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Get in touchThis flexible distance postgraduate programme is research–orientated, delivered using a combination of online lectures, interactive learning materials, supervised peer–to–peer discussion and independent research.
If you click apply you will be taken to our partners at BibleMesh to facilitate your application.
This MTh is a specialised, advanced study master’s degree that is designed to enhance prior exegetical and theological training by providing a rigorous grounding in all core aspects of New Testament Studies. The Diploma is available for those who complete the teaching modules without the dissertation.
Whether you’re studying online or on site, all of Union Theological College’s degrees are marked by strict academic standards approved by the Faculty and regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). Online study is subject to the same entry requirements as our on–campus degrees: there is no difference in the overall workload, and the qualification you get is of equal value.
The difference is simply in the way in which the course is delivered. As well as all the conventional benefits of taking your theological education to a new level, our new online programme has some particular benefits associated with it:
The platform that will deliver content and allow you to interact with faculty and students is BibleMesh. For taught modules this virtual learning environment provides video lectures, discussion forums, quizzes for self–assessment, a digital copy of the textbook and extensive additional e–resources. You will be able to benefit from the Cerego app, an online tool for your desktop, tablet or mobile device that builds on the latest in cognitive science to help you learn faster and remember longer.
Aims of the programme:
Applicants should normally have completed at least one full year of academic study of Koine Greek at the undergraduate level for entry into the MTh. For prospective applicants with a strong profile in Biblical Studies but less or no study of Greek, flexible accelerated provision prepares them for entry into the MTh programme.
This flexible distance postgraduate programme is research–orientated, delivered using a combination of online lectures, interactive learning materials, supervised peer–to–peer discussion and independent research.
You will be taken to Our partners at BibleMesh to facilitate your application
12 months full-time or part-time equivalent of 4 years
£5,500 total programme fee (UK & EU)
£15,500 total programme fee (non UK/EU)
Master of Theology awarded
Videos by Mark Strauss and others will lead you through the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) and Acts, incorporating exegesis of selected passages and topical study of key interpretative issues. Close reading of the primary and secondary texts in conversation with tutors and peers will prepare you for a seminar presentation and written exegetical work.
30 credits 3-4 months
This module will build on your proficiency in reading ancient Koine Greek. You will develop and consolidate your skills and tools for textual criticism, translation, analysis and exegesis of Greek, using a range of resources including BibleArc. Through language seminars and written exegetical work, you will study several texts in original Greek, with selected passages chosen from the New Testament, Septuagint, and Apostolic Fathers or Hellenistic authors.
30 credits 3-4 months
Video lectures by Bruce Longenecker and Todd Still will help equip you for academic study of Pauline Theology and for principled practical use of Paul’s letters in ministry. The course incorporates exegesis of a range of texts from Paul’s correspondence (incorporating Greek as appropriate), topical study of core aspects of Paul’s life, theology and mission and reflection on appropriate ministry outcomes. You will write four exegetical essays for this module.
20 credits 3-4 months
This module gives you an opportunity to develop and enhance your existing exegetical and hermeneutical skills, through close engagement with selected New Testament texts representing different genres within the New Testament Canon. Video lectures by Karen Jobes will guide you through the General Epistles to explore various exegetical approaches in common use, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses while applying them to the selected texts. This module entails a written exegetical assignment and a methodological one.
20 credits 3-4 months
This module offers you an opportunity to develop an advanced appreciation of the theological richness of the NT canon. You’ll engage with major integrative accounts of New Testament Theology and evaluate the success of their methodologies in doing justice to “the one and the many”, within New Testament Theology, bearing in mind both the diversity of documents in the New Testament and the unity which together they form. This will prepare you for the written assignments on NT theology and inner–canonical themes.
20 credits 3-4 months
The feedback received on your written work will have helped you to nurture your critical research and writing skills in preparation for the 15,000–word capstone dissertation. In this thesis you will choose to specialise in an area of advanced New Testament studies and exercise your research skills and integrate your knowledge from the rest of the course to hone your scholarship.
60 credits 4-12 months
Students may enter the programme in September or January. Students may also study full–time or part–time.
| Autumn Semester Sept - Jan |
Spring Semester Jan - April |
Summer Semester May - August |
|---|---|---|
| Synoptic Gospel & Acts | Pauline Theology | Dissertation Writing |
| Greek Texts | New Testament Texts | |
| New Testament Theology |
| Spring Semester Jan - Apr |
Autumn Semester Sep - Jan |
Spring Semester Jan - Apr |
Autumn Semester Sep - Jan |
Spring Semester Sep - Jan |
Final Year Jan - Jan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pauline Theology | Synoptic Gospels & Acts | New Testament Texts | Greek Texts | New Testament Theology | Dissertation Writing |
Tuition fees are subject to annual revision and are typically increased by approximately 4% per annum for programmes longer than one year. For part–time intermittent study, the schedule for the payment of fees is arranged by the College office.
The Faculty of Union Theological College will consider all applications from ministers and teachers in Christian churches (or those training for such service) for postgraduate faculty scholarships. The faculty will consider all applications for financial help after the closing date for applications.
Fee information is subject to change and is for guidance only.
Fee information is subject to change and is for guidance only.
