BA single honours Theology with Foundation Year 2020/21

Our single honours Theology degree is studied alongside elements of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics, whilst preserving a dedicated focus on Christian traditions. In our combined honours degree, selected Theology modules are paired with those from a second subject chosen from an extensive range of degree courses.

Single Honours Theology students and those combining the subject with Religion, Philosophy and Ethics are eligible to apply to study for a year in North America as part of their degree. There will be a competitive internal application process, as spaces are limited, and acceptance will be based on academic merit.

Foundation Year Zero

As a student on a Faculty of Arts and Humanities Foundation Year course you will undertake 4 core modules introducing you to study in the arts and humanities and university level skills. 

Core Modules

Semester One

• Life and Study 

A module introducing you to Life and Study at university, equipping you with the personal management skills you need to make the most of your time here. 

• Understanding Arts and Humanities 

A module introducing research methods and key skills, such as academic writing, referencing, presentations and critical reading. 

Semester Two

• Being Human

A module introducing modernity and how it is identified and researched. You will choose your own individual example of modernism, whether it be an object, a work of art, an idea or a piece of literature. 

• School Core Module

A module designed to equip you with the skills relating to your chosen subject area, providing you with a seamless transition to level 4/year one.   

Complementary Modules 

In addition you will be offered two complementary modules, one to be studied in each semester. For this subject you will study:

Semester One

• Historical Foundations 

You will study a broad survey of British and Western European History from the late Roman Republic to the beginning of the 21st Century. 

Or

• Introduction to Global Humanities 

You will study the materials and concepts that inform the meaning of being human from global south diaspora perspectives. You will explore key concepts such as identity, freedom, justice, culture, belonging and migration.

Semester Two

• Dangerous Ideas 

You will study the concepts that inform theological and religious thought. This will be explored within a range of cultural, philosophical, social, political and ethical contexts. Particular case studies may be made such as the Israeli Palestinian conflict, the Civil Rights movement, Ghandi and Tibet.

Core Modules

Year 1 Single Honours

• Introduction to Biblical Studies (20 credits)
• Introduction to Christianity (20 credits)
• Religion and Social Justice (20 credits)
• Introduction to Philosophy (20 credits)
• Ethical Theories and Issues (20 credits)
• Understanding World Religions (20 credits)

Year 1 Combined Honours

• Introduction to Biblical Studies (20 credits)
• Introduction to Christianity (20 credits)
• Religion and Social Justice (20 credits)

Year 1 module descriptions:

Introduction to Christianity (20 Credits)

You will receive a broad introductory overview of Christianity in its historical and intellectual development, and gain an understanding of Christian thought within its historical, social and cultural contexts. You will also be introduced to theological resources from different Christian streams.

Introduction to Biblical Studies (20 Credits)

You will gain an overview of the historical background and content of the Old and New Testaments, study in detail some representative texts within them, and become familiar with the concepts, principles, methods and tools of modern scholarly biblical interpretation.

Religion and Social Justice (20 Credits)

You will critically assess claims for, and approaches to social justice in the context of the Bible. You will also explore the application of social justice in the practices of believers in a range of contexts.

Understanding World Religions (20 Credits)

You will be introduced to a variety of the world’s religions from Western and Eastern traditions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism. You will also learn about key concepts in the academic study of religious traditions.

Introduction to Philosophy (20 Credits)

You will be introduced to the history of philosophy in the Western tradition, and study key philosophical issues. You will engage critically with philosophers from Antiquity to contemporary times and explore different perspectives on contentious philosophical issues and ideas.

Ethical Theories and Issues (20 Credits)

You will engage critically with significant ethical theories and apply these theories to contemporary moral issues with reference to religion. You will study a range of views about the relationship between morality and religion and how they apply to contemporary ethical debates.

Year 2 Single and Combined Honours

Jesus in Christian Doctrine (20 credits)

You will take the mandatory Christology module, Jesus in Christian Doctrine (20 credits). In this module, you will explore major areas of Christian doctrine, particularly Christology and soteriology, in relation to their Biblical foundations, historical expressions and systematic expositions. You will also read, analyse and evaluate primary historical and theological resources, develop critical awareness of theological norms and methods, and you will make connections between Christian doctrine and contemporary issues. This module builds on the year one Introduction to Christianity and Introduction to Biblical Studies modules.

