Arts & Humanities

Bachelor of Biblical Studies

The Bachelor of Biblical Studies is a four-year programme that provides students with an in-depth understanding of the Bible, its languages, historical context and theological significance. Students study Old and New Testament books, biblical Hebrew and Greek, hermeneutics, biblical theology and exegesis, developing the skills needed for rigorous biblical scholarship and ministry. The programme combines academic study with spiritual formation and practical ministry training.

Students develop competencies in biblical interpretation, exegesis, biblical languages, theological reasoning and ministry skills. They learn to analyse biblical texts in their original languages, understand historical and cultural contexts, apply hermeneutical principles and communicate biblical truths effectively. The programme covers both testaments, biblical theology and the application of biblical principles to contemporary issues.

In Kenya, biblical studies graduates serve in churches, theological institutions, para-church organisations and mission agencies. The programme is particularly relevant for those called to pastoral ministry, Bible teaching, missionary work or theological education. Kenya's vibrant church landscape and the presence of numerous theological institutions create demand for well-trained biblical scholars.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, language tutorials, exegesis seminars, research projects and ministry attachment. Students engage with biblical texts in Hebrew and Greek, participate in theological discussions and undertake supervised ministry placements. The programme includes a final-year exegetical or theological research project.

Graduates pursue careers as pastors, Bible teachers, theological lecturers, missionaries, chaplains and Christian writers. Some serve in denominational leadership or theological seminaries. Others continue to postgraduate study in biblical studies, theology or religious education.

This programme is ideal for individuals with a calling to biblical ministry, aptitude for languages and desire for rigorous biblical scholarship. Students who are passionate about Scripture and its application to life and ministry will find this programme deeply rewarding.

Duration: 4 years
Private, up to: Ksh 57,600
Job market: Low

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Old Testament Studies
New Testament Studies
Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Greek
Hermeneutics and Biblical Interpretation
Biblical Theology
Exegesis of Selected Books
History of Ancient Israel
New Testament Backgrounds
Preaching and Teaching the Bible

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Old Testament
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Overview of the Old Testament, including historical context, literary forms and major themes
Introduction to New Testament
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Overview of the New Testament, including historical context, literary forms and major themes
Introduction to Biblical Hebrew
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Introduction to Biblical Hebrew: Foundational Hebrew grammar and vocabulary for reading Old Testament texts Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Introduction to Biblical Greek
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to Biblical Greek: Foundational Greek grammar and vocabulary for reading New Testament texts Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Hermeneutics and Biblical Interpretation
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Principles and methods for interpreting biblical texts in their historical and contemporary contexts
Pentateuch and Historical Books
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Detailed study of the first five books of the Bible and the historical books of the Old Testament
Gospels and Acts
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Exegetical study of the four Gospels and the Book of Acts, including theological themes
Pauline Epistles and General Letters
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Exegetical study of Paul's letters and the general epistles of the New Testament
Biblical Theology
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Biblical Theology: Theological synthesis of biblical themes across both testaments Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
History of Ancient Israel
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Historical and archaeological study of ancient Israel in its Near Eastern context
Exegetical Research Project
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Independent exegetical research on a selected biblical passage or book producing a scholarly dissertation
Ministry Attachment
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Supervised practical ministry placement in a church, para-church organisation or mission agency

Specialisations

Pastoral Ministry
Specialization in Pastoral Ministry, preparing graduates for careers such as pastor-clergy. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Mission Studies
Specialization in Mission Studies, preparing graduates for careers such as chaplain. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
New Testament Studies
Specialization in New Testament Studies, preparing graduates for careers such as religious-educator-theology-teacher.
Biblical Theology
Specialization in Biblical Theology, preparing graduates for careers such as theologian-academic. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Old Testament Studies
Specialization in Old Testament Studies, preparing graduates for careers such as religious-educator-theology-teacher.
Biblical Languages
Specialization in Biblical Languages, preparing graduates for careers such as theologian-academic. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning lectures on Old or New Testament studies with afternoon language tutorials in Hebrew or Greek. Students may participate in chapel services, exegetical seminars or supervised ministry practice in local churches.

The trade offs

In its favour

Deep engagement with Scripture in original languages
Prepares graduates for meaningful ministry and teaching roles
Strong foundation for postgraduate theological study
Kenya's vibrant church landscape creates demand for trained biblical scholars

Against it

Biblical languages require significant study effort
Career opportunities are primarily within religious institutions
Salaries in church ministry can be modest
Limited secular career opportunities outside religious contexts

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 188 arts & humanities courses

Private58k to 58k

58k at Scott Christian University58k at Scott Christian University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

Scott Christian BA Theology tuition 57,600/yr (Tuko). KUCCPS cost 159,150/yr. No public Biblical Studies.

Students may access HELB loans and county bursaries. Many churches and theological institutions offer sponsored scholarships for ministry candidates.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
LoanKsh 60,000
National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF)
Bursary
Church-Sponsored Scholarships
Scholarship

Scholarships

5 recorded

Church and Denominational Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Candidates sponsored by churches for ministry training
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities
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
St. Paul's University Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Students admitted to theology and related programmes at St. Paul's University

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Relevant diploma or equivalent qualification

English/Kiswahili
C+
CRE/IRE/HRE
C+
Any Group II subject
C+
Any Group III or IV subject
C+

How you are assessed

4 components

Exegetical Research Project
Coursework100% of the mark
Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs)
Coursework30% of the mark
Final Examination
Coursework40% of the mark
Exegetical Papers and Language Tests
Coursework30% of the mark

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Ordination requirements vary by denomination.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
InstitutionalRequired

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Chaplain
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 100,000
Provides spiritual support and biblical guidance in schools, hospitals or military institutions
Missionary
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 100,000
Engages in cross-cultural mission work, church planting and community development through mission agencies
Pastor
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 150,000
Provides spiritual leadership, preaching and pastoral care in a church congregation
Bible Teacher
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 90,000
Teaches Bible and biblical studies in churches, theological colleges and Christian schools
Theological Lecturer
Low demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 130,000
Teaches biblical studies and theology in theological seminaries and universities

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as pastors, Bible teachers, theological lecturers and missionaries in churches, theological institutions and mission organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Word
CreativePrimary
Google Drive
Cloud
Zoom
CloudPrimary
Google Docs
Cloud
Adobe Photoshop
Design

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Biblical studies is just Bible reading
The programme involves rigorous academic study including original languages, exegesis, historical context and theological analysis.
Biblical studies graduates can only be pastors
Graduates work as teachers, missionaries, chaplains, writers and theological educators.
Biblical studies is not intellectually challenging
The programme requires learning Hebrew and Greek, conducting exegesis and engaging with complex theological arguments.
There are no career opportunities
Kenya's vibrant church landscape and numerous theological institutions create demand for trained biblical scholars.