What can I study?

Access

Our Access course is a great introduction to studying theology. It’s ideal if you are looking to study the Christian faith out of interest but not at degree level, or if you would like to do a taster course before choosing the BA programme.

We offer 6 modules (each comprising 15 units) and you can study as many or as few as you like.  Modules include: biblical theology (where you study the story of the acts of God in the Old Testament as well as how events in the New Testament impacted on the history of the world); an introduction to the history of Christianity; and an introduction to pastoral theology (a theological reflection on God’s dealings with us in this real world). There is much to be learned about His-story and how it impacts on you today.

• No formal entry qualifications required.
• A study skills module to help you get started – helpful if you left school too many years ago to remember and haven’t done any studying since!
• Study from home a module at a time, working at your own pace and taking as long as you require.
• Excellent materials clearly guide you through the course and your tutor is on hand to help and encourage you at every stage.
• Suitable for all, regardless of age or stage of life.
• Support may be available for students. Contact the Finance Officer for more details: Barbara.MacPhail@uhi.ac.uk

See further information on the Christian Theology Access course, and how to apply.

Degree

Our BA (Hons) Theological Studies programme focuses on three main themes: biblical studies, theological/historical studies and applied studies.

In the first year of study, you will be introduced to the New Testament, systematic and practical theology and early church history. In your second year, the Old Testament is studied and you also consider counselling theories, as well as counselling in a pastoral setting. A work placement is available in year three, which enables you to relate your studies to current practice. You can choose to work in congregational work, alcohol and drug rehabilitation, hospital chaplaincy, overseas mission and relief work, or another area of personal interest. During the course of your studies, you will learn a great deal and will be spiritually enriched by the great support and fellowship from staff and fellow students.

Study full-time or part-time.Study on-campus at HTC or at another UHI campus or at home.All our tutors have practical experience of ministry and are actively involved in church work.Support may be available for students. Contact the Finance Officer for more details: Barbara.MacPhail@uhi.ac.uk

See further information on the BA (Hons) Theological Studies course, and how to apply.

"The period I have spent at HTC has been just brilliant. There is a serious intellectual rigour to the studies but this is always liberally sprinkled with faith. The opportunity to work with other students from different churches and backgrounds has also been very rewarding. I would have to say that it is now possible to study theology ‘without losing your faith’ thanks to the quality of staff and teaching at HTC. It is also not just about theology because there are many other subjects on offer and I found the Counselling modules and Church History modules extremely valuable."

The BA (Hons) Philosophy Programme seeks to understand, and particularly to question, ideas concerning the nature of reality, value and experience that play a pervasive role in understanding the world and ourselves. Socrates, one of the most famous philosophers of all times, said "I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think.": that is a core strength of philosophical studies. In developing your ability to think well, you will be able to spot errors in reasoning, analyse complex issues and arguments, build a strong case and make a point with clarity and precision.

The philosophy discipline focuses on problematic concepts, such as existence, reason and truth, which occur in every sphere of human enquiry, but more specifically on problematic concepts that belong to particular areas of thought and practice, such as politics, economics, religion, science and ethics.

Throughout the course you will apply this type of analytical and critical thinking to a range of 21st century issues such as: Is humanity headed in the right or wrong direction? What is the best way for a person to attain happiness? Will religion ever become obsolete? What is the future of artificial intelligence? Is there a meaning to life and, if so, what is it?

There is also the opportunity to study several Philosophy Joint Degrees such as, Philosophy and Theology, Philosophy and History, Philosophy and Literature, Philosophy and Politics, and Philosophy and Sociology.

The BA (Hons) in Philosophy, Politics and Economics is a multidisciplinary programme that offers the unique opportunity to study three of the most important realities impacting people’s lives. The comprehensive programme aims to analyse core features within each area.

Economics: You will examine how economic agents (individuals, households, and businesses) and markets behave and interact, and are influenced by economical features such as inflation, economic growth and unemployment, and monetary and fiscal policy.

Politics: You will examine how politics shapes our lives and how it is organised differently around the world. You will explore the various forms of governance operating in clans, modern local and national governments, institutions, sovereign states, and at international level.

Philosophy: Philosophy seeks to understand and critically question ideas concerning the nature of reality, values, and experiences, that play a pervasive role in understanding the world and ourselves. Problematic concepts, such as existence, reason, truth, etc, will be studied as they are important realities in every sphere of human experience. Other concepts belong to areas of thought and practice, such as art and politics: in this programme, you will explore these ideas and concepts and how they influence society.

Research - Masters and PhD

The Masters by Research (Theology) is an intensive one year full-time or two year part-time research degree which is conducted under the supervision of members of the HTC academic staff team. Applicants should have completed an Honours degree in Theology (or a closely cognate subject) at upper second level or above. Under supervision from our academics, you will devise your own research project and undertake original investigation from any of the main theological disciplines (Biblical Studies, Dogmatics, Church History, Philosophical Theology etc.). Your research will culminate in the submission of a 40,000 word thesis which will be assessed by viva voce examination. The research and study experience is similar to that of the PhD degree and, while the MRes (Theology) is a postgraduate qualification in its own right, it can also prove to be a good precursor for studying at PhD level, if that is a future goal.

The PhD is a globally-recognised terminal qualification, rooted in original research that makes a significant contribution to scholarship. This is a rigorous and demanding programme that should not be undertaken lightly! Most students are passionate about their area of interest and pursue a PhD as a result of their academic curiosity and desire for research excellence. A PhD will typically take three to four years of full-time study, or five to six years of part-time study. HTC offers doctoral degrees in the all of the main theological disciplines subject to the availability of academic staff for supervision. We can supervise doctoral research in Old Testament, New Testament, Biblical Theology, Church History, Systematic Theology, Philosophical Theology, Theological Interpretation (etc.) and the particular research expertise of our supervisors can be viewed on their staff pages.

Fees and funding

Course fees are set at a competitive level and are quoted on the webpage for each course. You might not have to pay the full course fee, depending on your personal circumstances. Contact the Finance Officer for advice Barbara.MacPhail@uhi.ac.uk. Modules are studied on a 'pay-as-you-go' basis and you complete one before embarking on the next.

For the Access course, most full-time students resident in Scotland will have their fees paid in full and receive a bursary. If you are resident in Scotland and choose to study part time, you may be able to claim reduced fees.

Scottish and EU students on the BA programme are entitled to free tuition provided they meet certain criteria, but international students will be required to pay the full fee. Please get in touch with us to discuss your personal circumstances or visit www.saas.gov.uk.

For a summary of fees information see www.uhi.ac.uk/en/studying-at-uhi/first-steps/how-much-will-it-cost/.