In addition, you will choose the requisite number of 20 credit option modules from any of the following categories to make up your remaining credit requirement.

• Selected Texts in Biblical Studies
• Selected Topics in Religion, Community and Social Justice
• Selected Topics in Philosophy
• Selected Topics in the Study of Religion

Year 3 Single Honours

Theology Individual Study (40 Credits)

This module will enable you, under the guidance of a tutor, to undertake an extended piece of work in theology based on your own research. This provides you with an opportunity to follow up an area of interest in depth, to enable you to develop skills in critical thinking and argumentation, and to lay the foundations for possible future work at higher degree level.

Year 3 Combined Honours

Theology Extended Research Essay (20 Credits)

This module will enable you, under the guidance of a tutor, to undertake an extended piece of work in religion, philosophy and ethics based on your own research. This provides you with an opportunity to follow up an area of interest in depth, to enable you to develop skills in critical thinking and argumentation, and to lay the foundations for possible future work at higher degree level.

As a Combined Honours student, you must also take Church and Society in the New Testament or Christian Doctrine and Interpretation.

NB: At least one (but not necessarily both) of these modules will run in any given year.

Christian Doctrine and Interpretation (20 Credits)

In this module you will analyse selected areas of Christian doctrine in relation to Biblical foundations, historical expressions, and systematic articulations. You will critically evaluate primary theological, historical and philosophical sources, and develop a critical awareness of theological norms and methods. You will explore how such theological resources may be used to respond to contemporary issues and challenges.

Church and Society in the New Testament (20 Credits)

This module allows you to develop sophisticated critical awareness concerning scholarly method in theology and religion by studying how the current application theoretical models from sociology and anthropology to the New Testament may be informed or challenged by detailed historical­critical study of the ancient world.

In addition to your mandatory core module/s, you will choose the requisite number of 20­credit option modules from any of the following categories to make up your remaining credit requirement.

• Further Topics in Theology
• Further Texts in Biblical Studies
• Further Topics in Theology, Community and Social Justice
• Further Topics in the Study of Religion
• Further Topics in Philosophy
• Further Topics in Ethics

We continually review and, where appropriate, revise the range of modules on offer to reflect changes in the subject and ensure the best student experience. We will inform applicants of any changes to the course structure before enrolment.

Year 2 Theology

In addition to your mandatory Christology module, Jesus in Christian Doctrine (20 credits), you will choose the requisite number of 20 credit option modules from any of the following categories to make up your remaining credit requirement. One or more option modules will always be offered in each of the following categories. Please note that not all available modules will run in any given year.

i) Selected Topics in Biblical Studies:

 Option modules in this category will allow you to acquire an understanding of a range of different kinds of Old and New Testament texts, develop an understanding of critical approaches to these texts, and to make appropriate use of them in a variety of contexts. Current options include:

• Selected New Testament Texts (20 credits)
• Selected Old Testament Texts (20 credits)
• John: Gospel and Letters (20 credits)
• Textual Explorations in Biblical Theology (20 credits)

ii) Selected Topics in Religion, Community and Social Justice

Option modules in this category investigate the significance of community and notions such as equality and social inclusion in religious traditions. Current options include:

• Popular Culture and Theology (20 credits)
• Religion and Community (20 credits)
• Christian Faith and Ethical Living (20 credits)
• Cathedral Life and Liturgy (20 Credits)

iii) Selected Topics in Philosophy

Option modules in this category will give you knowledge and critical understanding of a range of philosophical issues, many of which are closely related to religious concerns. Current options include:

• Philosophy of Religion (20 credits)
• Religion and Science (20 credits)
• Kant (20 credits)
• John Stuart Mill (20 credits)
• Chinese Philosophies (20 credits)

iv) Selected Topics in the Study of Religion

Option modules in this category will allow you to extend your knowledge and critical understanding of various religious traditions. Current options include:

• Buddhism (20 credits)
• Islam (20 credits)
• Judaism (20 credits)

v) Employability:

Applied Humanities: Employability in Practice (20 credits)

This module will introduce Humanities students to a range of work­ related skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, decision­making, initiative, and creativity. In doing so, we see this module as enhancing students’ awareness of the work environment, thus improving students’ employability and self­awareness of their individual career planning. We work with a range of local partners to provide placement opportunities for students studying this module.

