Degree of Bachelor of Theology

RESOLUTION

The Degree of Bachelor of Theology is governed by Resolution No. 610 of the University Court which came into effect on 1 September 2008 with provision that:

1.    The Degree of Bachelor of Theology (BTh) may be awarded by the University of Glasgow in Edinburgh Theological Seminary as a General Degree.

2.    The Senate may make regulations governing the award of the Degree which are subject to the approval of the University Court - these shall be as stated under ‘Regulations’.

3.    The early exit awards of Diploma of Higher Education and Certificate of Higher Education are also included in the Regulations. 

4.    A Joint Board will be established to oversee the Degree.

5.    It shall be competent for the University Court, on the recommendation of the Senate, to recognise as teachers of the University for the purpose of the Degree, such lecturers and officers of Edinburgh Theological Seminary having responsibility for courses qualifying for the Degree, as may be proposed for such recognition by the Joint Board.

6.    The Senate may appoint as an Examiner for the Degree, but not as an External Examiner, any teacher recognised in accordance with Section 5.

7.    The External Examiner(s) for the Degree shall be appointed by the University Court on the recommendation of the Joint Board and the Senate.

REGULATIONS

1.     Introductory and Definitions

The definitions set out in the Glossary of Terms apply to these regulations.

2.     Duration of Study

A full-time candidate for a degree shall, subject to §3, normally attend for at least three academic sessions. A part-time candidate shall, subject to §3, normally attend for at least four academic sessions. There is no set maximum period of study. Candidates may continue their studies provided that they comply with the progress regulations set out at §7.

3.     Recognition of Prior Learning

A candidate admitted to the BTh programme after having satisfactorily completed cognate courses in another university or institution of tertiary education, but having withdrawn from study for the other degree, will normally be awarded credits on the basis of courses completed in the other university or institution to a maximum of 180 as deemed appropriate by the Joint Board. A candidate will be permitted to count such credits as part of the overall requirements of the minimum graduating curriculum for the BTh, provided (a) that the Joint Board is satisfied that the courses for which he or she has been awarded credits meet the requisite standard and (b) that the candidate’s overall curriculum covers all the prescribed elements in the BTh programme. 

4.     Composition of Degree Programmes

4.1   The Degree of Bachelor of Theology follows a prescribed curriculum as follows: one course in each of Elementary Greek and Elementary Hebrew; two courses in each of Church History, Systematic Theology and Practical Theology; Old Testament Studies 1; either Old Testament Language, Exegesis and Theology 2 or Old Testament Studies 2; 2 courses in either New Testament Language, Exegesis and Theology or in New Testament Studies.

4.2   As an alternative to Elementary Hebrew, candidates may take two semester-length, self-directed modules with appropriate academic support and supervision in one or more of the following departments: Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, Systematic Theology and Practical Theology.

4.3   As an alternative to Elementary Greek, candidates may take two semester-length, self-directed modules with appropriate academic support and supervision in one or more of the following departments: Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, Systematic Theology and Practical Theology.

4.4   As an alternative to Church History 2 (Scottish Church History), candidates may take two semester-length, self-directed modules with appropriate academic support and supervision in the department of Church History.

4.5   Candidates will be required to submit a 10,000 word dissertation. The area of study may be chosen from any one of the Seminary’s five departments. The topic must be chosen in consultation with the relevant professor

5.     Approval of Curriculum

A candidate’s curriculum must be approved at the start of each session by the Seminary Principal. Once approved, the curriculum may not be altered except with the approval of the Seminary Principal.

6.     Assessment

Assessment is governed by the Code of Assessment which is contained in the ‘University Fees and General Information for Students’ section of the University Calendar.

7.     Progress

7.1   The progress of candidates shall be reviewed annually by the Seminary Senate. 

7.2   The minimum requirements for progress to a succeeding year of study for a full-time candidate are as follows:

After one session:	The candidate must have obtained at least 90 credits, of which at least 60 must be at grade D or better and achieved a grade point average[1] of at least 9.
After two sessions:	The candidate must have obtained at least 180 credits of which at least 120 must be at grade D or better and achieved a grade point average of at least 9. At least 60 credits must be at level 2.
After three sessions:	The candidate must have obtained:
	240 credits with a minimum grade point average of 9; 180 credits at grade D or better; 90 credits at level 2 or above.

 7.3   Appeal against Seminary Senate decisions on progress may be made to the Joint Appeals Committee of the University of Glasgow and Edinburgh Theological Seminary.

8.     Award of a Certificate of Higher Education

8.1   A candidate who has completed courses totalling at least 120 credits with a grade point average of at least 7 shall be eligible to receive a Certificate of Higher Education unless the candidate proceeds immediately to a degree programme. This does not preclude the use in subsequent completion of a degree programme of credit counted towards the award of a Certificate of Higher Education.

8.2   The Certificate of Higher Education shall be awarded with Merit where the grade point average is at least 14, and with Distinction where the grade point average is at least 17.

8.3   Where the candidate has accumulated more than 120 credits, the credit counted in the calculation of the grade point average shall be reduced to 120 credits by discarding all of the credit for certain of the courses in such a way as to maximise the grade point average while meeting all other requirements of the regulations.

9.     Award of a Diploma of Higher Education

9.1   A candidate who has completed courses totalling at least 240 credits, of which at least 80 credits are for courses at level 2 or above, with a grade point average of at least 7, shall be eligible to receive a Diploma of Higher Education, unless the candidate proceeds immediately to a degree programme. This does not preclude the use in subsequent completion of a degree programme of credit counted towards the award of a Diploma of Higher Education.