LST Online Degrees

For those who wish to study at LST but cannot easily come to our campus, we offer the option of online study with experienced and talented online tutors. 

Our BA Theology modules are offered both on-campus and online, so that in all our undergraduate programmes students can choose a combination of on-campus and online modules - what we refer to as 'blended' delivery. This offers a great deal of flexibility for students to study at a distance or alongside other commitments.

Our BA Theology programme (plus HE Cert. and HE Dip.) can be taken on-campus, in blended delivery or fully online, with a wide choice of modules.

Our combined programmes BA Theology and Counselling, BA Theology, Music and Worship, and BA Theology and Worship can be studied on-campus or in blended delivery, with the Counselling and Music modules taken on-campus and the Theology modules taken online (or as a combination of on-campus and online).

BA Online modules are delivered over three semesters, from October to August, in five-week blocks, with a group of students studying together with module tutors. 

Each of our online modules parallels an on-campus module, with the same learning outcomes and assessments, but with its own specifically-created course materials. Online courses are delivered via our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) ‘LST Online’, and are mainly presented in written form, including readings from books and articles, but also including videos and audio clips. Students study together in cohorts and interact with each other and the tutor in forums.

Online study works well for those who are self-motivated and eager to learn, but live far away or have work, family or ministry commitments that prevent campus-based education. Those unable to obtain UK residency may also wish to pursue this study option.

Online study includes the following elements of learning:

• Programme materials. Each module includes specially written online units, which contain both an overall narrative and embedded resources including e-books, journal articles, websites and visual media, which will help generate a rich environment for exploration and learning. These materials can be accessed through LST Online.
• Tutor. Each module has a tutor who is an experienced expert in their field. The tutor’s job is not to ‘lecture’ in the normal sense, but to walk you through the materials and help you to understand and dig deeper. Tutors will be available through the LST Online forums to answer questions and discuss content with you.
• Fellow students. Online students study modules at the same time, which means that there is a studying community in which students can engage with the same materials together. Participating in discussion forums is a key part of the online programme, enabling debate and processing concepts together.
• Local context and placement. Like our onsite students, online students are encouraged to participate in ministry in a local context. BA students take placement modules as part of their studies.

Whether you enjoy being able to interact with other students, or prefer the option of studying alone, online study may be a great option for you. The opportunity to study and engage in your local situation makes online study a great way to learn new concepts and discover how to work it out practically within your context.

Read more...

1. About Studying BA Theology
2. Calendar and Pacing

Introduction to BA Theology

All students on the BA Theology programme (plus HE Cert. and HE Dip.) study the same curriculum, whether they are studying on-campus, online or a combination of both ('blended').

Below is the programme diagram for the HE Cert, HE Dip, BA Theology programme. If you study one of our undergraduate specialism degrees in theology and music, worship or counselling there will clearly be other specialism modules and fewer theology modules, but this diagram is sufficient for this general introduction.

Our undergraduate programmes have three levels of study - Levels 4, 5 and 6 - corresponding to three years of a full-time BA programme. Each level consists of 120 credits (130 for the music programmes).  There are also three possible exit points from the programme, including a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) after 120 credits/Level 4, a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) after 240 credits/Level 5 or a BA Hons after 360 credits/Level 6.  

At Level 4, you will take all the modules in the red box in the diagram. If you are full-time you will take all of these (120 credits) in one year, if part-time these would be taken over two years (60 credits per year). All the modules at Level 4 are compulsory (core modules) and there are no options. The order of the modules is indicative, but there clearly are some modules you need to take before others. 

At Level 5 you will take all the modules in the red box, and a selection of options in the blue box. Again, if you are full-time you will take them all in one year, if you are part-time you would normally take these over two years. At Level 6 it is similar, you will take all the modules in the red box, and a selection of options in the blue box, over one or two years.

Therefore, if you are a full-time student you can plan to graduate in 3 years. If you are a part-time student you will normally complete in 6 years. 

There is no room here to delve into the content of the modules, but in general you can find three broad categories in the theology curriculum: biblical studies, theological studies and practical theology.  

At LST we are committed to integrative theological education, which means modules are not set in rigid sub-disciplinary areas but are in dialogue with each other in reference to the Bible, experience, tradition, reason, and community. It also means that we endeavour to characterise each module with elements of academic knowledge and understanding, spiritual formation and ministerial training.

Read more...

• Calendar and Pacing

Calendar and Pacing

All of our undergraduate programmes have a single intake, in October each year. Our on-campus modules are offered over two semesters, stretching over three terms (Autumn, Winter/Spring, Summer). Our online modules are offered over three semesters: October to January, February to May and June to August, with breaks for Christmas and Easter and reading weeks at various key points. 

