Bachelor of Theology for Ministry (BTh)

Course Description

The Bachelor of Theology for Ministry (BTh) is a two-year vocational degree offered by the University of Cambridge for those preparing for Christian ministry. The BTh course is divided into the First Examination and Second Examination (finals) years.

Further information about this award is available from the Divinity Faculty.


Entrance Requirements

Candidates for the BTh must be matriculated as a member of one of the Cambridge Colleges. Candidates ordinarily must have a good first degree (2.1 or above). Admission is at the discretion of the BTh Management Committee. Candidates for whom English is a second language must be able to meet English language requirements as set by the Cambridge University Admissions Office.

Teaching and Learning

The BTh is taught by the Cambridge Theological Federation and the Faculty of Divinity. Candidates are matriculated as members of one of the Colleges of the University of Cambridge. Over a third of the course is delivered within the Faculty of Divinity, and students have access to the considerable learning resources of the University of Cambridge.

The requirement of constant, intentional integration of pastoral activity (taking the form of a ministry placement), self-awareness and academic study makes it an intense experience and a good preparation for public ministry. As well as attendance at lectures and seminars, the BTh offers a particular emphasis on small-group teaching and regular supervision. This requires background reading and preparatory work for discussion within the supervision.


Assessment

Assessment is by means of extended essays, examinations (which candidates sit at the end of each examination year) and a pastoral portfolio.


Languages

Elementary Hebrew and Greek are both taught within the Faculty of Divinity and may be offered for the First Examination Year. Further papers are available in the Second Examination Year. Candidates must attempt one biblical language paper.

Integration with Training for Ministry

In addition to examined subjects, candidates for licensed ministry are required by the House to participate fully in the formational life of Westcott House, attend Ministry for Life and Short Intensive Courses, and complete contextual training through attachments and placements. Three-year ordinands will also complete another one-year academic course after the completion of the BTh, to be agreed with the Diocese and Ministry.