Belfast School Of Theology
Admissions FAQ
Commonly Asked
Questions
What validated courses do you offer?
Belfast School of Theology offers courses validated by the University of Cumbria: Â
- BA (Hons) Degree in Theology Â
- HE Certificate in TheologyÂ
- Graduate Diploma in TheologyÂ
- Graduate Certificate in TheologyÂ
- Postgraduate Certificate in Practical Theology (Online)Â
- Postgraduate Diploma in Practical Theology (Online)Â
- Master’s Degree in Practical Theology (Online)Â
For further information regarding these course options, see the Undergraduate and Postgraduate options on our Courses menu.Â
What other courses do you offer?
Besides our validated courses, we offer unvalidated Evening Courses and one-off events, all of which are named under ‘Catalyst’. No qualifications are needed for these. You can see the Catalyst Courses offered for the current academic year, and book to attend, here: Catalyst or Events
We also offer a ‘Women’s Study Fellowship’ course. This is not a validated course, however, those wishing to join WSF must submit an application, and there are some admission requirements. Learn more about WSF and apply here: WSF
How much are the tuition fees?
Fees vary between courses. Full details of entry requirements and fees can be found on each course page. The current academic year’s fees may be shown- please note these will be updated and subject to change annually.Â
Enrolment and course fees are the same for local and international students; however, extra costs will apply for those coming to study from abroad. See: International Students for details.Â
Student loans are available for eligible local students on our BA (Hons) degree and HE Certificate. Students are responsible for paying any balance of course fees not covered by Student Finance.Â
When do the courses start?
Validated courses and WSF commence each September. Other courses and events run throughout the academic year- further details can be found here: Catalyst Â
What are the term dates?
The academic year at Belfast School of Theology runs from September until May. Both Semesters are made up of 12 weeks of teaching with a mid-Semester Reading Week. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Semester dates will be updated annually, and key dates are sent to applicants prior to the start of their course.Â
What are the entry requirements for the courses?
Academic entry requirements for each course can be found on individual course pages. Additional requirements for International students can be found here
Catalyst Courses are designed to make theological education available to all and have no formal academic entrance requirements.Â
Does BST accept alternatives to A Levels for undergraduate courses?
A-Level equivalents may be considered for our BA (Hons) degree and HE Certificate. Please see individual course pages for details.
For mature students (age 21+) there are alternative progression routes onto validated courses. If you do not have A-levels/ equivalent qualifications, then prior life, learning and work experience may be considered. Additional written work will be set during the application process. For full details, please see: Student PoliciesÂ
For specific queries or additional information regarding course requirements, please check individual course pages. If you are unsure whether you are eligible to apply, please contact the Admissions department- we will be glad to assist you.
I’m a former student- how can I further my studies at BST?
We welcome interest from BBC/BST alumni to take up further study with us. For former students from unvalidated courses wishing to start a validated course, you will need to apply via the normal route, by submitting an application form for your intended course. Applicants who have previously completed a validated certificate/ diploma/ individual module/s at BST (or under our former name, Belfast Bible College) and wish to progress their studies should contact the Admissions Office directly for further guidance.
How long does the application process take?
The application process varies depending on the course for which you have applied. Â
For all courses, on submission of an application form we will check your listed qualifications and experience, request necessary certificates and contact your referees. When these are received and deemed suitable, we can arrange an interview. Â
Make sure you apply before the deadline to allow time for your application to be considered. We aim to process applications as soon as possible: however, as this process can take some time please aim to apply well before the deadline when possible.Â
Alternative Route Â
We can consider applicants (aged 21+) who do not hold the required academic qualifications for Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees: see BST’s Admissions Policy for full details. This process will involve extra written work which is set during the admissions process, so please apply as soon as possible (and no later than 1 month before the deadline) to ensure your application can be processed in time.Â
International students Â
International students are welcome at Belfast School of Theology to some of our full-time courses. See Course pages to check which are open to international applicants. Â
If you were born outside of the EEC you will require a Visa to study in the UK. Â
There are further admissions requirements for international students- see the International Student page.Â
Please note the earlier deadlines for international applications (shown on each individual course page).Â
Can I visit BST?
We welcome arranged visits from potential applicants for in-person courses to BST at Stranmillis. Normally this will be on one of our scheduled Open days, at which meeting staff and students and hearing more about our courses will help to give you a sense of life and study at Belfast School of Theology. Â
Please visit: Open Days to register for the next upcoming date for an Undergraduate Open Day.Â
If these scheduled dates are not suitable, please contact the Admissions department directly to arrange an alternative time to visit.Â
For students considering our online Postgraduate courses, we hold regular online information sessions during Spring/ Summer. See: Open Days for upcoming Postgraduate Info Sessions. If these dates do not suit you, please contact the Admissions department directly.Â
Where is Belfast School of Theology?
In 2025 Belfast School of Theology moved to new premises at Stranmillis University College:
Belfast School of Theology,
Front Building,
Stranmillis University College,
Stranmillis Road,
Belfast
BT9 5DY.
What accommodation is there available?
See: Accommodation
Where does my degree come from?
The University of Cumbria validates our degrees, certificate and diploma courses:
- BA (Hons) in Theology
- HE Certificate in Theology
- Graduate Diploma in Theology
- Graduate Certificate in Theology
- Postgraduate Certificate in Practical Theology (Online)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Practical Theology (Online)
- Master’s in Practical Theology (Online)
Teaching, assessment and marking is provided by BST faculty.
As an independent Higher Education Institution we work hard to offer the highest standards of education provision.
Belfast School of Theology is regularly inspected by QAA.
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