Admissions
OTC considers academic preparation, personal suitability and readiness for theological study. Requirements differ between undergraduate, research-focused postgraduate and professional ministry programmes.
Undergraduate Theology
Join OTC's complete three-year theology programme, designed and benchmarked against FHEQ expectations for undergraduate study across Levels 4, 5 and 6. Complete Year 3 for an OTC diploma, or use the approved US progression route after Year 2.
Undergraduate requirementsPostgraduate Study
Apply for advanced study in Christian thought and practice, ministry, advanced Christian studies, or biblical and theological studies.
Postgraduate requirementsQualification routes are confirmed before enrolment. OTC awards its diploma for completion of the three-year undergraduate programme and its certificate for completion of an OTC postgraduate programme. A degree is awarded by the relevant partner university only where the student enrols on an approved progression or validated degree route and completes that university's requirements.
Undergraduate Theology Programme
Applicants should normally meet the academic requirement below and demonstrate the motivation and readiness needed for sustained theological study.
Or an equivalent secondary, further-education or international qualification.
Suitable applicants are invited to discuss their preparation, goals and fit with the programme.
Mature applicants without the standard qualifications may be considered individually where their experience demonstrates readiness for study.
Requirements by programme
All postgraduate applicants are considered through their academic record, relevant experience and interview. OTC postgraduate programmes are designed and benchmarked against the FHEQ Level 7 master's degree descriptor and are not currently Ofqual regulated. Entry requirements may differ between the OTC certificate route and any formally validated partner-university degree route.
Christian Thought and Practice
Normally a good honours degree in any discipline or an equivalent qualification. Applicants should also demonstrate sufficient familiarity with the Bible, the Church and theological study.
Advanced Christian Studies
Normally a good honours degree in Theology or an equivalent theological qualification.
Biblical and Theological Studies
Normally a good honours degree in Theology or an equivalent qualification providing adequate preparation for advanced biblical and theological research.
Ministry
Normally a good honours degree in Theology or Religious Studies, together with at least two years of relevant Christian ministry or mission experience following initial training.
Alternative postgraduate entry
Applicants with a theology diploma, substantial ministry experience or other relevant prior learning may be considered individually for entry to an OTC postgraduate programme. Admission to any validated partner-university degree route remains subject to that university's approved entry requirements.
English-language requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English may be asked to provide evidence of academic English through IELTS Academic or another accepted test.
Normally including at least 6.5 in reading and writing.
Normally including at least 7.0 in reading and writing.
Equivalent tests, exemptions and validity periods will be specified in the admissions policy for each intake.
How to apply
Choose a programme
Review the academic route, intended award and mode of study.
Submit your application
Complete the OTC application and provide evidence of your qualifications and experience.
Attend an interview
Discuss your preparation, aims and any pathway-specific requirements.
Receive a decision
If successful, your offer will state any academic, English-language, placement or documentary conditions.
Progression is a later choice, not a separate OTC application
Undergraduate students enter OTC's three-year programme. After successfully completing Years 1 and 2, eligible students may continue to OTC Year 3 or use the guaranteed progression route to an approved partner university in the United States.
Remain at OTC
Complete Year 3 and receive the OTC diploma.
Progress to the partner
Complete the partner university's remaining requirements and, if successful, receive its degree.
The progression university, recognised study, final award, fees, delivery arrangements and any immigration requirements will be stated in the agreement applicable to each cohort. Admission to OTC is not itself admission to the partner university.
Speak with Admissions before applying
We can help you identify the correct entry route and the documents needed for assessment.