The Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies (GDCS) is designed for those looking for broad theological training, and those considering a master programme in the future.

As a GDCS graduate, you will be equipped with a foundational knowledge of Scripture (including Hermeneutics and Interpretation), Christian Tradition (including Theology, History, and Spiritual Discernment), and Interdisciplinary Studies. You will also be equipped to draw insights to grow in your faith, and discern your calling in the Church and the Marketplace.

While the theological training you will undergo involves some level of academic rigour, you will be guided along by our lecturers as well as other helpful resources to make your learning journey meaningful and enjoyable.

The GDCS is right for you if:

• You want a comprehensive foundational programme to increase your knowledge of the Christian faith
• You are finding ways to reflect theologically, grow spiritually and integrate your faith with areas of work and living
• You are exploring ways to integrate your faith in the context of your culture and society

Duration
1 year (Full-time); or
4 years (Part-time)

Programme Fees
GDCS Full Programme Fee: S$4,725.00
3 Credit Course Fee: S$450 (Credit) | S$240 (Audit)
1.5 Credit Course Fee: S$225 (Credit) | S$120 (Audit)

** For CS102 course, as each student shall receive one-on-one mentoring from a Spiritual Director, the fee for this 1.5 Cr course is S$450.

Minimum Qualifications
1. A BGST Certificate with a minimum average grade of B minus (B-).
2. A Bachelor degree from a recognized institution or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Those who do not possess a first degree may take a BGST class for audit or credit before deciding to enter into a programme.

Admission

• Applicants who have done previous biblical or theological studies may be able to apply for credit transfers or obtain advance standing. Approval for such applications will be at the discretion of BGST.
• Consideration of the personal and spiritual aspects of the applicant.
• International Students
  • TOEFL Required Scores:
  • Paper-based = 550 points
  • Computer-based = 213 points
  • Internet-based = 78 points
  • IELTS Required Score: 6

Curriculum and Credits – GDCS Programme
Total Credits Needed for GDCS Accreditation: 30 Credits

• Core Required Courses: 22.5 Credits
• Elective Courses: 7.5 Credits

* Pre-requisite for CS102 is CS101. CS101 must be taken before or concurrently with CS102.

** For CS102 course, as each student shall receive one-on-one mentoring from a Spiritual Director, the fee for this 1.5 Cr course is S$450.

Graduation Requirements
To be eligible to graduate with a GDCS, a student must have

• Submitted a completed Application for Graduation form to the Registrar’s Office by March 31^st of the year they wish to graduate in.
• Satisfactorily completed all requirements (30 Credits) for the programme by April 30^th of the year they wish to graduate in.
• Attained a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.8
• No outstanding payments to BGST

Continuing Onto Other BGST Programmes
Upon successful completion of GDCS, students would have completed one-half of the requirements for MA(TIS) or one-third of the requirements for MDiv.

GDCS credits earned are entirely transferable to the MA(TIS) or MDiv programmes.

- Master of Arts in Theology and Interdisciplinary Studies [MA(TIS)] Programme

• The GDCS programme forms one-half of the MA(TIS). GDCS students can continue onto the MA(TIS) Programme by meeting the remaining half of the requirements (30 Credits).

• The GDCS programme forms one-third of the Master of Divinity (MDiv) Programme. GDCS students can continue onto the MDiv Programme by meeting the other remaining two-third requirements (60 Credits).
• If students intend to pursue MDiv, they are required to begin either Biblical Hebrew (BH 111) or Biblical Greek (BG 111) early in their studies. The Biblical language studies for MDiv constitutes four courses that takes 2 years to complete.

Students wishing to transfer their diploma credits to Trinity Theological College (TTC) are advised to take the joint BGST-TTC DipTS instead.