Year 3 Theology

In addition to your mandatory core module, the Theology Individual Study (40 credits) if you are a single honours student, or the Theology Extended Research Essay (20 credits) if you are a combined honours student, you will then choose the requisite number of 20­credit option modules from any of the following categories to make up your remaining credit requirement. Please remember combined honours students must take at least one of Church and Society in the New Testament and/or Christian Doctrine and Interpretation. One or more option modules will always be offered in each of the following categories, though not all available modules will run in any given year.

i)                    Further Topics in Theology:

• Christian Doctrine and Interpretation (20 credits)
• Theology and Literature (20 credits)
• Modern Theological Thought (20 credits)
• Classical Christian Mysticism (20 credits)

ii)                   Further Texts in Biblical Studies:

• Biblical Interpretation (20 credits)
• Church and Society in the New Testament (20 credits)
• Contemporary Issues in Biblical Theology (20 credits)

iii)                 Further Topics in Theology, Community and Social Justice

• Pastoral and Practical Theology (20 credits)
• Theology and Politics (20 credits)

iv)                 Further Topics in Philosophy:

• British Idealism (20 credits)
• Critiques of Religion (20 credits)
• Indian Philosophies (20 credits)

v)                  Further Topics in Ethics:

• Advanced Seminar in Ethics and Religion (20 credits)
• Religion, Gender and Sexuality (only open to Singe Honours students and Combined Honour Students combing with Religion, Philosophy and Ethics) (20 credits)

vi)                 Further Topics in the Study of Religion:

• Visual Culture and Religion (20 credits)
• Religion, Film and Literature (20 credits)
• Contemporary Issues in World Religions  (only open to Singe Honours students and Combined Honour Students combing with Religion, Philosophy and Ethics) (20 credits)

What will I study in the Option Modules?

Year 2 Optional Modules

Selected New Testament Texts (20 credits)

This module will help you to understand a range of different kinds of New Testament texts. It will enable you to understand modern critical approaches to these texts, and to make appropriate use of them in a variety of contexts.

Selected Old Testament Texts (20 credits)

This module will help you to understand a range of different kinds of Old Testament texts. It will enable you to understand modern critical approaches to these texts, and to make appropriate use of them in a variety of contexts.

John: Gospel and Letters (20 credits)

This module will develop your knowledge and critical understanding of theology and religion by a study in depth of a corpus of highly influential early Christian texts, the Gospel and Letters of John.

Textual Explorations in Biblical Theology (20 credits)

This module will help you to approach Biblical study through the exploration of theological themes with reference to the Bible, illustrated with selected examples of a range of texts from both Old and New Testaments. You will understand modern critical and theological approaches to these texts from the Bible, and learn how to make appropriate theological use of them in a variety of contexts.

Popular Culture and Theology (20 credits)

This module will introduce you to the relationships between theology and popular culture, including television, cinema, music, fashion and sport. You will critically examine theological approaches to the study of popular culture, and gain a thorough grounding in the key terms and concepts relevant to the study of this area.

Religion and Community (20 credits)

This module will help you evaluate definitions of “religious community” across a range of religious traditions and contexts, and evaluate the connection between community identity and practice. You will examine religious models of social life from renunciation, to full participation in the socio­political world. You will focus on the embodiment of belief in social interaction and political life. The module will analyse the practice of community organising as an expression of faith.

Christian Faith and Ethical Living (20 credits)

This module will help you articulate a critical appreciation of the ways Christian faith may inform and shape the moral life of communities and individuals. It will help you understand the theological resources available for Christian reflection on ethical issues, and apply your thinking to particular moral questions.

Cathedral Life and Liturgy (20 credits)

This module will explore the life, liturgy, mission and functions of Christian cathedrals in their historical development and contemporary setting.  In the first section of the module, cathedral spaces will be used to introduce students to liturgical theology. In the second section, students will reflect on the role of cathedrals in diverse contexts, spanning the national and international, Christian and post-Christian.

Buddhism (20 credits)

This module will develop your knowledge and critical understanding of Buddhism in the past and present in a variety of cultures.You will study the complex development of Buddhism(s) and evaluate primary and secondary sources as well as trends and methodological approaches relevant to Buddhism.

Islam (20 credits)

This module will allow you to explore the history, beliefs and practices of Islam as it occurs in diverse cultural contexts. You will study the historical development of Islam and explore a variety of contemporary issues that demonstrate the diversity of contemporary Muslim lives.