Our 10-credit online modules are normally delivered intensively over five week-blocks, with two blocks per semester and reading weeks in the middle and at the end. If you are studying full-time you will study two modules concurrently (four per semester), and if you are part-time you will study one module at a time (two per semester). 

Each module - whether delivered on-campus or online - is designed to take 100 hours. So a full-time student should plan to spend about 35 hours a week studying, and a part-time student about 18 hours. This is a standard workload for university students and you need to make sure you plan carefully to make sure you have the necessary time to engage with your studies.

MODULE STRUCTURE AND PACING

Our online modules are structured into units (10 units for a 10-credit module) and these are normally delivered two per week. Each unit includes forums where you can discuss the topic with your tutor and fellow students. 

The forum discussions on the course are asynchronous, so that you can complete the work in your own time, but you need to keep up week by week with the prescribed units. This helps to provide motivation as you will progress together with your cohort, and allows you to engage with your tutor and other students during the week.

Each module will have assessment pieces (typically an essay, project or an exam) and assessment deadlines at the end of the semester. 

Of course, as in any higher education system, there are allowances for extenuating circumstances which are carefully explained in your induction.

For more information, fees and application forms visit our website.

IMAGINE…

• Imagine knowledgeable and professional theological educators all over the world who can work both autonomously and within teams in a variety of contexts. 
• Imagine theological educators who can adapt to change and generate new ideas while remaining faithful to the Biblical roots of their vocation. 
• Imagine theological educators who are rooted in critical reflection that enables them to solve problems and effectively engage in the vocation of theological education in their particular cultural context and so make a positive contribution to society. 
• Imagine theological educators who have balanced the above goals with an integrated vision of holistic theological education and have taken responsibility to develop professionally and personally as men and women of God, both in character, interpersonal skills and spirituality.

We have imagined just these things.

MA IN THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION

This distinctive set of programmes represents a unique opportunity for theological educators from all over the world to obtain much desired professional training in theological education. It is no secret that teachers in Bible colleges and seminaries all over the world are traditionally trained in theology but not necessarily in education. LST is working together with strategic international organisations involved in theological education to bridge this need and provide a series of highly flexible and internationally deliverable courses in the discipline of theological education.

These programmes are for you if:

• You are currently a theological educator teaching in a Bible college or seminary;
  
• You are a theology graduate who is considering a vocation in theological education;
  
• You are involved in leadership or academic responsibilities in a theological college, but have not professionally trained for these roles;
  
• You want to deepen you awareness of what is distinctive (and theological) about theological education and re-discover your calling.

There is no need to leave your occupation, no need to leave your country. The programmes are designed in such a way that they are best taken while you are actively teaching in your local context. All courses are designed to work for those who are already involved in full-time theological education anywhere in the world and involve a combination of online distance education and reflective practice. 

HOW YOU WILL LEARN?

You will learn by engaging in both acquisition and participation activities, most of which will shared with a cohort of students that will move together through the course, engaging a variety of media during the week on different topics and then blogging and interacting in forums over the weekends. 

In all the modules you will be learning with fellow students from all over the world under the guidance of a tutor. Arrangements will also be made during the programme to be formally observed during your teaching in order to assist you in reflecting on your practice. 

Assessment will vary within the modules, with components such as reflective and critical essays, reflective practice reports, curricular projects, personal journalling, engagement with a variety of online tools and a final empirical research project (at MA level).  There will be no need to travel for final examinations.

THREE DEGREES: MULTIPLE ENTRY AND EXIT POINTS FOR MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY

• PGCertTE - Postgraduate Certificate in Theological Education (60 credits), part-time 1 year
  
• PGDipTE - Postgraduate Diploma in Theological Education (120 credits), part-time 2 years
  
• MA in Theological Education (180 credits), part-time 3-4 years

it is also possible to study single modules both for credit and as Auditors for Personal Development

* The programmes are currently only offered part-time 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND INTAKE DATES

Students enrolling in these postgraduate programmes are normally expected to have an honours degree in the field of theology and to be engaged in the vocation of theological education. The programme has two intake dates, one in October and one in April every year. Applications should normally arrive two months prior to the desired start date.

VALIDATION AND ENDORSEMENTS

These programmes are validated by Middlesex University and have been developed through a close working relationship with the European Council for Theological Education. They are also warmly endorsed by the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education (ICETE), Overseas Council (OC) and key leaders involved in theological education across the globe.

RELATED INFORMATION

To find out more about postgraduate training in theological education at LST, write to education@lst.ac.uk or download the Postgraduate Programmes in Theological Education flier.  

Also watch the following brief Introductory Video:

Have you ever wondered where the theology you have come to believe comes from and how it has been constructed? 

Have you wanted to integrate your understanding of Biblical hermeneutics with a study of theological method that helps you critically engage with the formulation of theology? 

