Bachelor of Theology (BTh) (OUDCE)
BTh Suite
The BTh Suite consists of one-, two-, and three-year undergraduate programmes, all available for either part-time or full-time study. These programmes integrate academic study with personal theological reflection and practical application, and therefore provide an excellent framework for ministerial training, whether as part of an ordination pathway in the Church of England, for lay ministry, or ordained ministry within another part of the church. However, given the strong academic element to the course, they also suit students with a general interest in expanding their theological knowledge.
All of these programmes are taught partly within Wycliffe Hall, by our core tutors, and partly through lectures offered in Oxford University’s Faculty of Theology and Religion. They therefore offer all the intellectual rigour of the University of Oxford, combined with the pastoral and ministerial insights of Wycliffe tutors. The majority of teaching is delivered through lectures and seminars, with some small classes and tutorials.
Almost all papers (with the exception of languages) are assessed through essays submitted throughout the year, rather than by exams at the end of the year.
Certificate in Theological Studies
The CTS is available as a full-time one-year programme, or a two-year part-time programme. Most students (with the exception of ordinands in the Church of England) apply initially to the CTS before progressing to the DTS or BTh.
Students receive a foundational introduction to the core disciplines of Biblical Studies, Doctrine, and History, and can then choose from a range of optional papers including Biblical languages, Faith and Philosophy, and Faith and Science.
Diploma in Theological Studies
The DTS is available as a full-time two-year programmes, or a four-year part-time programme. Students initially follow the CTS programme, before expanding their study into more advanced papers in the second half of their programme. Optional papers cover the core disciplines of Biblical Studies, Doctrine, and History, alongside applied studies such as Ethics, and new areas of study such as World Religions.
Bachelor of Theology
The BTh is a full University of Oxford undergraduate degree, available full-time over three years or part-time over six years. In addition to the range of options available under the DTS, students on the BTh complete a long dissertation or project in their final year (or both!), a major independent piece of research on a topic of their choice.
The Theologos Programme
The Theologos Programme is a wrap-around programme of extra-curricular activity, where a cohort of students commit to a year of daily prayer, worship and study, focused upon engaging historic Christian theology with the most pressing questions of contemporary life, and guided by some of the world’s foremost Christian thinkers. If you are interested in joining the Theologos programme alongside your study on the CTS, please click here [link] for further information.
More information about all these programmes, including admissions criteria and fees, can be found on the Oxford University Department of Continuing Education webpage [link to https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/theological-studies].
How to Apply
Please apply directly to Wycliffe Hall using the form below.
Applications for October 2023 are currently open. Applications will be considered in one of three gathered fields, closing on:
- Friday 6 January
- Friday 3 March
- Friday 12 May
If places remain available after this date, they will be assessed on a first-come first-served basis.
To be considered, applications must be complete including receipt of two references. It is therefore in the applicant's interest to check with their referees that references have been submitted by the deadlines above.
This three-year, full-time residential course culminates in a Bachelor of Theology (BTh) from the University of Oxford (OUDCE) and is ideal for those who have been approved for ministerial training within the Church of England. It is our equivalent of the Common Awards programme, and the fees are exactly the same as the for Common Awards. Teaching is normally conducted by Wycliffe Hall staff in lectures and small group seminars. There are also opportunities to attend other University lectures, and there may be the chance to have teaching in conjunction with other Theological Colleges.
Full details can be found here: https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/theological-studies
For detailed information about the course structure please contact Jo Wakefield at recruitment@wycliffe.ox.ac.uk
Ordinands are expected to participate in the life of the worshipping community through participation in daily chapel services and a weekly fellowship group led by a Wycliffe tutor. To gain hands-on ministry experience under the guidance of a mentor, ordinands participate in weekly placements, as well as one 5-week summer placement. The placements can be at a church or other ministry organisation, and Oxford is well-served with a variety of ministry environments from which to choose - from urban to rural, affluent to socially deprived. Ordinands also serve in 1-2 university missions.
Integrated study weeks provide ordinands with a chance for in-depth study of key topics such as Sacraments (baptism and communion), Evangelism, Equality and Diversity, Islam, and Ethics.
Preaching classes are taken throughout the course with supervised preaching engagements during the first year.
Applicants are expected to have a minimum of 5 GCE passes, of which two should be at ‘A’ level and include GCSE English at grade C or an equivalent qualification.
Accommodation fees can be found on the Wycliffe Hall Accommodation webpage.
In addition, Wycliffe Hall students pay a termly Common Room fee, the amount of which is decided on a yearly basis but usually approximates £50.00.
Out-of-pocket expenses incurred for travel related to placements and missions will be reimbursed up to a fixed limit.
Ordinands should consult with their sponsoring body regarding arrangements for payment of tuition and other fees.
Church of England Ordinands: Apply directly to Wycliffe Hall through our online application system.