Undergraduate Courses (Full-Time, In-Person)

International students may apply to one of the following three-year, full-time undergraduate degrees, delivered on campus at Belfast School of Theology (BST):

• BTh (Preparation for Ministry)

• BD (Preparation for Ministry)

For full details on course content and academic entry requirements, please see the Undergraduate BTh/BD (Preparation for Ministry) course page.

Postgraduate Courses (Part-Time, In-Person)

International students may apply for the following part-time postgraduate programmes:

• Master’s Degree in Practical Theology

• Postgraduate Certificate in Practical Theology

• Postgraduate Diploma in Practical Theology

Teaching is delivered in an en bloc format, with teaching blocks of three days at a time. A total of 16 days of on-site attendance over two years is required. Learning is supported by independent study and assignment work completed off campus, allowing international students to remain based in their home countries for most of the programme.

For more information, please visit the relevant Postgraduate MTh course page.

Online Study

The College also offers an online Foundations Evening Course, open to international students.

• Delivered online on Tuesdays, 7.00–9.00 pm (GMT)

• Taught in five-week modules over a four-year period

• Designed to be flexible and accessible for students studying from overseas

Further details are available on the Foundations Evening Course page.

Applications are made directly through the ‘Study With US’ page.

• All applications must be submitted via the online application form

• Application forms must be completed in full

• IBC will acknowledge receipt and respond as soon as possible

International applicants must meet the standard IBC admissions requirements as outlined in the BTh/BD Preparation for Ministry course pages and the Admissions Policy. These include:

• Two acceptable references

• Submission of all required academic certificates

Additional requirements for international applicants include:

Application Fee

• £50 non-refundable application fee, payable before the application can proceed

Academic Qualifications

• Copies of academic certificates

• Official English translations where qualifications are not in English

UK ENIC Statement

• Required to assess overseas qualifications against IBC entry requirements

English Language Requirement (from within two years prior to application):

• IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5 or equivalent.

Interview
Eligible applicants will be invited to an online interview. Successful applicants will receive an offer of study. Upon acceptance, a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number will be issued for visa application purposes.

International applicants to postgraduate programmes must meet the standard IBC admissions requirements as outlined in the Admissions Policy. These include:

• Two suitable references

• £50 non-refundable application fee

Qualifications

• Scanned copies of qualification certificates (or equivalent)

• Official English translations where qualifications are not in English

UK ENIC Statement

• Required to assess overseas qualifications against BST entry requirements

English Language Requirement (from within two years prior to application):

• IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5 or equivalent

The Irish Baptist College is a licensed sponsor of UK Student Visas.

IBC can issue a CAS for the following programmes only:

• BTh Undergraduate Degree (Preparation for Ministry)

• BD Undergraduate Degree (Preparation for Ministry)

Once an offer is accepted, a CAS number will be issued to allow the student to begin the visa application process.

International applicants are encouraged to apply at least six months before the course start date. The deadline for international applications is May.

Up-to-date information on applying for a UK Student Visa is available on the UK Government website.

EU nationals require a Student Visa to study in the UK.

• EU nationals who are settled or pre-settled under the EU Settlement Scheme (and arrived in the UK before 31 December 2020) must provide evidence of their status

• All other EU nationals must complete the standard international student visa application process

Admissions and visa requirements are the same for all international students.

Course Fees
Enrolment and annual course fees are listed on the fees page and apply equally to all students.

Additional Costs

• £50 application fee

• Costs associated with UK ENIC statements and English language certification

Proof of Funds
Applicants to the BTh (Preparation for Ministry) and BD (Preparation for Ministry) programmes must provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living costs.

Visa and Immigration Costs
Applicants are responsible for all visa and immigration-related costs. Full details are available on the UK Government Student Visa guidance pages.