Is this programme for me?
This combined degree programme will appeal to those who are interested in majoring in Theology and would also like to learn more about a different discipline. You can choose to study English, Philosophy or Computing as minor options. The degree will be 75 per cent Theology courses, and 25 per cent courses from your minor option.
Summary of Key dates
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Application deadline |
1 October |
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Registration deadline |
30 November |
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Programme starts |
As soon as you receive your materials |
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Examinations take place |
May /June |
Why theology?
Religious beliefs provide a sense of purpose, a source of values and a way of life for many people. Studying Theology will give you a greater understanding of religious beliefs and the way in which they have shaped societies, and will give you an opportunity to evaluate your own beliefs about the nature and purpose of human existence, whether you are an active member of a faith community, agnostic, or have no faith at all.
Programme Combinations
Theology with English: The English components of this programme will enable you to broaden your study of the human condition by focusing on some of the greatest works of literature from the Middle Ages to the present day. An understanding of theological ideas will provide insights into the many works of literature which are informed or inspired by Christianity and other religions. You will gain a critical understanding of key texts, events, doctrines, theories, interpretations and arguments relating to the study of Theology and English. At the same time you will develop your skills in critical thinking, research, problem analysis and self-organisation.
Theology with Philosophy: Studying a Philosophy minor will broaden the intellectual scope of your theological studies. Philosophy is an important tool in helping to understand what religion is, and whether belief is reasonable. Philosophy courses will help you to understand the impact of religion on individuals and society from a philosophical standpoint. The debate about whether there is a God is at least in part about philosophical arguments for the existence of God.
Theology with Computing: There are three subject-specific pathways within the Computing minor programme, which are reflected in your qualification.
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Theology with Computing (Computer Science): Studying Computer Science will help to enhance your employability as computing skills are valued in many jobs. The computing courses cover topics such as algorithms and data compression, which will appeal to those with an interest in mathematics and computation.
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Theology with Computing (Computing and Cognition): This pathway emphasises the cognitive aspects of computing. Cognitive science is a subject area that takes human cognition as its starting point, and looks at how knowledge in this area can be applied to computing, and vice versa. Creativity and artificial intelligence are part of this broad area of study, and the courses offered on this pathway come from creative computing and artificial intelligence.
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Theology with Computing (Computing Information Systems): Computing Information Systems offers subjects that are broadly related to electronic commerce and information technology. Having a practical knowledge of information systems, as well as the analytical skills developed through Theology, will give you a wider range of transferable, employment-related skills.
Study options
You can choose from a full BA (12 courses), Diploma of Higher Education (8 courses) or a Certificate of Higher Education (4 courses). The Certificate is an ideal option if you don't feel ready to commit to a full Diploma or degree programme or don't have the qualifications to meet our entrance requirements. Once you pass the Certificate, you can transfer your registration to the Diploma or BA. You can also transfer to the BA on completion of the Diploma.
A prestigious qualification
These combined degrees draw on the academic expertise of three University of London Colleges. The Theology programme has been developed by Heythrop College, a specialist College of theology and philosophy within the University of London. Goldsmiths, University of London, is responsible for the English and Computing courses, while Birkbeck, University of London, has developed the Philosophy component.
Develop transferable skills
Studying Theology will equip you with transferable skills that can be used in a wide range of contexts. You will be able to understand and analyse complex ideas and to present your ideas clearly and logically. Having a minor in English, Philosophy or one of the Computing pathways will help to increase your employability and widen your skill set. These degrees are useful not only for those working with religious organisations, but also for those working in teaching, the social services, and other occupations that are concerned with people and their values. The managerial and organisational levels of the voluntary sector are also particularly interested in those with theological expertise.
