Part IV · No. 06
A first-cycle degree opens the second cycle. It does not decide ordination.
Theology·Level 6 · First Cycle·Ecclesiastical degree · no suffix
B.Th.
Bachelor of Theology
Fundamental systematic theological education sufficient for further academic study and, subject to a separate Church decision, as part of preparation for ministry.
| CHEQF Level | 6 |
| Qualification type | First cycle, ecclesiastical-academic |
| Admission requirements | Access to higher education; the programme may require prior modules in philosophy, biblical languages, or ecclesiastical formation. |
| Normative volume | 240 EAC recommended. An integrated philosophy–theology/priestly formation model of 300 EAC is permitted. |
Content · Outcomes
Content is what is taught. Outcomes are what is verified.
01 Required content areas
What the programme must contain
- Holy Scripture
- dogmatic and fundamental theology
- patristics
- Church history
- liturgical theology
- canon law
- moral and pastoral theology
- philosophy
- academic methods and source studies
02 Graduate learning outcomes
What the graduate must demonstrate
- presents the principal areas of Orthodox theology systematically
- works with biblical, patristic, conciliar, and liturgical sources
- distinguishes dogmatic, historical, canonical, and pastoral arguments
- analyses theological questions using academic methods
- explains Church teaching clearly in academic and public settings.
Final · Progression
Final capstone work and dissertations may not be transferred from elsewhere.
03 Final assessment
How the programme closes
A comprehensive theological examination and/or bachelor thesis; for a pastoral track, additional assessed practical formation.
04 Academic progression
Where it leads
Access to M.Th., M.Div., M.Min., and other Level 7 programmes.
Status
Black is what the degree certifies. This is what it does not.
05 Status and professional limitation
B.Th. does not constitute admission to ordination; decisions on priestly formation and ordination belong to the competent bishop/Church authority.
“This is an ecclesiastical academic qualification awarded within the Church system of higher education. It is not represented as a state-awarded or state-accredited academic degree unless such recognition has been separately granted by the competent authority of the relevant jurisdiction.”
Recommended status statement on every diploma, Article 17