Judaism (20 credits)

This module will introduce you to different understandings of what it has meant to be Jewish throughout the ages. Studying primary sources from all periods of Jewish history, you will learn to appreciate the essence and variety of Jewish identity.

Chinese Philosophies (20 credits)

This module will develop your knowledge and critical understanding of key Chinese philosophical ideas and traditions, such as Daoism and Confucianism and their history and development.

Kant (20 credits)

This module will centre on sustained engagement with the thought of Immanuel Kant. It will introduce you to Kant’s critical philosophy, and explain his pivotal role in modern thought. You will read selected sections from Kant’s works (in translation), and develop broad understanding of one or two principal themes in his philosophical project.

John Stuart Mill (20 credits)

This module will centre on sustained engagement with the thought of John Stuart Mill. You will be introduced to Mill’s life and thought and examine his prole in the transformation of British society with reference to liberalism, feminism, and secularism.

Philosophy of Religion (20 credits)

This module will give you a detailed and critical understanding of key themes in the philosophy of religion such as arguments for the existence of God, the problem of evil, the nature of religious language, life after death, the existence of the soul and the nature of personal identity, and the nature of religious belief.

Religion and Science (20 credits)

This module will help you articulate a critical understanding of the relationship of religion and science, including questions of definition, method and the historical development of disciplines and ideas.

Ethics of Identity (20 credits)

This module will examine a selection of key social identities (including race, gender, sexuality, religious affiliation, class, disability). You will engage with a variety of approaches to identity and critically examine the ways in which identities intersect with each other in the context of contemporary ethical issues.

Applied Humanities Employability in Practice (20 credits)

This module aims to complement the theoretical elements of a humanities degree by taking the skills-set that student acquire as undergraduates and helping them see ways and means to render it relevant to the world of work. In contrast to academic class-based learning, the focus here is on exciting and useful practical work-based experience. Students will have the opportunity to develop an understanding of a work environment either through a 40 hour micro-placement; or by bringing students into contact with professionals who will help set out a project/problem based work opportunity; or through a relevant case study. This could be work shadowing, a reflective diary, a portfolio, or a research report.

More details can be found on this page. 

Year 3 Optional Modules

Pastoral and Practical Theology (20 credits)

This option allows you to study current issues in pastoral and practical theology, and to identify appropriate tools, methods and resources for engagement with the discipline. You will critically investigate challenges of faith in context, pastoral care, and Christian ministry.

Theology and Politics (20 credits)

This option allows you to critically assess a variety of responses to the relationship between “church and state”. Materials will be drawn from theology, religious studies, and political science such as the Gospels, Augustine, Marx, Liberation theology, and the Civil Rights Movement, or others.

Biblical Interpretation (20 credits)

In this option you will explore some Biblical texts or themes within the context of contemporary scholarship and study philosophical and theological questions of interpretation.

Contemporary Issues in Biblical Theology (20 credits)

This option looks at key contemporary issues in Biblical theology represented in both Old and New Testaments, offering you an understanding of recent theological thinkers who have sought to ground their understanding of faith primarily on the Biblical witnesses.

Theology and Literature (20 credits)

What is the relationship between theological reflection and literary forms, including the novel and poetry? This option helps you to understand theories in the interdisciplinary field of religion and literature and to appreciate the importance of literary theory, imagination and poetics for theological studies.

Modern Theological Thought (20 credits)

This module will enable you to understand challenges and opportunities presented to Christian theology in our day.

Classical Christian Mysticism (20 credits)

This course aims to give students the opportunity to develop a systematic understanding of the origins and development of Classical Christian Mysticism. It aims to enable students to think critically about Classical Christian perspectives on life in the world, with thematic attention to the themes of love and the life of the mind, love and the life of the body, and love and the life of the community.

Visual Culture and Religion (20 credits)

In this option you will investigate the visual dimension of a variety of religious traditions which may include Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and Judaism. This module will also allow you to explore the representation of religion in films.

Critiques of Religion (20 credits)

This module will give you detailed knowledge about important criticisms of religion, and the significance of such criticisms for religious belief. You will evaluate critiques of religion developed by thinkers such as Feuerbach, Marx, Nietzsche and Durkheim, and others. You will explore a multi­disciplinary approach to religion.

Indian Philosophies (20 credits)

This option allows you to develop a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of key Indian philosophical ideas. It will extend your knowledge of philosophy to include an important non­Western tradition.

