Theology and Worship Studies

UCAS code: WS05

Here's what London School of Theology says about its Theology and Worship Studies course.

The Theology and Worship Studies programme is unique within Europe, equipping students to reflect on, plan and lead worship across a broad spectrum of worshipping traditions, musical styles and church contexts, within a robust theological framework.

This programme, offered at Certificate, Diploma and Degree levels, is aimed at those with a keen interest in music and worship ministry who would like to develop their knowledge and practical skills as musicians and reflective worship practitioners.

The core curriculum encompasses vocal and instrumental studies, ensemble work, practical worship ministry, history, fieldwork and case studies, together with essential theological learning. In the second and third year, students select from a range of options to further their learning in theology, worship and/or creative music skills. Musical training is a core part of the programme, and we cater for people from a range of backgrounds. Through weekly group classes, students have the opportunity to strengthen and consolidate both vocal and instrumental skills, specifically for use in the context of musical worship.

Those who already have a more established performance practice (with a minimum standard of grade 5 or above) can apply for weekly one-toone tuition on their chosen instrument/voice, in lieu of the group vocal and instrumental classes. This is offered on a case-by-case basis, and students pursuing this option will be required to dedicate significant time to honing their practice, and to perform in a public recital each year. All students are encouraged to sing in one of the choirs.

Students learn from highly respected names in worship, theology, and the arts. Faculty members and visiting lecturers have published in leading publications on music, worship and theology. They regularly speak at national and international conferences, lead worship at major Christian conferences around the world, and have contributed to BBC programmes like Songs of Praise and Sunday Worship. Their work includes producing worship resources, creating interactive faith-based art, and leading longterm church ministries. Every lesson blends their academic expertise and cutting-edge research with real-world experience and a strong theological foundation.

The music and worship modules are only available on-campus although theology modules on this programme can be studied either on-campus or online. You can change study mode each academic year, though not halfway through the year as the modules are taught and timetabled differently in each mode.

Time Commitment

For full-time students it is expected that you will be able to commit around 40 hours per week to your studies.

For on-campus study, this normally equates to around 12 hours of lectures and 30 hours of personal study time with onsite lectures taking place 9am– 6pm on Mondays to Fridays. Students studying online modules will need to commit the same amount of time, though students can work more flexibly to complete their weekly study hours.

Online and blended students may work more flexibly but will need to be able to commit the same amount of time overall.

Core Modules: Person and Work of Christ, Jesus and the Gospels, Genesis Prophets and God, Spiritual Theology 2, Corporate Worship Studies, Congregational Worship Studies: Theory and Method.

Optional Modules: Youth and Worship, Multimedia and Multisensory, Rehearsing for Worship, Songwriting, Ethnomusicology, Ensemble Performance, Sequencing and Arranging, Music Philosophy and God, Relational Theology, Sin Grace and Eschatology, Scripture Exegesis and Hermeneutics, Pastoral Care, Old Testament Hebrew 1, New Testament Greek 1a, Preaching.

Music for Worship: Vocal Studies, Instrumental Skills.

Because we are seeking a broad range of learning in the programme, assessment takes a variety of forms as appropriate to the topic being studied both for Onsite and Distance Education / Online students: ? Essays, which allow a student to develop a line of thought around a set question or topic. ? Presentations to a class, which can include written notes of the presentation. ? Quizzes and tests, which focus on particular areas of knowledge and understanding and take place in the classroom. ? Examinations, which may be ‘unseen’ or ‘seen’ in advance of sitting the paper. These permit a range of material to be assessed, notably in courses which have a strong survey or content focus. These are formally assessed and take place under exam conditions. ? Sermon scripts or other teaching material, especially where a module focuses on developing skills in oral communication with others. ? Theological reflection on practice, which brings together theory and practice. This can take a journal form or a specific reflection on a particular incident or issue. ? Portfolio of material of a variety of kinds, which enables students to engage with wide-ranging assessments. ? Level 6 project of a variety of kinds, undertaken by all students, provides the opportunity for you to explore a particular issue in more depth with guidance and supervision provided by an appropriate faculty member. ? Musical examinations – These can be in the form of a recital, performance, rehearsal, and other live forms of examination. ? Compositions – These consist of musical scores written or on Sibelius, and also Logic arrangement files and audio.