Arts & Humanities

Bachelor of Biblical Theology

The Bachelor of Biblical Theology is a four-year programme that integrates biblical studies with systematic theology, preparing students for pastoral ministry, theological education and Christian leadership. Students study biblical texts, theological doctrines, church history and practical ministry, developing a comprehensive understanding of Christian faith and its application. The programme combines rigorous academic study with spiritual formation and ministry skills development.

Students develop competencies in biblical exegesis, systematic theology, historical theology, apologetics, pastoral care, preaching and church leadership. They learn to interpret Scripture, formulate theological positions, defend the Christian faith, provide pastoral care and lead church ministries. The programme covers biblical languages, doctrinal studies, African Christian theology and contemporary theological issues.

In Kenya, where Christianity is the predominant religion, trained theological leaders are essential for the church's growth and health. Churches, theological institutions and faith-based organisations require graduates with both biblical knowledge and theological depth. The programme is particularly relevant for those called to pastoral ministry, theological teaching, church planting or Christian leadership in Kenya and beyond.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, theological seminars, language tutorials, preaching workshops, research projects and ministry attachment. Students engage with biblical texts in original languages, participate in theological debates and undertake supervised ministry placements. The programme includes a final-year theological thesis.

Graduates pursue careers as pastors, theology lecturers, church planters, Christian leaders, chaplains and apologists. Some serve in denominational leadership, theological seminaries or mission organisations. Others continue to postgraduate study in theology, biblical studies or ministry.

This programme is ideal for individuals with a calling to Christian ministry, intellectual depth and desire to integrate biblical scholarship with theological reflection. Students who are passionate about both understanding and communicating Christian faith will find this programme deeply fulfilling.

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

Systematic Theology
Biblical Studies (Old and New Testament)
Biblical Hermeneutics
Church History
Apologetics and Christian Evidences
Pastoral Theology and Ministry
Homiletics and Preaching
African Christian Theology
Christian Ethics and Moral Theology
Biblical Languages (Hebrew and Greek)

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Systematic Theology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational Christian doctrines including the Trinity, Christology, soteriology and ecclesiology
Old Testament Survey
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Overview of the Old Testament, including historical context, literary forms and theological themes
New Testament Survey
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Overview of the New Testament, including historical context, literary forms and theological themes
Biblical Hermeneutics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Principles and methods for interpreting biblical texts in their historical and contemporary contexts
Church History I
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Church History I: History of Christianity from the early church through the Reformation Covers historical analysis, source evaluation, and interpretation of past events.
Apologetics and Christian Evidences
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Defence of Christian faith, including philosophical arguments, historical evidence and contemporary challenges
Pastoral Theology and Ministry
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Theory and practice of pastoral ministry, including care, counselling, leadership and church administration
Homiletics and Preaching
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Art and craft of sermon preparation and delivery, including expository, topical and narrative preaching
African Christian Theology
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Theological reflection on Christianity in African context, including inculturation and contextualisation
Christian Ethics and Moral Theology
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Ethical reasoning from Christian theological perspectives applied to contemporary moral issues
Theological Thesis
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Independent theological research on a selected topic producing a scholarly dissertation
Ministry Attachment
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Supervised practical ministry placement in a church, para-church organisation or faith-based NGO

Specialisations

Biblical Studies
Specialization in Biblical Studies, preparing graduates for careers such as religious-educator-theology-teacher.
Systematic Theology
Specialization in Systematic 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.
African Theology
Specialization in African Theology, preparing graduates for careers such as religious-educator-theology-teacher.
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.
Apologetics
Specialization in Apologetics, 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.
Church History
Specialization in Church History, preparing graduates for careers such as religious-studies-instructor.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning lectures on systematic theology or biblical studies with afternoon language tutorials or preaching workshops. Students may participate in chapel services, theological discussion seminars or supervised ministry practice in local churches.

The trade offs

In its favour

Integrates biblical scholarship with theological depth for comprehensive ministry preparation
Develops critical thinking, communication and leadership skills
Strong foundation for postgraduate theological study
Kenya's vibrant church landscape creates demand for trained leaders

Against it

Career opportunities are primarily within religious institutions
Biblical languages and theological reasoning require significant study effort
Salaries in church ministry can be modest
Ordination requirements vary by denomination

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 Theology.

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

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities
Church and Denominational Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Candidates sponsored by churches for ministry training
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

Theological Essays and Exegetical Papers
Coursework30% of the mark
Theological Thesis
Coursework100% of the mark
Final Examination
Coursework40% of the mark
Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs)
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

Church Planter
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 100,000
Establishes new church congregations and develops Christian communities
Chaplain
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 100,000
Provides spiritual support and pastoral care in schools, hospitals or military institutions
Theology Lecturer
Low demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 130,000
Teaches theology and biblical studies in theological seminaries and universities
Pastor
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 150,000
Provides spiritual leadership, preaching, pastoral care and church administration
Christian Apologist
Low demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 120,000
Defends and explains Christian faith through writing, speaking and teaching ministries

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as pastors, theology lecturers, church planters and Christian leaders in churches, theological institutions and faith-based 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 theology is just about memorising Bible verses
The programme involves systematic theological reasoning, biblical languages, historical analysis and philosophical engagement.
Theology graduates can only be pastors
Graduates work as lecturers, chaplains, apologists, writers, NGO leaders and community developers.
Theology is not academically rigorous
The programme requires original language study, exegetical research, systematic theological argumentation and historical analysis.
There are no career opportunities in theology
Kenya's vibrant church landscape and numerous theological institutions create demand for trained theological leaders.