rest of the UK/EU | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time online per year (120 credit modules) | £6,120 | £6,540 |
| Part-time online (per 20 credit module) | £1,020 | £1,090 |
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Once you have successfully completed your BA (Hons) Theological Studies course, you might like to consider careers in the following:
- Churches
- Chaplaincy
- Mission agencies
- Colleges and seminaries
- Research
Can I progress into further study?
With an appropriate honours degree, you may be able to progress on to the MRes or PhD programmes.
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
-Theological-Studies.png "Elizabeth Lacy")
I had looked at a few theology courses but this one seemed best suited to my needs, as I lived locally could walk to university. I had looked at Glasgow University and the Scottish Baptist College but I found that UHI had the best options for me in terms of flexibility and funding. The highlight for me has been the Systematic Theology module. Studying has not been as difficult as I was worried it might be, and there is always support at UHI when you need it.
Elizabeth studies BA (Hons) Theological Studies at HTC, a UHI partner.
Starting as a parish minister at a new church is always an adventure. Each day is different and it’s a privilege and a joy to walk alongside people of faith or none. My roles are varied from leading Sunday worship, acting as a school chaplain, conducting
baptisms, weddings and funerals to visiting those who need a prayer and a little support.Rev Andrea Boyes studied BA (Hons) Theological Studies at HTC, a UHI partner.
Apply for Theological Studies BA (Hons)
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.