Baccalaureate in Theology (STB)
Overview
The Baccalaureate in Theology (STB) awarded by Mater Ecclesiae College runs as a dual award, linked to the BA in Theological Studies (BATS) awarded by St Mary’s University. The modules studied for the Baccalaureate are the same as those studied for the BATS and there is an additional final comprehensive exam for the Baccalaureate.
Preliminary study of Philosophy is required for entry to the Baccalaureate in Theology. Seminarians normally have two years of philosophical study as part of their seminary programme, leading to the award of the Certificate of Higher Education in Philosophy (CertHE Philosophy) by St Mary’s University. The normal completion time of the CertHE Philosophy is one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study. An intensive one-year version of the CertHE Philosophy has been formulated to enable lay students to access this qualification. Successful completion of that one-year programme satisfies the philosophical prerequisites for entry into the Baccalaureate programme for lay students. Lay students thus follow the 4-year University programme of Theological Studies with Philosophy CertHE.
All students must also fulfil the Entry Requirements for Mater Ecclesiae College.
Curriculum
The plan of studies for the Baccalaureate in Theology follows the guiding principle of Veritatis Gaudium (VG), Norms, 53:
‘The theological disciplines are to be taught in such a way that their organic connection is made clear and that light be shed upon the various aspects or dimensions that pertain intrinsically to the nature of sacred doctrine. The chief ones are the biblical, patristic, historical, liturgical, and pastoral dimensions. The students are to be led to a deep grasp of the material, at the same time as they led to form a personal synthesis, to acquire a mastery of the method of scientific research, and thus to become able to explain sacred doctrine appropriately.’
The plan of studies further keeps in mind that there is no division ‘between theology and pastoral care, between faith and life’, and that pastoral concern ‘ought to permeate thoroughly the entire training of the students.’ (VG, Foreword, 2).
Programme Learning Outcomes
At the end of the programme students will:
Possess a mature understanding of the Catholic tradition and a detailed knowledge of the main themes of Catholic theology from the early Church to the present.
Have a thorough knowledge of the theological and pastoral rationale for ministry in the Christian community and, in particular, for the Catholic priesthood.
Be able to evaluate and critically analyse a wide range of primary and secondary texts from differing theological contexts, showing an awareness of different hermeneutical and textual approaches.
Be able to articulate with sensitivity and critical self-awareness some of the pastoral implications of the living out of the Christian faith in differing cultural contexts.
Be able to communicate effectively and fully the truths of the Catholic faith with a sensitivity and awareness of differing audiences, perspectives and religious traditions.
Be able to show an independence of thought in evaluating differing theological positions and judicious sensitivity in communicating and applying such knowledge in pastoral and public arenas.
Be able to synthesise and express complex ideas and theological terminology in a coherent and lucid manner in both written and oral forms of communication.
Be able to critically evaluate differing schools within the Catholic theological tradition and be able to engage in sensitive and respectful dialogue with those holding contrasting theological perspectives
Credits
In order to qualify for the award of the Baccalaureate, students must have successfully achieved 360 UK credits/180 ECTS. This is made up of 120 UK credits/60 ECTS at each Level/Year.
20 UK credits/10 ECTS modules have two summative assessments
10 UK credits / 5 ECTS modules have one summative assessment
The Extended Essay is 20 UK credits/10 ECTS and has one essay assessment
The final assessment for the Baccalaureate in Theology is a comprehensive oral (1 hour)
The table below shows the full programme of studies. All modules are obligatory and are followed by all students. For module descriptions, please visit BA in Theological Studies.
| Module | UK credits/ECTS | Code | Semester of delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 4, Year 1 | |||
| Church History and Patristics | 20/10 | THS4052 | 1 |
| Introduction to Scripture, Pentateuch and Historical Books | 20/10 | THS4053 | 1 |
| Introduction to Liturgy | 10/5 | THS4054 | 1 |
| Spiritual Theology | 10/5 | THS4055 | 1 |
| Fundamentals of Systematic Theology | 20/10 | THS4011 | 2 |
| Sacraments of Initiation | 20/10 | THS4056 | 2 |
| Gospel of John and Apocalypse | 10/5 | THS4057 | 2 |
| Introduction to Moral Theology | 10/5 | THS4058 | 2 |
| Total Credits | 120/60 | ||
| Level 5, Year 2 | |||
| Christology | 20/10 | TRE5041 | 1 |
| Ecclesiology and Mariology | 20/10 | THS5043 | 1 |
| Church History (Reformation to today) | 10/5 | THS5044 | 1 |
| Wisdom and Prophets | 10/5 | THS5045 | 1 |
| Trinitarian Theology | 20/10 | TRE5042 | 2 |
| Synoptics, Acts and Johannine Letters | 20/10 | THS5046 | 2 |
| Ecumenism | 10/5 | THS5047 | 2 |
| Theology of Marriage and Pastoral Care of the Family | 10/5 | THS5048 | 2 |
| Total Credits | 120/60 | ||
| Level 6, Year 3 | |||
| Introduction to Canon Law and Canon Law of Marriage | 20/10 | THS6040 | 1 |
| Pauline Letters, Hebrews and the Catholic Epistles | 20/10 | THS6041 | 1 |
| Theology of Orders | 10/5 | THS6038 | 1 |
| Theological Anthropology | 20/10 | TRE6016 | 2 |
| Moral Theology and Contemporary Pastoral Issues | 20/10 | THS6042 | 2 |
| Penance and Anointing | 10/5 | THS6039 | 2 |
| Extended Essay | 20/10 | TRE5051 | 1, 2 |
| Total Credits | 120/60 | ||
| Final Total Credits | 360/180 |
Final Comprehensive Examination
At the end of the final year, those pursuing the Baccalaureate in Theology sit a comprehensive oral examination, which fulfils the requirements of VG, Norms, Art. 58:
‘Besides examinations or equivalent tests for each discipline, at the end of the first and of the second cycle there is to be a comprehensive examination or equivalent test, so that the student proves that he or she has fully achieved the scientific formation intended by the respective cycle.’
The comprehensive oral exam tests the ability of students to think theologically and to draw together the various philosophical and theological strands of their studies as a whole.
In preparation for the exam, and in consultation with the Dean of the Faculty of Theology of Mater Ecclesiae College, Candidates select five of the courses they have taken on which to be examined. the Dean then selects three of these courses.
The comprehensive oral exam lasts one hour and is divided into four equal parts.
Part One: Candidate’s presentation on the extended essay and subsequent questioning by the supervisor and second marker.
Parts Two, Three and Four: Questioning on each of the three selected courses.
Calculation of the Final Overall Mark
When the comprehensive examination is completed, a final overall mark is calculated, weighted as follows: first year of curriculum: 20%; second year: 25%; third year: 25%; extended essay: 15%; and final comprehensive exam: 15%.
The Pass grade for the Baccalaureate in Theology is 50%. A final overall mark of 60% will be a Pass cum laude (with distinction); 70% will be a Pass magna cum laude (with great distinction); and, in order to recognise work of particular merit, the Baccalaureate will be awarded summa cum laude (with the greatest distinction) if the final overall mark is 80% or above.
Fees and Further Information
The fees for the Baccalaureate in Theology combined with the BA in Theological Studies are the same as those for the BA in Theological Studies alone.
For further information in general, please contact materecclesiae@stmarys.ac.uk.
Applications
Please write to the Dean of the Faculty of Theology, Rev Dr Javier Ruiz-Ortiz, at materecclesiae@stmarys.ac.uk, giving details of your academic record and saying why you wish to follow the STB programme of studies at Mater Ecclesiae College.