British Idealism (20 credits)

In this module you will critically analyse the complex religious, philosophical and ethical synthesis present in the work of Idealists in the British tradition such as T. H. Green, R. G. Collingwood, or others.

Advanced Seminar in Ethics and Religion (20 credits)

This option will allow you to investigate ethical issues in an advanced fashion with an emphasis on detailed critical engagement with recent academic research and primary material from a range of sources.

God and Gothic: Themes in Victorian Religion and Culture (20 credits)

Students will engage with primary sources which will allow them to develop understanding of the complex relationships of religion, culture, and politics, in the context of Victorian Britain.

Religion, Literature and Film (20 credits)

This module explores religion, faith and spirituality from the standpoint of film narrative and the written word. Students will begin by looking at theories that analyse the significance of story to religious understanding.

Typically, some of our graduates go on to train for roles in Christian ministry. Theology also opens up routes into teaching, through the PGCE, and prepares you for further study at postgraduate level. This qualification will also help prepare you for various roles in religious institutions, in charities and non­for­profit organisations, in development work, community­based roles, and aspects of welfare. Wherever your career aspirations lie, a successfully completed Theology degree will equip you with the generic knowledge and critical­thinking skills demanded of an intelligent citizen in today’s diverse, multi­cultural world.

Fees

Tuition Fees for 2020/21 have not yet been finalised. Course webpages will be updated with Tuition Fee information once these have been agreed.

• Read advice about funding your degree
• See information about the financial support available for undergraduate studies
• If you would like information about paying your fees, please contact finance@canterbury.ac.uk
• For specific fee queries, please contact fees@canterbury.ac.uk

Additional course costs

Although we aim to minimise any additional costs to students over and above the course tuition fee, there will be some additional costs which students are expected to meet.

Costs applicable to all students

Course specific costs

General principle policy

The University’s general principles policy for additional course fees are set out here

Teaching

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials. You will typically have between 9 and 12 contact hours per week.

Seminars will enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures.  In addition, you will meet with your academic personal tutor.  Tutorials will provide the opportunity to work in smaller groups with your tutor.

All programmes are informed by the University’s Learning and Teaching Strategy 2015-2020.

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars, tutorials or other timetabled sessions you will continue learning through self-study.  Typically, this involves reading books and articles from academic journals, undertaking research in the library, and preparing for coursework assignments/examinations and seminars.

Your module tutor will direct you towards specific readings and/or activities to complete before class.

For the Dissertation (Single Honours students) or the Extended Research Essay (Combined Honours students) in year three, you will undertake independent research. You will work under the supervision of an academic tutor. You will meet with your supervisor regularly to discuss your work.

Overall workload

Your overall workload typically consists of between 9 and 12 contact hours each week. You will undertake 15-18 hours independent learning and assessment activity. In addition, there may be field trips.

Academic input

he Theology programme team consists of highly qualified academics with research expertise and publications in various fields, and many of whom hold teaching qualifications. All members of our programme team are research-active scholars with extensive experience in delivering research-informed teaching.

You can find out more about the current teaching on our Meet the Team webpage. You should note members of the teaching team might change.

Postgraduate students sometimes assist in teaching and assessing some modules. However, our permanent programme team teach the vast majority of lectures and seminars.

Theology is assessed primarily by coursework. Most of your work will consist of the writing of essays, and some modules will feature assessment by examination alongside a coursework essay, depending on what best suits a particular topic or discipline.

Percentage of the course assessed by coursework

The balance of assessment by examination and assessment by coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by coursework is as follows:

Year 1

75 per cent coursework 25 per cent written exams.

Year 2

77 per cent coursework 23 per cent written exams. (Average taken across all offered modules in 2017/2018.)

Year 3

88 per cent coursework 6 per cent written exams and 6 per cent individual study. (Average taken across all offered modules in 2017/2018.).

Feedback

Providing feedback on your coursework and explaining how to improve your work is an important aspect of our teaching. You will receive feedback on all formal assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback on examination performance is available upon request from the module tutor. Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your module tutor.

We will normally provide you with feedback within 15 working days of hand-in for formal coursework assessment.

UK/EU

Full-time study

Apply via UCAS

Part-time study

Apply directly to us

International

Full-time study

• Apply via UCAS
• Apply directly to us (pdf)
• Find a representative in your country

Need some help?

UK

For advice on completing your application please contact the Course Enquiry Team:

EU/International

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