Theology

|

BA

|

Part Time, Full Time

| UCAS code: V610
A theology degree programme in the heart of London that aims to foster informed reflection, both critical and constructive, on the three main dimensions of Christianity: scripture, doctrine, and the history of the Church.

KEY BENEFITS
  • King's is home to a large, vibrant Department of Theology & Religious Studies, with special expertise in Islam, Judaism and Christianity and a variety of contemporary religious movements.
  • The Department is ranked joint third in the UK for world-leading and internationally excellent research.
  • Our teaching makes the most of London's rich religious culture, incorporating many places of worship and the collections of the British Museum.
  • King's central location offers easy access to numerous libraries across London.
  • Students develop key transferable skills which can lead to a variety of different careers.

 

UCAS code
V610
Programme type
Single honours
Duration
Three years/six years
Location
Strand Campus
Year of entry 2014
Offered by
School of Arts and Humanities
Department of Theology and Religious Studies
Closing date
Please refer to the UCAS website for application deadline dates, or contact the relevant Admissions Office for further advice
Fees & funding
For information on fees and funding for undergraduate programmes at King's go to http://www.kcl.ac.uk/ug/funding/
CONTACTS
Address
Department of Theology & Religious Studies
King's College London
Strand Campus
Strand
London WC2R 2LS
Email
Tel
020 7848 2350/2374
Fax
020 7848 7200


PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION
This degree programme aims to foster informed reflection, both critical and constructive, on the three main dimensions of Christianity: scripture, doctrine, and the history of the Church. Key features include: detailed investigation of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible and New Testament; an option to learn biblical languages from scratch; exploration of Christian doctrine from perspectives ancient and modern; extensive study of the development of Christian thought; and the examination of Christianity in its changing social contexts through the exploration of the religious history of the Early Modern period (16th and 17th centuries) and the Modern period (18th to 20th centuries).

Depending on which elective modules you choose - they might be in the philosophy of religion, the anthropology of religion and/or the sociology of religion - this programme gives you the chance to look at the Christian tradition in the light of either Islam or Judaism. Core and optional module choices are listed below.

Upon completion of the degree we expect our Theology graduates to have acquired:
  • a general knowledge of modern approaches to the Bible and more detailed knowledge of a range of important texts in the Old and New Testaments
  • knowledge of approaches to the study of Christian doctrine, both past and present
  • knowledge of methods of historical study and particular knowledge of one or more periods in the history of the Christian Church



ABOUT THE Department of Theology and Religious Studies

CAREERS
Our students develop key transferable skills in critical analysis, argumentation and communication that are indispensable in a wide variety of occupations. King’s students go on to careers in: government, the Civil Service, non-government organisations, social services, the caring professions, charities, law, the City, academia, PR and advertising, journalism and the media, entertainment and the arts, the church and other religious organisations. Recent graduates have found employment as or in…. • Insight Manager, ISPUN • Sales Executive, Events company • PR Assistant, PR Company • Research Ethics Co-ordinator, National Research Ethics Service • Researcher, Houses of Parliament • Trainee Accountant, Accountancy Firm • Children/Family Worker, Regents Trust • Publishing Assistant, Allison and Busby • Research Assistant, Tyndale House • Company Director. Musical Entertainment company

TEACHING STYLE
We strongly believe that teaching and research should be closely related. All teaching members of staff are therefore research-active, many enjoying international reputations as leaders in their fields. Our commitment to original research means that we can introduce students to new discoveries in areas as diverse as priesthood and cult in ancient Israel; mysticism; political Islam and the state; the relationship between philosophy and literature, and between moral and aesthetic value; and religion and politics, in particular nationalism, ethnicity and global networks.

STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMMES & ASSESSMENT
Each programme has a distinctive core, defined through a unique pattern of modules (some year-long modules, some over a single term). Some modules are compulsory, mostly in the first year when they are introductory. The scope for choice increases substantially in the second and third years, to suit developing individual interests and strengths. Module options may change from year to year; we strive constantly to enhance the variety of modules on offer. Methods of assessment vary from one module to another, but typically involve the submission of some coursework (usually an essay) and an unseen written examination in the summer. A few modules involve either coursework or a summer examination.

LOCATION
As befits a capital city that is home to a mix of people of hugely diverse backgrounds, London offers tremendous opportunities for the student of religion. Numerous religious groups with their very different beliefs and rituals, as well as artistic traditions exhibited in places of worship, exist on the department’s doorstep. Unrivalled resources enabling us to put those facets into context are close at hand: looking beyond the College, we can turn to the National Archives, the British Library, the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and Lambeth Palace Library, to name only a few.

 

You will study the following core and optional modules. We review our modules on a regular basis, in order to continue to offer innovative and exciting programmes, so this list may change.

YEAR 1
Students study the modules below.

YEAR 1 CORE
  • Introduction to Old Testament/Hebrew Bible
  • New Testament: Gospel & Letters
  • Systematic Theology: Nature & Method
  • Turning Points: Christianity in England since 1500


YEAR 1 OPTIONS

Chosen from the Department's year one / level 4 modules. Students are encouraged to take at least one Biblical language. In Yr 1, this is:

  • Introductory New Testament Greek with Texts

 



YEAR 2
You will take four modules from the selection of required modules, with your remaining choices coming from the wide range of option modules offered by the Department.

YEAR 2 CORE
  • Ritual in the Old Testament OR Theological Themes of the Old Testament.
  • Paul in Context OR The World of Jesus OR New Testament Greek and Exegesis
  • An Introduction to the Doctrine of the Person of Christ OR The Trinity in Recent Theology OR ‘What is Christianity?’ Patristic Perspectives
  • Religion, Culture & Society in Reformation Europe OR Between Revolutions: British Christianity 1689-1860.


YEAR 2 OPTIONS
Chosen from the Department's year two / level 5 modules.

Students are encouraged to take at least one Biblical language. In Yr 2, these are:
  • Introduction to Biblical Hebrew or
  • Intermediate Greek with Texts.


YEAR 3
At least four of the following modules:

YEAR 3 CORE
  • Varieties of Religious Experience: Christianity in Britain 1850-1970
  • The English Reformation
  • Exploring New Testament Theology
  • Hebrew Texts
  • Principles of Systematic Theology
  • Law & Ethics in the Hebrew Bible
  • Women in the Hebrew Bible
  • Introduction to the Dead Sea Scrolls
  • Contemporary Philosophy & Theology.


YEAR 3 OPTIONS
Chosen from the Department's year three modules. You also have the opportunity to write a dissertation on a topic of your choice.


ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Australia
Tertiary Entrance Ranking
96+-97+ ATAR, or an OP of band 3-2 for Queensland
Austria
Reifezeugnis (Matura)
Reifezeugnis with 1
Belgium
Certificat D
Certificat D’Enseignement Secondaire Superieur/Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs with 8/10 or 17-18/20
Brazil
Brazil
High School Leaving Certificate (Certificado de Ensino Médio) with 8 OR B OR Muito Bom PLUS at least one year of Bacharel/Licenciado at a Brazilian University with a GPA of at least 8.0 OR the King’s College London International Foundation Programme
Bulgaria
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with the majority of subject marks of 5.5
Canada
Secondary School Certificate/Diploma
High School Certificate/Diploma with 85%-90% OR Ontario University Preparatory Course with 85%-90% at five grade 12 4U subjects. The sixth subject may be at 4U or 4U/C level. OR the Quebec CEGEP Cote R with an overall R score of 31-33.
Chile
Chile
Licencia de Educación Media with 6 PLUS at least one year of the Licenciatura at a Chilean university with a mark of 5 OR the Kings College London International Foundation Programme
China
Gao Kao (University Entrance Examination)
University Entrance Examination with at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Chinese university with at least 80%
Cyprus
Apolytirion
Apolytirion (School Leaving Certificate) with 18-19 plus at least an additional foundation/Access year
Czech Republic
Maturita
Maturita with 1
Denmark
Studentereksamen or Hjere Forberedelseseksamen
Studentereksamen or Højere Forberedelseseksamen with 10-11 i
Estonia
Gmnaasiumi lputunnistus (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus with majority marks of 5 and an attestation of success in the state entry examinations (Riigieksamitunnistus)
Finland
Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen (National Matriculation)
Ylioppilastutkinto with 6
France
Baccalaureat (including the option internationale baccalaureat)
The Baccalaureat with 13-14/20 overall
Germany
Abitur
Abitur with 1.5-1.3 overall
Ghana
School Leaving Certificate
the West African Senior School Certificate (WASSC/WASSCE) PLUS 3 international Cambridge-board A levels at AAB
Greece
Apolytirion
Apolyterion with 18-19
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
Three elective subjects at minimum Levels 5, 5, 5 plus Level 4 in each of the four core subjects.
Hungary
Erettsegi
Erettsegi with 5
India
School Leaving Certificate
School Leaving Certificate with 85% overall OR School Leaving Certificate with 75% with at least a foundation/Access year or year of undergraduate study at an Indian university.
Iran
School Leaving Certificate
Pre-University Certificate (Peeshdaneshgahe) OR the National Entrance Exam (Kunkar) with 16 OR 3 Cambridge International A levels at AAB-AAA
Ireland
Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher level unless otherwise stated)
A1 A1 A1 A2 B1 B1  
Italy
Esame di Stato
Esame di Stato with 90
Japan
School Leaving Certificate
Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho) PLUS 3 Cambridge Board International A-levels at AAB-AAA OR an Associate degree or Diploma from a Junior College (Jun-Gakushi) with a GPA of 3.3 or B+ or 4 OR a foundation year.
Latvia
Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu (Certificate of General Secondary Education)
Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu with 8-9 lus at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Latvian university
Lithuania
Brandos Atestatas (Maturity Certificate)
Brandos Atestatas with 90 , plus at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Lithuanian university
Luxembourg
Diplome de Fin D
Diplome de Fin D’Etudes Secondaires with Tres bien i
Malta
Matriculation Certificate - Advanced level
Matriculation Certificate with AAB
Mexico
Mexico
The Bachillerato with a mark of 8 PLUS the King’s College London International Foundation Programme OR at least one year of the Licenciado study with an overall average mark of at least 8/10 OR A-levels with grades of AAB
Moldova
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma de Bacalaureat with 9
Netherlands
Diploma Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO)
VWO with 7.5-8.0
New Zealand
National Certificate of Educational Achievement Level 3 (NCEA)
the NCEA level 3 with E in the majority of standards/modules in four subjects
Nigeria
School Leaving Certificate
The Senior School Certificate (SSC/SSCE) OR the West African Senior School Certificate (WASSC/WASSCE) PLUS 3 Cambridge International A levels at AAB
Norway
Vitnemal-videregaende opplaering (Upper Secondary Leaving Certificate)
Vitnemal-videregaende opplaering grade 5
Pakistan
High School Certificate (HSSC)
High School Certificate with A-A1 , plus at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Pakistani university
Poland
Matura
Matura with 80%-85% in extended level subjects
Portugal
Diploma de Ensino Secundário
Diploma de Ensino Secundário with 18
Romania
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma de Bacalaureat with 8-9
Russia
Attest o (Polnom) Srednem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education)
Attest o (Polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii with an average of 4.5 , plus at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Russian university
Saudi Arabia
School Leaving Certificate
College of Technology Diploma OR Higher Technical Institute Diploma OR Junior Health College Diploma OR Undergraduate Diploma with 85% OR 3 Cambridge International A levels at AAB-AAA
Singapore
Singapore A Level
AAB in three content-based H2 subjects. Knowledge and Inquiry is not considered as part of the offer
Slovakia
Vysvedcenie Maturitnej Skuska/Maturita
Vysvedcenie Maturitnej Skuske/Maturita with 2-1
Slovenia
Maturitetno Spricevalo (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Maturitetno Spricevalo with 5
South Africa
South African Senior Certificate/National Senior Certificate with Matriculation endorsement
The National Senior Certificate with Matriculation endorsement with AAABB
Spain
Titulo de Bachiller
Titulo de Bachiller with 8-9 overall
Sweden
Fullständigt Slutbetyg (School Leaving Certificate)
Fullstandigt Slutbeytg with MVG
Switzerland
Federal Maturity Certificate
Federal Maturity Certificate with an overall mark of 5
Turkey
Lise Diplomasi (High School Diploma)
Lise Diplomasi with with an overall mark of 4, plus at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Turkish university
United Kingdom
A levels
AAB
Compulsory subjects
No compulsory subjects.
General Studies and Critical Thinking - College policy
Please note that AS/A level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted by King's as one of your A or AS levels. However, if offered the grade achieved may be taken into account when considering whether or not to accept a candidate who has just fallen short of the conditions of their offer
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities (or similar) Diploma with 33 Level 3 credits from units awarded at Distinction, with the remaining credits at Merit. Supplementary information and achievement e.g marks for certain credits/subjects may be required depending on course content.  
Cambridge Pre-U
3 Pre-U Principal Subjects with grades of D3 D3 M2
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
Considered on an individual basis
Scottish Highers & Advanced Highers
AAABB and AB at Advanced Higher 
International Baccalaureate
35 points and 665 HL
European Baccalaureate
80% overall
USA
Advanced Placement Tests and/or SAT/ACT (SAT/ACT acceptable only where stipulated)
Three AP subjects with 554 . Or SAT with a total score of 1800 with at least 600 in each section or the ACT with a score of 27 plus 3 SAT-S with a score of 600 in each