BA degree: 12 courses (9 from Theology major pathway plus 3 from minor pathway)
Diploma of Higher Education: 8 courses (6 from Theology major pathway plus 2 from minor pathway)
Certificate of Higher Education: 4 courses (3 from Theology major pathway plus 1 from minor pathway)
Download Theology Major [pdf, 6pgs 90KB] for the following programmes structure:
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Combined Degree Scheme Bachelors Degree Theology with Minor programme
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Combined Degree Scheme Diploma of Higher Education in Theology with Minor programme
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Combined Degree Scheme Certificate of Higher Education in Theology with Minor programme
How you study
We offer you the maximum flexibility in planning your studies; you can study at a time and place to suit yourself.When you first register you will receive:
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The Arts Good Study Guide by E. Chambers and A. Northedge
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a student handbook
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course subject guides
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past examination papers and Examiners' reports
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a copy of the Regulations
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access to the University of London Online Library with a comprehensive selection of links to relevant materials
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access to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) where you can preview and download subject guides, supplementary materials, past examination papers, reading lists, and additional audio-visual material, as well as participate in discussion forums.
Each year you continue to register, you will receive updated materials.
In addition to the materials we provide, you will need to buy some books, and others you will need to refer to in a library. As far as possible, you should consider the facilities available locally to you, and how accessible books are likely to be before registering.
English and Computing minors:
If you choose one of these minors, you will also have the opportunity to take part in online workshops and receive personalised feedback on coursework.
Philosophy minors:
The Philosophy courses are designed for entirely independent learners who will be able to direct their own learning without a tutor and with a limited virtual learning environment.
Reading list
Down load the following PDFs for reading lists:
Fees
| Academic year 2013-2014 | | |
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| Annual registration fee | £ 725 | |
| Fee per Computing full course | £ 260 | |
| Fee per English full course | £ 260 | |
| Fee per Philosophy full course | £ 185 | |
| Fee per Theology full course | £ 210 | |
| --------------------------------------------------------- | | |
| Examination re-entry fees (per full course) | | |
| Computing | £ 180 | |
| English | £ 180 | |
| Philosophy | £ 180 | |
| Theology | £ 180 | |
Disclaimer: the currency conversion tool is
provided to you for convenience only and does not constitute an endorsement
or approval by the University of London; the exchange rates are provided
dynamically via a third-party source, consequently, the University of London
International Programmes is not responsible for their accuracy.
The fee per course depends on the level of support provided. Courses with high levels of online support, such as English courses, are more expensive than those with limited support, such as Philosophy courses.
When to pay
Fees are payable between 1st March 2013 and the registration closing date 30th November 2013. The annual registration fee is payable each year to maintain your registration. The course fee includes one attempt at the examination.
How to pay
All University fees must be paid in pounds sterling (GBP). The University accepts:
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Western Union - Quick Pay
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Credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Electron, JCB)
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Sterling banker's draft/cheque
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International money/postal order
Further details are given in payment methods.
Other costs
In addition to the fees payable to the University, you should also budget for:
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textbooks (this may well be in the region of £300 per year if you are taking four courses in one year)
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tuition costs if studying at a teaching institution
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the fee charged to your local examination centre to cover its costs; this fee will vary.
Note
Fees are subject to annual review and the University reserves the right to amend previously announced fees, if necessary. For a full list fees that may be applicable, please see the fee schedule in Student fees.
Each course of the BA and Diploma and Certificate of Higher Education (except for the Dissertation) is assessed by one unseen examination.
Examinations are held once a year, usually in May or June. You do not have to come to London to take your examinations as we have exam centres around the world as well as in London. Examinations overseas are arranged mainly through Ministries of Education or the British Council. You will be charged a fee by your local examination centre (this fee will vary).
For further information please see the Assessment and examinations section of our website.
Dissertation
The Dissertation is to be 8,000–10,000 words long on an agreed topic. You will be able to receive feedback on a one-page outline (consisting of a working title, a summary of the main sections of the dissertation, and a short bibliography), and comments on two complete drafts before submitting the final version for assessment.
Computing minors
Those taking a course in any of the three Computing minor pathways will have to submit coursework for assessment for most of their courses.
English minors
The Level 4 English course requires you to submit a piece of formative assessment in the form of an essay. This is to help you prepare for examinations and final assessment. The piece of formative assessment is compulsory but does not contribute to your final assessment.
Academic Requirements
BA and Diploma of Higher Education
Age
You must normally be at least 17 years of age at the time of registration.
