Admissions Administrator:Miss Sarah PriorSpurgeon’s CollegeSouth Norwood HillLondon SE25 6DJTel: (020) 8683 8462s.prior@spurgeons.ac.uk
This is a vocational course which involves three-years of full-time study leading to a Bachelor of Divinity (BD) honours degree awarded by the University of Wales. You will study modules on biblical, theological, historical, social, missional, ethical and pastoral issues and gain valuable practical experience through a placement at a local church. The course will:
While not all the students at Spurgeon's are Baptists, or training for the ministry, ministerial training has always been, and remains, at the heart of the College's mission. If you are interested in training as a Baptist minister you should contact your Regional Minister who will give you the necessary documentation to complete. If you are considering training as a Baptist minister please click here. The BD course is open to ministerial and non-ministerial students.
College-based students study twelve modules each year at certificate and diploma level. At certificate level, you will be strongly encouraged to study the biblical languages, although alternatives are available. At diploma level, all students follow the same syllabus, except they may continue to make choices about biblical languages. At degree level, you will be offered a choice of either eight taught modules or five modules together with a 12,000 word dissertation.
Our desire is for students to receive the preparation they need for mission and ministry. At each level students will study modules in the Bible, Christian Theology and the Theory and Practice of Christian ministry in contemporary society.
The table below shows you the modules you will be studying at each level of the course. For example, at certificate level some of the modules you will be studying are Introduction to the Bible, Aspects of Leadership in the Old Testament, New Testament Greek, The Doctrine of God, Worship and Preaching Skills, Pastoral Theology and Practice, and Spirituality.
At diploma level among the modules you will complete are Pentateuch in English or Hebrew, Pauline Texts in English or Greek, The Doctrine of Christ, Reformation Church History, Communication and Hermeneutics, and Pastoral Care and Counselling.
In the final degree level you may choose eight module options as diverse as Old Testament Theology, New Testament Theology, Mission Shaped Church, Encountering World Religions, The Doctrine of the Spirit, Transforming Ministry, and Chaplaincy.
Students are assessed by a combination of essays, course work and examinations. Once you are accepted into College you will receive a detailed Student Handbook which provides the aims, objectives and content of each module. It will also explain the teaching methods and assessment and will provide you with a reading list for each subject.
These are held on a Saturday in March and November each year and will give you the opportunity to meet members of staff and find out more about the course. You can then discuss your situation without commitment and obtain a good understanding of what student life will be like and the financial implications of coming to Spurgeon's College.
Students are admitted to the course on the basis of a combination of academic and personal factors. All applicants for full-time courses receive an extensive interview.
The normal minimum academic qualification is two A-levels or the equivalent. Applicants without minimum academic qualifications may be admitted to the programme on the basis of substantial relevant experience.
Once you have been accepted on the course you may qualify for financial assistance from your Local Education Authority. This applies to UK citizens who have not received previous Higher Education grants or assistance.