Degree
A Degree Course for Christians in Mission and Ministry
Our BA (Hons) in Biblical and Intercultural Studies degree course is led by Rev Dr V. J. Samkutty, who believes in providing excellent academic training, which is biblically centred, theologically reflective, culturally engaged, and practically relevant.
Students also learn through hands-on experience in a diverse and international college community.
Can you provide students with remote access to lectures, so that they can attain a Christian college degree in an online but live environment?
Yes, you can study many of our degree modules without visiting our campus.
Apart from practical ministry sessions and arts workshops, the degree is available either by studying on-campus, or remotely. Online remote access and on-campus students are largely taught together in a live hybrid environment – some physically in the classroom and some via video conferencing.
If you would like to discuss how this could work for you, please contact us.
Where can the practical training and BA in Biblical and Intercultural Studies degree in mission and ministry lead?
Most of our graduates immediately embark on a vocational Christian ministry or mission. Some return for specialist MA or MTh training to enrich their church leadership skills.
If you do not know which vocational path you will follow, or where it will take you, but you know you have been called into mission or ministry, this degree is broad enough to cover a vast range of options. The roles that our Christian training has led graduates into includes:
Ministry leadership, including becoming a pastor.
Working for Christian mission organisations.
Translating Bibles.
Church planting and development.
Bible teaching or lecturing.
Founding or co-founding new organisations and projects.
Water engineering.
Working in aviation.
Becoming a doctor or nurse.
Working as a Christian in leadership in a secular organisation.
“We still treasure the lively connections to our beloved All Nations Christian College, even after 39 years, and we are still inspired by what we learned there! Studying there had a huge impact on our life and ministry ... and still has today.”
An Open University-Accredited Christian College Degree
Established more than 50 years ago, the Open University (OU) was a world first, meeting the needs of students and employers across the world. Today OU degrees are internationally recognised. The College has been accredited by the OU since 1992.
Biblical and Intercultural Studies degree course content
Just like most degrees, the course starts by covering core topics. Students specialise more in years two and three. For most, each academic year starts in September, however, in some circumstances, students can start in January.
Do I have to commit to completing this biblical and intercultural studies degree in three consecutive years?
No, you can divide it into three, with a qualification available at the end of each year. Successfully completing Year 1 earns you a Certificate in Biblical and Intercultural Studies, while completing Years 1 and 2 gains you a Diploma in Biblical and Intercultural Studies. You can also choose to study part-time if you do not need a visa or defer the remaining years in your programme for a certain length of time.
Can I complete the degree in less than three years?
You might be able to join in the second year of the degree if you meet the English language entry criteria (if it is not your first language) described below and if you have:
a Bachelor’s degree in any subject
or
120 CAT points, or equivalent, in a related or compatible subject
or
completed an RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning).
In special cases (usually where students have a certificate showing that they have completed a learning programme that is equivalent to Levels 4 and 5), a student might be able to join in the final year of the Biblical and Intercultural Studies degree.
Are you anxious about studying?
There's no need to be - throughout your studies, you will benefit from our unique blend of pastoral care and learning support.
Entry Criteria
Minimum age: You much be at least 21 years of age for an OU-validated degree (although the College will consider applicants who are 19 and 20 years old).
Qualifications: A minimum of two A Levels or equivalent, and relevant experience.
English language: OU-validated courses are taught in English, and you will need to meet the academic English entry requirement which applies to your individual circumstances. However, if you are coming to study in the UK from overseas you will also need to meet UK visa and immigration criteria.
If you are an international student, this could mean you have to sit a B2 SELT (Secure English Language Test). However, you might be exempt if you are from, or have studied a degree in, a Majority English speaking country, as defined by UKVI. Approved SELT test service providers often offer an online option.
If you are an international student in need of a SELT test, UKVI approved providers include:
If you do not need a visa, you could also consider these test providers:
For full details of other language eligibility criteria, the minimum test score requirements for those who have to take a language test, and all other entry criteria, please see the College Admissions Policy.
Contact us for guidance and support.
Here is what some former students went on to do after completing their Christian training:
Simon Guillebaud MBE - Founder and International Director, Great Lakes Outreach
Anna Bishop - Former Executive Director, Global Connections
Dr Anne-Marie Wilson - Founder and Executive Director, 28 Too Many
Jennifer Garibay - Missionary, London City Mission
Browse our blog for more.
Fees
Fees vary according to how you choose to study. A full breakdown of fees is available here.
Please contact us if you would like any assistance.