Qualifications
You must have passes in:
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either two subjects at GCE A level, and at least three further subjects at GCSE or GCE O level (at not less than grade C or a pass if taken prior to 1975)
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or three subjects at GCE A level, with one A Level at not less than grade D
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or three subjects at GCE A level, and one further subject at GCSE or GCE O Level (at not less than grade C)
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or two subjects at GCE A Level, and two further subjects at AS Level.
You must normally satisfy both the University of London general entrance requirements and the additional programme specific entrance requirements which are dependent on the choice minor programme:
If you choose English as a minor you also need:
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a competence at least equivalent to a pass in GCE A level English and
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either GCSE or GCE O level English Language at Grade C or above
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or, satisfy the University’s general English language proficiency requirements.
If you choose the Computing Information Systems minor pathway you also need to:
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demonstrate a competence at least equivalent to O level grade C or above in an acceptable mathematical related subject.
If you choose the Computer Science or Computing and Cognition minor pathways you also need to:
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demonstrate a competence at least equivalent to O level grade B in an acceptable mathematical related subject.
The University may, at its discretion, accept other qualifications in place of those above.
Certificate of Higher Education
Age
You must normally be at least 18 years of age by the 1 September at the time of registration.
Qualifications
You need:
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a minimum of three subjects at Grade C or above at GCSE/GCE O level or an equivalent examination including
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a competence at least equivalent to GCSE/GCE O level in English Language at Grade C or above
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or compliance with the University’s general English language proficiency requirements.
If you choose the Computing Information Systems minor pathway you also need to:
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demonstrate a competence at least equivalent to O level grade C or above in an acceptable mathematical related subject.
If you choose the Computer Science or Computing and Cognition minor pathways you also need to:
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demonstrate a competence at least equivalent to O level grade B in an acceptable mathematical related subject.
The University may, at its discretion, accept other qualifications in place of those above.
Language Requirements
For awards at FHEQ levels 4, 5 or 6, applicants must provide satisfactory evidence showing that they have:
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Passed acceptable examinations equivalent to GCSE/GCE O level English Language at grade C or above; or
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Demonstrated fluency in academic English gained through either:
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Five years secondary schooling taught solely in English and/or passed GCE A levels or IB in essay based subjects; or
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Passed an International Foundation programme for UK HEI entry with a unit in English for Academic purposes (EAP) or its equivalent; or
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A first degree or Associate degree taught and examined in English; or
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Have passed a Diploma awarded by any of the polytechnics in Malaysia, Singapore or Hong Kong. For undergraduate admittance have within the previous three years passed a test of proficiency in English at the following minimum level: IELTS with an overall grade of at least 6 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub test, TOEFL with a score of 580, 237 on the computerised test plus a Test of Written English (TWE) of at least 4.5 or a test of proficiency in English language from the prescribed list published by the University.
Where an applicant does not meet the prescribed English language proficiency requirements but believes that they can demonstrate the requisite proficiency for admission the University may, at its discretion, consider the application.
Note: Some programmes will require greater proficiency in English language; these requirements will be reflected in the relevant programme regulations.
Computer Requirements
Online access and general computer requirements
As one of our students you need to have regular access to a computer and the internet; this may be for accessing the Student Portal, downloading course materials from the Virtual Learning Environment, and accessing resources from the Online Library. You will also need to have access to appropriate software, for example, a PDF reader and suitable hardware capacity on your computer, e.g. for document storage. Additional requirements include that you have JavaScript and cookies enabled to access particular online systems, for example, the Student Portal.
Supported Browsers include:
Internet Explorer 7+
Firefox 5+
Chrome 13+
Screen resolution (recommended)
1024 x 768 or greater
Certain programmes may have their own specific requirements, please refer to the relevant Regulations.
Combined degrees - Academic leadership
These combined degrees draw on the academic expertise of three University of London Colleges. The Philosophy programme has been developed by Birkbeck, University of London, which has one of the highest ranking Philosophy departments in the UK. The Theology courses are directed by Heythrop College, a specialist College of theology within the University of London; while Goldsmiths, University of London, is responsible for the English and Computing courses.