Bachelor of Theology in Pastoral Studies
The Bachelor of Theology in Pastoral Studies is a four-year degree programme offered at Scott Christian University through the School of Theology. The programme prepares students for pastoral ministry with a focus on preaching, pastoral care, church administration, and spiritual formation.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 116,280 a year at a public institution, Ksh 465,120 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 159,150 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (Plus) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 3 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers biblical studies, systematic theology, church history, pastoral theology, homiletics, pastoral care and counselling, Christian worship, church administration, Christian ethics, spiritual formation, and leadership. Students explore both the theological foundations and practical skills required for effective pastoral ministry.
Students develop competencies in biblical interpretation, sermon preparation and preaching, pastoral counselling, worship leadership, church administration, ethical reasoning, spiritual direction, and Christian leadership. The programme combines lectures, practical ministry assignments, field attachment, and supervised pastoral experience.
Graduates pursue careers as pastors, associate pastors, chaplains, pastoral counsellors, Christian educators, and church administrators. They find employment in churches, educational institutions, hospitals, prisons, and para-church organisations across Kenya and the wider East African region.
The programme is offered at Scott Christian University (private, KSH 159,150 per year, KUCCPS code 1090446) at the main campus in Machakos County. The university was established by the Africa Inland Mission in 1962 and is accredited by the Commission for University Education.
Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya. The programme was CUE-approved in 1997. Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+, consistent with CUE minimum university entry requirements.
What you study
10 subjects- Biblical Studies
- Systematic Theology
- Church History
- Pastoral Theology
- Homiletics
- Pastoral Care and Counselling
- Christian Worship
- Church Administration
- Christian Ethics
- Spiritual Formation
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Biblical Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to Biblical Studies: Foundational principles of biblical interpretation and exegesis. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Introduction to Theology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Overview of systematic theology and Christian doctrine. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests,...
History of Christianity
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
History of Christianity: Survey of Christian history from the early church to the present. Covers historical analysis, source evaluation, and interpretation of past events.
Introduction to Pastoral Theology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Foundational concepts of pastoral theology and ministry. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests...
Pastoral Care and Counselling
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Pastoral Care and Counselling: Providing spiritual care and counselling in pastoral settings. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Homiletics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Principles and practice of sermon preparation and delivery. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment te...
Christian Worship
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Christian Worship: Principles and practices of Christian worship across traditions. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Church Administration
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Church Administration: Managing church operations, finances, and ministry programmes. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Christian Ethics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Christian Ethics: Ethical reasoning and moral decision-making in pastoral contexts. Encourages critical thinking about moral dilemmas and professional responsibility.
Spiritual Formation
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Spiritual Formation: Personal and communal spiritual growth and discipleship practices. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Christian Leadership
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Christian Leadership: Biblical principles of leadership for church and ministry contexts. Covers leadership theories, organisational behaviour, and strategic decision-making.
Pastoral Practicum
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Pastoral Practicum: Supervised practical pastoral experience in a church or institutional setting. Provides hands-on industry experience, mentorship, and professional skills development.
Specialisations
Pastoral Ministry
Focus on the pastoral care and leadership of local church congregations. 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.
Pastoral Counselling
Focus on providing counselling and spiritual guidance in church and institutional settings. 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.
Preaching and Homiletics
Focus on the art and craft of sermon preparation and delivery. 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 Administration
Focus on managing church operations, finances, and programmes. 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.
Christian Worship
Focus on designing and leading worship services in various traditions. 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.
Spiritual Formation
Focus on personal and communal spiritual growth and discipleship. 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 lectures, practical ministry, and spiritual formation. Morning sessions cover biblical studies, theology, and homiletics, while afternoons focus on pastoral care skills, counselling practice, and worship leadership. Students participate in practical ministry assignments, church internships, and supervised pastoral experience.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Scott Christian University has a long heritage of theological education since 1962. | Job market demand is limited primarily to religious and institutional sectors. |
| Programme specifically focuses on pastoral skills for effective church and institutional ministry. | Scott Christian University is a relatively small private university. |
| Programme includes supervised pastoral practicum for hands-on ministry experience. | Pastoral careers often depend on denominational support rather than conventional employment. |
| Graduates are equipped for diverse roles including chaplaincy and pastoral counselling. | Programme is highly specialised, which may limit flexibility outside ministry 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 coursesAnnual 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
Pub: Pwani BA Theology 116,280/yr (pu.ac.ke). Priv: Kenya Highlands 114K, Scott 159K (KUCCPS).
Scott Christian University offers internal bursaries and church-sponsored scholarships for eligible students. HELB loans are available for qualifying Kenyan students.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
Scott Christian University Scholarships
Scholarships
5 recordedHigher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
Government loanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities. Must demonstrate financial need.
Church and Denominational Scholarships
Denominational scholarshipKenyan
Students sponsored by partner churches and denominations for theological 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
Scholarships you could apply for
8 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Kenyatta University Scholarship
Before semesterPartialKenyatta University
30 to 50% tuition waiver
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE mean grade C+; OR KACE with two principal passes and one subsidiary pass; OR a diploma in theology, religious studies, or ministry from a recognised institution; OR a relevant certificate and diploma in theology for mature entry.
When it next starts
Taught at 3 institutionsIncluding Rongo University, Kenyatta University, Scott Christian University.
Including Rongo University, Kenyatta University, Scott Christian University.
Including Rongo University, Kenyatta University, Scott Christian University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, exegetical assignments, and theological essays.
Ministry Practicum Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Evaluation of practical ministry assignments, preaching, and pastoral care exercises.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering biblical studies, theology, and pastoral studies.
Pastoral Practicum
Project100% of the mark
Final-year supervised pastoral practicum including report, evaluation, and oral defence.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya. The programme was CUE-approved in 1997.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya. The programme was CUE-approved in 1997.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
6 rolesPastor
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 120,000
Leads a local church in worship, teaching, pastoral care, and administration.
Associate Pastor
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 90,000
Supports the senior pastor in ministry areas such as youth, counselling, or worship.
Chaplain
Low demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 100,000
Provides spiritual care in institutions such as schools, hospitals, or prisons.
Pastoral Counsellor
Low demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 95,000
Provides faith-based counselling and spiritual guidance to individuals and families.
Christian Educator
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 95,000
Teaches religious education in schools or theological colleges.
Church Administrator
Low demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 85,000
Manages church operations, finances, and ministry programmes.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as pastors, chaplains, and pastoral counsellors in churches and institutions. Demand is primarily in religious and institutional chaplaincy sectors.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Adolescent Mentorship OfficerSocial Sciences14Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
- TVET Competency AssessorEducation14Low exposure
- Vocational Workshop InstructorEducation14Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Logos Bible Software
Biblical studiesPrimary
Digital library and Bible study platform for biblical research and sermon preparation.
Microsoft Office
ProductivityPrimary
Productivity suite for sermons, reports, and church administration.
BibleWorks
Biblical studies
Bible study software for original language exegesis and research.
Google Workspace
Collaboration
Collaboration tools for church team coordination and communication.
Canva
Design
Design tool for creating worship presentations, bulletins, and ministry materials.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Pastoral studies is only for those called to full-time church ministry.
Graduates also work as chaplains, counsellors, educators, and NGO leaders.
A pastoral studies degree limits career options to the church.
The programme develops transferable skills in counselling, leadership, and communication applicable in many fields.
Pastoral studies does not require academic rigour.
The programme includes rigorous biblical exegesis, theological analysis, and research methodology.
Only men can pursue pastoral studies.
The programme is open to all qualified candidates regardless of gender, with many women serving as pastors and chaplains.