In an age of theological uncertainty, the MA in Integrative Theology (MAiTh) does not teach you theology so much as it teaches you how theology develops through an intricate interplay of different sources. In addition to a methodological core, the MAiTh then offers you a choice of options in which you will engage in application of theological method to biblical studies, theology, practical theology, music and the arts, counselling and engagement in the public sphere.

Various influences within postmodern society have resulted in the fragmentation of the major disciplines within and around Christian Theology. LST’s MAiTh emphasises integration of these disciplines through its ground-breaking and unique integrative theological method. This establishes a holistic approach to Christian Theology with practical implications for life in society and Christian discipleship. 

The MAiTh’s integrative theological method is thoroughly and deliberately Evangelical as it integrates five primary sources of knowledge. It prioritises the Bible (Scripture), but also recognises the historical construction of Christian belief (tradition), the importance of considered, rational and critical thought (reason) the role of experience in the lives of believers (experience) and the witness of the Church as it preaches the gospel and makes disciples (church in community). This method allows each of these sources to enrich and inform the other in various imaginative and creative ways.

Our vision is that graduates of the programme will be set on a path toward a holistic and integrated theological approach, as they will be empowered to integrate theological method with other disciplines, including their own experiences and professions. This is not just another MA! 

To summarise, the MAiTh’s integrative theological method integrates disciplines which have been separated, integrates five primary sources of knowledge - Scripture, tradition, reason, experience and church in community and provides for a deep impact on the world of ideas and consequently on the global nature of discipleship and of Christian presence in all facets of society.

This programme is for you if:

• You are a theology graduate seeking an innovative and flexible Masters-level qualification in theology;
  
• You are involved in ministry and are looking for a path of lifelong learning that will enhance your service, deepen your understanding of theological method and broaden your horizon;
  
• You have never studied Theology but wish to integrate your professional and personal interests with theological understanding.
  

MODES OF STUDY

There is no need to leave your occupation, no need to leave your country. The MAiTh offers you the choice of residential delivery* or online learning through LSTOnline's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). 

Thanks to a highly flexible set of delivery options, the MAiTh will open up the possibility of obtaining a postgraduate degree in Theology to those who may have never considered it, or who have been practically unable to do so. You can also choose full-time or part-time study modes* in order to fit around your existing commitments and aspirations. (*modes of delivery are subject to enrolment).

• Full-time residential learning. You will live in London and experience a vibrant learning and community life on the LST campus, engaging in classroom activities, seminars and personal interaction with your peers and tutors. You will also have access to both LST’s library - which is among the largest evangelical theological library in Europe - and to LST’s Virtual Learning Environment.
  
• Part-time residential learning. If you live and work in the London area, you can travel to the LST campus once a week to attend seminars and then continue your studies during the week through LST’s VLE.
  
• Online Education. If you cannot leave your place of residence, your job or ministry commitments, you may take the entire MAiTh online through LST Online with no residency requirements whatsoever. LST’s VLE has been designed to provide you with a rich blend of learning resources and participatory activities for a great student experience.
  

MAITH DEGREE STRUCTURE - WHAT YOU WILL STUDY

The MAiTh consists of two core modules, a set of optional modules and a final dissertation. 

The first core module will introduce you to theological method, and the second will demonstrate how integrative theological method can be applied to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Two options can be chosen from the list of different modules (see below) that correspond to the specialist pathways. Your dissertation will be also undertaken in your chosen specialism.

If you do not wish to complete the entire MAiTh, you can choose to study for a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) or Postgraduate Diploma Integrative Theology (120 credits). Depending on your delivery mode (residential, eLearning, part-time or full-time) the order in which you study the modules may vary.

SPECIALIST PATHWAYS AND THE OPTIONS

The MAiTh offers a rich variety of options with specialist pathways from which you can choose.  The pathways cover a wide range of disciplines, with the content of each one having been designed to cohere with the overall integrative approach of the programme.

You have the choice to exit with a named degree in a chosen specialism - e.g. MA Integrative Theology (Christian Worship Studies) – but to achieve this, both options in that pathway (i.e. Christian Worship Studies) must be taken together, and the dissertation must address a topic in that area too. It is important to note that a specialist qualification can only be obtained if studying for the MA degree.

If you choose not to specialise, or are taking the PG Certificate/ PG Diploma, you can choose options from multiple pathways, which would result in you achieving a general qualification with a PG Cert./ PG Dip./ MA Integrative Theology.

Click here for information about the Pathways.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

In normal circumstances students will be required to have at least a UK BA Honours degree at 2:1 level (or equivalent) as well as the necessary English language ability. A qualification in Theology is not required, although restrictions apply to language-based modules. 

- See more at: https://lstonline.ac.uk/vle/ma-integrative-theology-maith