Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies (GDipCS)
30 credits
Accredited Diploma
The Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies is for students who want broad theological training or those who want to work towards a BGST Masters programme. Our GDipCS graduates will have a foundational knowledge of Scripture, Christian Tradition (including Theology, History, and Spiritual Discernment), and Interdisciplinary Studies, and will be able to draw insights from these to grow in Christlikeness, and discern their calling in the Church and the Marketplace.
The GDipCS forms half of the Master of Arts in Theology and Interdisciplinary Studies MA(TIS) programme; and a third of the Master of Divinity MDiv programme.
The GDipCS is right for you if:
- You want a substantial introduction to Biblical Studies, Hermeneutics, Systematic Theology, Church History, Christian Spirituality and Intercultural Studies
- You want more in-depth training without enrolling in a Masters programme
- You want more thorough training on how to reflect theologically, grow spiritually and integrate your faith with all areas of life.
Duration
One year (full-time) to four years (part-time)
Minimum Qualification
- Bachelors degree from a recognized institution or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 2.5 out of a possible 4.0 OR
- BGST Certificate with a minimum average grade of B minus (B-)
- Those who do not possess a first degree may take a BGST class for audit or credit before deciding to enter the programme.
Admission
- Applicants who have an undergraduate degree in biblical or theological studies may be able to transfer credits from their previous coursework. Those studies must be done at a suitably accredited institution and such transfer is at the discretion of BGST. Where credits are not transferable, advanced standing may be considered.
- The personal and spiritual aspects of the applicant will be considered.
International Students
- English proficiency will be considered for international students
- TOEFL Required Scores:
- Paper-based = 550 points
- Computer-based = 213 points
- Internet-based = 78 points
- IELTS Required Score: 6
- Part time foreign students must register for a minimum of 10 credits of courses per year
- Full time foreign students must register for the full 30 credits in one year
Graduation Requirements
To be eligible to graduate with a GDipCS, a student must have:
- Satisfactorily completed all requirements (30 credits) for the programme by the end of April
- Attained a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.8
- Submitted a completed Application for Graduation form to the Registrar’s Office by 31 March of the year they wish to graduate
- No outstanding payments to BGST
Programme Fees
GDipCS (30 credits) S$4,050 (4,252.50*) Full Payment
Fee per 3 credit/audit module S$450 / S$240
Fee per 1.5 credit/audit module S$225 / S$120
*Each student in CS102 receives one-on-one mentoring from a Spiritual Director. Thus, the fee for this optional course is S$450.00.
GradDipCS Curriculum
REQUIRED COURSES |
22.5 CREDITS |
Biblical Hermeneutics and Interpretation (HE101) |
3 Credits |
Christian Spirituality I (CS101) AND |
3 Credits |
Vocation, Work And Ministry I (MM101) |
1.5 Credits |
Old Testament Foundations I (OT101) |
3 Credits |
New Testament Foundations I (NT101) OR |
3 Credits |
Introduction to Christian Theology (TS101) |
3 Credits |
History of Christianity I (CH101) OR |
3 Credits |
Christianity, Culture and Society (ID101) |
3 Credits |
ELECTIVES |
7.5 CREDITS |
TOTAL CREDITS |
30 CREDITS |
If you intend to proceed to the MDiv, please begin either Biblical Hebrew OR Biblical Greek early in your studies, as the MDiv requires two years (four courses) of Biblical Language. |
Transferable