ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

BGST upholds the highest standards of academic and moral integrity with reference to the writing of essays, examinations and course assignments. In particular, we do not permit plagiarism (the unacknowledged citation of ideas and phrases from another source). A student who does not maintain the School’s standard of academic integrity will be subject to discipline and possible dismissal.

TEACHING-LEARNING APPROACH

Courses are usually taken by one lecturer, but will occasionally involve team-teaching. We seek to use a variety of teaching methods, in ways appropriate to the subject being taught: lectures, class exercises, small group discussions, etc. We see education as involving much more than the mere transfer of information, and students are encouraged to participate actively in the learning process. Tutorials are provided with most courses, and are particularly important in the case of courses taken by private study. The tutor plays a dual role: ensuring that students understand the content of a given subject; and motivating them in their work.

Philosophy of Education

Faithfulness - We believe that academic excellence must be coupled with faithful adherence to the principles of Holy Scriptures.

Godliness - We affirm that it is not enough to acquire knowledge and technical skills. These must be accompanied by Christlikeness and devotion to God.

Usefulness - We believe that course work should in principle be transferable to practical situations in Christian living, though the extent to which this is possible varies from course to course.

Indepedence - We encourage critical reflection and independent thinking. Academic material should be regarded as a guide only and no undue reliance should be placed on the view of any one person, however convincing that view may be.

Service - We believe that the mark of a sound theological education is that it leads to humble and effective service within the local church and the wider community.

Courage - We believe that Christians should not be afraid to see how the truth of God impinges upon every area of life. We aim to encourage an awareness of diverse perspectives, believing that soundly-based convictions can only be strengthened through exposure to contrary viewpoints.

STUDY COMMITMENT

Part-time students may sign up for any number of credits per semester. Full-time students normally take 9 to 15 credits per semester. On average, students will be expected to devote 7.5 hours per week to each course taken.

The recommended hours to be spent on a 3-credit course are:

Lectures: 24 hours
Required readings, Assignments, *Tutorials, Examinations (if any): 100 hours
Total: 124 hours

Note: Some courses, because of the way in which they are taught, may not have tutorials, and the tutorials can take various forms, but as a general rule the following minimum requirements will apply:

• 3-credit live course: normally requires at least 4 hours of tutorials
• 3-credit private study course: normally requires at least 4 hours of tutorials

(Figures for a 1.5-credit course are half the above.)

TYPES OF COURSES

The curriculum is organised around five types of courses:

Required Courses - For each programme a number of courses are specified as required. The number of required courses rises as one moves from Grad Dip CS to MCS to M Div. These courses are usually foundational in nature and aim to introduce a particular area of study. They are usually 3-credit courses.

Elective Courses - For each programme a certain number of credits is allocated to elective courses. Students have complete freedom as to which courses they will take as electives.

Please note, however, that as one moves from Grad Dip CS to MCS to M Div the proportion of elective courses to required courses falls. Grad Dip CS students who are thinking of going on to the MCS or M Div should consider taking some of the MCS or M Div required courses as electives under the Grad Dip CS programme.

Seminars - Some studies are best conducted as seminars, where students are given the opportunity to present papers and discuss one or more topics. Seminars allow flexibility in the choice of topics or study approach. They carry 1.5 credits each and are usually electives.

Guided Study - Students are given the opportunity to pursue an area of personal interest, provided a faculty member is available to supervise the study. These courses carry 1.5 credits each.

Practical Training - These courses (e.g, Preaching Practicum and Field Education) may stretch over periods longer than one semester. Special regulations apply for these.

GRADING SCHEME

Grade Point Average Awards

3.75 - Cum Laude (“with praise”)
3.85 - Magna cum Laude (“with great praise”)
3.95 - Summa cum Laude (“with highest praise”)