This streams operates within the Bachelor of Divinity programme. While the core pathway equips students for church ministry and chaplaincy, this stream specifically considers youth ministry and community ministry. At it’s heart, this specialism aims to equip students for ministry within the community in novel and creative ways.

We envisage students to be passionate about those found on the margins of church and community or a passion for engaging and discipling young people both within and outside of churches. This stream is for those who are missionally-minded and who want to shape new forms of ministry while grounding themselves comprehensively in core biblical and theological principles.

Introduction to the Programme

The admission requirements and shape of the year are the same as the BD (Hons) Theology with Pastoral Studies as is the fee structure. The stream differs in the modules and in part, in the delivery of the course.

There will be 4 shared modules each year between the two degree streams with one specialist module and a relevant placement-based module (or in 4th year a relevantly themed dissertation/project). In years one and two, alongside the core biblical studies, foundations of doctrine, and practical / pastoral theology, those on the youth and community stream will cover Values of Youth and Community Ministry and Practices of Youth and Community Ministry. In the upper levels students in this stream will tackle modules in Worldviews, Cultures, and Christian Faith and Theology and Practice of Faith-based Social Action.

In each of the first three years of the degree programme students are expected to participate in a placement relevant to their stream. For youth and community, the expectation is that the placements will be in a youth or community project either within a church or a parachurch organisation (though not limited to these arenas). In the final year students will be expected to produce a research project or dissertation exploring a relevant theme within their intended area of vocation.

From time to time the College also offers modules in Chaplaincy and Schools and Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care. Where appropriate these may also form part of the stream.

While the modules shared between each of the streams will be delivered on-campus during the day and online in the evening, the specialisms will be delivered online only (in the first instance – subject to change depending on applicants).

Alongside the wider staff team of SBC who will teach on this course, we’re pleased to have Paul Beautyman join our team to add a wealth of experience and specialist knowledge in the field of youth and community work. Paul has been working in youth ministry and community initiatives across Scotland for several years and is undertaking his own doctoral research in the field of youth ministry. With the additional of Paul to the SBC team, students on the Youth and Community stream are guaranteed expertise across all the components of the course.

For more information

Please feel free to contact Graham Meiklejohn (graham.meiklejohn@uws.ac.uk) to arrange a conversation about studying with SBC. For applications enquiries please complete and submit the form by following this link.