BA (Hons) Biblical and Pastoral Studies Bachelor's degree at Newbold College

Acquire knowledge and explain the historical setting of the Old Testament and Graeco-Roman cultures, identifying early Christian responses to pagan, philosophical, and beliefs and practices from an Adventist hermeneutical perspective.

Acquire knowledge of Christian theology as a discipline, biblical grounds for the formation of Christian beliefs, and the impact of western philosophy on Christian theology and societal thinking.

Develop a theoretical and theological foundation to the practice of cross-cultural ministry through a historical and contemporary study of cultural contexts in which Christian mission takes place in Western Europe.

Acquire knowledge and develop the ability to translate introductory text from New Testament Greek into English, using linguistic and lexical resources to explain grammar, syntax and vocabulary.

Apply exegetical principles to the canonical Gospels as historical and theological documents and as sources of information on Jesus's life and teachings, understanding the relationship between the three synoptic gospels.

Develop an understanding and capacity to discuss the historical and cultural context of the Pentateuch and its genres, undertaking close readings of the text from an Adventist hermeneutical perspective.

A provision of opportunities to reflect on ministry during supervised pastoral placements, with complementary studies on the competing belief systems of major faith communities and their challenges to Christian ministry.

Develop skills to translate seen/unseen New Testament text, applying exegetical principles to the canonical Gospels as historical and theological documents and as sources of information on Jesus's life and teachings.

Analyse issues of authorship, dating, composition, literary style, and interpreting the Pauline Epistles, their position within an early Christian context and their impact, critically evaluating from an Adventist hermeneutical perspective.

Acquire knowledge of theology and Christian thought during the Reformation, examining biblical authority, soteriology and ecclesiology, the influence of Ellen G. White, and implications for Adventist identity and mission.

Preparatory studies, developing competencies for church leadership, execution of administrative tasks, carrying out pastoral care, teaching from the Bible, and applying homiletic theory to sermon construction, preparation and delivery.

Acquire knowledge and develop the ability to translate introductory text from Hebrew to English, using linguistic and lexical resources to explain grammar, syntax and vocabulary found in biblical Hebrew.

Acquire knowledge of the historical and cultural context of the Writings and their genres, applying basic narrative criticism and undertaking close readings of the text from an Adventist hermeneutical perspective.

Develop an understanding of contemporary moral theories, their principles, significance, and consequences on life in general and pastoral situations, with critical evaluation of moral approaches in selected biblical texts.

Preparatory studies, developing an understanding of personal evangelism, discipleship and outreach, evaluating contemporary approaches to evangelism, and addressing popular issues such as naturalism, supernaturalism, and God's existence.

Develop skills to translate seen and unseen Hebrew text from the Old Testament prophetic books, using biblical software to enhance the translation process and demonstrate intermediate-level knowledge of Hebrew syntax.

Analyse issues of authorship, dating, composition, literary style, and interpreting Acts within an early Christian context, deepening comprehension of exegesis with critical evaluation from an Adventist hermeneutical perspective.

Acquire an understanding of the phenomenon of Old Testament Prophecy – message, form and background – and engage in an informed exegesis of the Hebrew prophets from an Adventist hermeneutical perspective.

Develop an understanding of the history, development, and theological roots of Adventist beliefs and doctrines with critical evaluation of doctrinal issues, the impact of fundamentalism, post-1920s, and subsequent trends, post-1956.

Undertake exegesis, translating selected portions of Daniel and Revelation, developing the ability to read, assess the significance and critically evaluate Old and New Testament apocalyptic literature from an Adventist perspective.

Acquire knowledge of key aspects of biblical theology in the larger field of biblical, theological and pastoral studies, using established analysis techniques and enquiry within the biblical theology discipline.

Develop the ability to critically appraise the biblical understanding of the human experience and the Christian approach to pastoral care, emphasising various disciplines within psychology, psychotherapy and counselling practice.

A concurrent supervised pastoral placement to develop pastoral skills and perform pastoral duties competently, taking opportunities to review and reflect on experiences during the two-year assignment.

A 6,000-word research paper on a biblical, theological or pastoral field topic, demonstrating the ability to understand key aspects of the chosen area of study and well-developed analysis.