Please check you meet all the entry requirements for this programme before you submit an application.
Applicants should normally have completed at least one full year of academic study of Koine Greek at the undergraduate level for entry into the MTh. For prospective applicants with a strong profile in Biblical Studies but less or no study of Greek, flexible accelerated provision prepares them for entry into the MTh programme.
This should take the form of a document of one or two pages highlighting your academic achievements and any relevant experience.
It will be used to assess your ability to engage in critical thinking and to construct and defend an argument.
(300–400 words) in which you provide a personal statement explaining your motivation for applying for this particular programme as either a full–time or part–time student
Your references should outline your intellectual ability, academic achievement, motivation, and ability to engage in self–motivated study.
If these documents are not in English an official English translation must be supplied with full contact details either the professional translator, the institution that issued the transcript or the authorised notary.
Language tests must be no more than two years old at the beginning of the degree programme. You must submit evidence that you meet the College’s English language requirement for your course, if:
For further details please see https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa/knowledge-of-english
If you have changed your name you must supply evidence e.g. a marriage certificate
Upon submission of your application you will be supplied with details of how to pay a non–returnable application fee of $75.
As an alternative to traditional residential study, online learning offers flexibility and utilises the best in digital learning resources.
Our online MTh and PGDip offer the same high standards of teaching, assessment and award as its campus-based equivalents.
Your degree certificate will be identical to the degree certificates received by students who have completed their study on campus in Belfast.
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland has had a theological training institution in Belfast since 1853. Initially called Assembly’s College, it was later renamed Union Theological College by Act of Parliament. In 1881 the college was awarded a Royal Charter empowering it to grant its own degrees in theology. This authority resides in the theological professors of the college who together constitute the Presbyterian Theological Faculty, Ireland (PTFI). Union Theological College programmes are awarded by this body. The PTFI is recognised as a university under UK law and the work of the college is regulated by the independent body that maintains standards within UK higher education sector and by the Council for Training in Ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
UK and EU Per Module: £1,000 For Dissertation: £1,500 Programme Total: £5,500 International Per Module: £3,000 For Dissertation: £3,500 Programme Total: £15,500 Fee information is subject to change and is for guidance only.
The BibleMesh platform will provide you with digital copies of each module’s resources. You will also have access to the e-book collection of Union College’s Gamble Library. Some other resources may have to be purchased.
In UK higher education a full-time postgraduate course is designed to involve the same time commitment as full-time employment, so taking on a part-time degree is like taking on a part-time job. All of this is calculated by way of CATS points (Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme). The taught modules in our Masters programme are weighted at 30 CATS points. Our programme is designed to offer real flexibility with teaching occurring over a 12-week semester and students having a further three weeks to submit their final long written piece of work. Students work at different rates, but you would technically need to allow for 20 notional hours of work per week during any given semester.
There are five compulsory modules to the programme.
For the taught modules students can expect to watch a number of video lectures and engage in directed reading assignments. There will be online tests or quizzes, discussion forums, the Cerego learning app and written assignments. You will also have access to a number of books through the BibleMesh e-book reader and the e-books of the Gamble Library at Union.
The CATS (Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme) points system is recognised by Union, and most other UK Higher Education institutions, as a method of quantifying credit within academic programmes, functioning as something of a common currency. According to this system, one UK credit point equates to ten notional hours of study. For American students, please note that there is no exact correspondence between the UK and the US system. Credit hours are based on the time spent in class each week over a semester and our system is based on the total hours of study to be undertaken in a module or programme. Conversion between credit hours and UK credit points is not straightforward but, as a rough and inexact rule of thumb, for American students: 10 CATS credit points broadly are equivalent to 3 US credit hours; and 20 CATS credit points broadly are equivalent to 5 US credit hours. Credit points convert to European academic credits (ECTS) as follows: 10 CATS credit points are equal to 5 ECTS credits; and 20 CATS credit points are equal to10 ECTS credits.
The full-time course lasts twelve months. The part-time course may be completed in a period of time between two to four years.
While you study with us, you will be well supported by the programme team with a wide variety of additional one-to-one support. Every student is assigned a personal tutor who will: Guide you through the matriculation process and the course schedule Help you become a confident, active member of the online learning community Help you with any concerns or problems that might affect your studies Students access materials, discussion forums and a range of learning tools via the Virtual Learning Environment. Our platform is designed to be easy to use and we incorporate familiarisation training into the programme induction. Tech support will be via BibleMesh. You will also be able to take advantage of digital library access to the e-books in Union’s Gamble Library. In consultation with an appointed supervisor, students prepare a dissertation of 15,000 words on a research topic in New Testament or on any of its cross-disciplinary interfaces. Within set parameters for its timing, nature, and degree, formative feedback will be given by the supervisor on elements of the developing project, covering both the research topic and the dissertation itself.
Applicants should normally have completed at least one full year of academic study of Koine Greek at the undergraduate level for entry into the MTh. For prospective applicants with a strong profile in Biblical Studies but less or no study of Greek, flexible accelerated provision prepares them for entry into the MTh programme.
Please email our programme administrator at research@union.ac.uk who will be happy to try to help you.
If you require any further information or advice about this course, please get in touch.