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Aptitude testing
No test required

APPLYING TO KING'S
If you are interested in coming to King’s, you should apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) and apply online via the UCAS website (click on 'apply'). If you are applying through a school or college, you will need to obtain a 'buzzword' from the centre you are applying through. Alternatively, you can apply as an individual, independent of a school or college. Please see the UCAS website for instructions. The UCAS institution code name for King’s is KCL, and the institution code is K60.

There are a few programmes which require direct application to King's, this will be stated above

SELECTION PROCEDURE
We are looking for students with: open minds; a willingness to engage intellectually with their teachers and fellow students; a commitment to making the very most of the first-rate education we provide; a love of learning; enthusiasm for life at the very heart of one of the most exciting and ethnically and culturally diverse cities in the world. We welcome students of all faiths and none, including mature students, international students, and students with no previous qualifications in theology or religious studies.

Come to one of our religious literacy days to learn more about our department and see whether you might feel at home at King’s. Please see http://www.kcl.ac.uk/trs more information.

Related programme student profile

Religion, Politics & Society BA
I chose to apply for King’s for various reasons; mainly because King’s offers such a unique degree of Religion in the Contemporary World. Of course, I already knew about the prestigious international reputation and standard of the university, and being in the heart of London makes this even better.

The Department of Theology and Religious Studies is a King’s tradition, constituting a vibrant community of students and staff. Not only does it offer a diverse module choice, but it also offers a network of support and assistance. Being a student representative and also the current co-president of the TRS Student Society allows me to make the most of, and become, an active part of the department.

King’s also offered me the chance to study a language as part of my degree. I have been continuing my Arabic studies since my first year at King’s and I am now in the advanced level. Through this, I met a diverse range of people interested in the language, who inspired me to attend an intensive Arabic course in Morocco last summer.