Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Translation Studies

Introduction to Bible Translation

Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

Foundational introduction to Bible translation — covering the history, theology, and practice of Bible translation, major translation approaches, and the role of translation in the church and mission.

Introduction to Biblical Hebrew

Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

Introduction to biblical Hebrew — covering the Hebrew alphabet, basic grammar, vocabulary, and reading of simple Hebrew texts, providing the foundation for Old Testament exegesis and translation.

Introduction to Biblical Greek

Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

Introduction to biblical Greek — covering the Greek alphabet, basic grammar, vocabulary, and reading of simple Greek texts, providing the foundation for New Testament exegesis and translation.

Linguistics and Phonology

Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

Introduction to linguistics and phonology — covering phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and the linguistic analysis tools essential for understanding language structure in translation work.

Translation Theory and Methodology

Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

Study of translation theory — covering equivalence theory, functional translation, semantic and pragmatic analysis, translation strategies, and the theoretical frameworks guiding Bible translation ...

Biblical Exegesis and Hermeneutics

Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

Methods of biblical exegesis and interpretation — covering hermeneutical approaches, exegetical methods, historical-critical analysis, and the application of interpretive principles to biblical tex...

Sociolinguistics and Cross-Cultural Communication

Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

Study of language in social context — covering language variation, diglossia, language attitudes, cross-cultural communication theory, and the sociolinguistic factors affecting Bible translation an...

Translation of Sacred Literature

Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

Specialised study of sacred text translation — covering theological equivalence, genre-sensitive translation, audience analysis, and the challenges of translating poetry, narrative, prophecy, and a...

Old and New Testament Studies

Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

Study of the content, structure, and theological themes of the Old and New Testaments — covering the major books, literary genres, historical context, and theological message of Scripture.

Orthography and Literacy Development

Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

Study of orthography design and literacy programme development — covering writing system creation, primer development, dictionary production, and community-based literacy programme management for l...

Field Practicum in Language Documentation

Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

Practical field experience in language documentation and translation — covering field methods, data collection, language analysis, and working with local language communities on translation projects.

Research Project in Bible Translation

Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore

Independent research project or translation portfolio — demonstrating mastery of translation theory, exegetical skills, linguistic analysis, and practical translation competence through a substanti...

Bible Translation

Focus on the theory and practice of translating Scripture into target languages — covering translation theory, exegesis for translation, cultural contextualisation, and the practical skills of Bible translation project work.

Biblical Languages and Exegesis

Focus on biblical Hebrew and Greek — covering grammar, vocabulary, syntax, and exegetical methods for interpreting and translating original biblical texts.

Descriptive Linguistics

Focus on the analysis and documentation of undocumented or under-documented languages — covering phonology, morphology, syntax, and the creation of orthographies and literacy materials.

Sociolinguistics and Cross-Cultural Communication

Focus on the social and cultural dimensions of language and translation — covering language variation, cultural context, cross-cultural communication theory, and mission linguistics.

Translation of Sacred Literature

Focus on the specialised challenges of translating religious texts — covering sacred text translation principles, theological equivalence, audience analysis, and the translation of complex literary genres.

Literacy and Language Development

Focus on developing literacy materials and programmes for local language communities — covering orthography design, primer development, dictionary production, and community literacy programme management.

HELB Undergraduate Loan

Bible Translation Organisation Sponsorship

University Scholarships and Bursaries

Wycliffe/SIL Translation Sponsorship

ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan

Students committed to Bible translation work, sponsored by translation organisations with a service commitment after graduation.

University Internal Bursaries

BursaryKsh 30,000Kenyan

Needy students enrolled at the respective university, applied through the financial aid office.

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan

LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

Needy Kenyan students enrolled in accredited university programmes.

Higher Education Fund (HEF)

BursaryKenyan

Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities

County Government Bursaries

BursaryKenyan

Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies

Continuous Assessment Tests

Coursework25% of the mark

Written tests covering translation theory, biblical studies, linguistics, and biblical languages — assessed through mid-semester and end-of-semester examinations.

Translation Projects and Exegetical Papers

Coursework35% of the mark

Practical translation projects, exegetical assignments, linguistic analyses, and translation drafts — assessed through portfolio review and peer evaluation.

Field Practicum Reports

Coursework15% of the mark

Reports from field practicums in language communities — documenting language analysis, translation work, and community engagement experiences.

Final Examinations and Research Project

Examination25% of the mark

End-of-semester written examinations and a final-year research project or translation portfolio demonstrating mastery of translation theory, exegesis, and practical translation skills.

Commission for University Education (CUE)

Academic accreditationRequired

Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities offering degree programmes. The Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Translation Studies is CUE-accredited at St. Paul's University and Africa International University.

Bible Translation Specialist

High demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 75,000

Works with Bible translation organisations such as Wycliffe or SIL — translating Scripture into local languages, conducting linguistic analysis, and managing translation projects in language communities.

Translation and Linguistics Consultant

Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 80,000

Provides consulting services on translation projects — checking translation accuracy, advising on linguistic and cultural issues, and supporting translation teams in the field.

Literacy and Language Development Officer

Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 65,000

Develops literacy materials and programmes for local language communities — creating orthographies, primers, dictionaries, and managing community literacy initiatives.

Church Mission Worker

Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 55,000

Works in cross-cultural mission settings — applying translation and linguistic skills to support church planting, discipleship, and community development in multilingual contexts.

Theological Institution Lecturer

Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 65,000

Teaches biblical studies, translation, or linguistics at theological colleges and universities — training the next generation of Bible translators and church leaders.

Paratext

SoftwarePrimary

Industry-standard Bible translation software used by translation organisations worldwide — supporting translation drafting, checking, exegesis, and project management for Bible translation projects.

FLEx (Field Language Explorer)

SoftwarePrimary

Linguistics software developed by SIL International for language data management — supporting dictionary creation, interlinearisation, morphological analysis, and corpus management for language documentation.

Logos Bible Software

Software

Digital Bible study platform with original language tools, commentaries, and exegetical resources — essential for biblical exegesis and translation preparation.

Microsoft Office Suite

Software

Productivity tools including Word for research papers and translation drafts, Excel for data management, and PowerPoint for presentations and training.

University Library and CETCOBS Resources

Resource

Physical and digital library resources including theological texts, linguistic journals, translation studies databases, and access to the Centre for Translation and Contextual Bible Study collections.

Bible translation is just about converting words from one language to another.

Bible translation involves complex linguistic analysis, cultural contextualisation, exegesis of original languages, and sociolinguistic understanding — it requires both theological knowledge and advanced linguistic skills.

There is no need for new Bible translations in Kenya.

Kenya has over 60 languages, and many still lack complete Bible translations — Bible translation organisations continue to work on new translations and revisions to serve diverse linguistic communities.

You need to already know biblical languages to enrol.

The programme teaches biblical Greek and Hebrew from the fundamentals — starting with alphabet, grammar, and vocabulary, building progressively to translation competence.

Bible translation graduates can only work in religious organisations.

Graduates develop transferable skills in linguistics, translation, cross-cultural communication, and language documentation — applicable in international development, education, publishing, and diplomatic services.

Translation studies is the same as learning languages.

Translation studies focuses on the theory, methodology, and practice of transferring meaning between languages — it is about the process of translation, not just language acquisition, though language proficiency is essential.