New BD degree at University of Glasgow

Hi to all:

I was looking at the BD External Program at the University of London when I came across another BD program at another prestigious British university that can also be done through distance learning. Needless to say I requested for more information on it.

Below is the full e-mail reply from the degree coordinator. The degree requirement and structure sounds both interesting and challenging, and for those who wish to visit Glasgow and don’t mind attending on-campus classes, the annual residential requirement may not be great inconvenience. What do you all think of this new program? Any thoughts on its strengths, weaknesses, and degree of flexibility as compared with the London BD?

"Thank you for your enquiry about our distance learning degree. The degree is an undergraduate Bachelor of Divinity and is a general degree (i.e. not an Honours degree). It is a fully accredited course, worth a total of 360 SCOTCAT points (also known as credits), the same as our classroom-taught general undergraduate BD.

Modules are available in all areas of theological study: systematic theology, practical theology, Old Testament/Hebrew Bible, New Testament, church history and religious studies.

The degree is designed to be flexible and can be studied part-time or full-time, with the potential for students to do some of it full- time here in Glasgow if they wish, by taking some classroom-taught modules. But studying full-time in Glasgow is an option rather than a requirement.

The fees are the same as fees for any humanities program at the University of Glasgow. Like other programs, the amount depends on whether you are normally resident in Scotland, another part of the UK, or overseas. The amount will also depend on how many modules you study in a year. The method of study will include residential, so it will be necessary to come to Glasgow twice a year for these. Some travel bursaries will be available for those on low incomes or benefits.

The degree is structured in three stages (corresponding to years of a full-time degree). Stage 1 comprises six modules at Level 1; Stage 2 comprises three modules at Level 1 and three at Level 2; Stage 3 comprises three modules at Level 2 and a dissertation. Each module is worth 20 credits and the dissertation is worth 60. There is a progression point at the end of each stage and a minimum standard of achievement is required in order to pass to the next stage.

Each stage can be completed in a year of full-time study. If studied part time, each stage can take up to three years. Assessment is by essay and examination. Students living in Scotland will usually come to Glasgow for the annual exam. Students living in other parts of the UK will usually have an approved invigilator. Students living overseas will usually go to their nearest British Council office.

The modules are taught by means of paper-based distance modules, with support given by correspondence or email or telephone by the members of faculty staff who designed the module. It is expected that the program will be available online in the next five years. I hope this information is helpful; if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards,

Sarah Nicholson

Dr Sarah L Nicholson
University of Glasgow
Department of Theology and Religious Studies
No 4 The Square
Glasgow
G12 8QQ
0141 330 4608