The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland has had a theological training institution in Belfast since 1853. Initially called Assembly’s College, it was later renamed Union Theological College by Act of Parliament. In 1881 the college was awarded a Royal Charter empowering it to grant its own degrees in theology. This authority resides in the theological professors of the college who together constitute the Presbyterian Theological Faculty, Ireland (PTFI). Union Theological College programmes are awarded by this body. The PTFI is recognised as a university under UK law and the work of the college is regulated by the independent body that maintains standards within UK higher education sector and by the Council for Training in Ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
All applicants must pass three A–Levels (BBB)
There is no subject requirement
Two Advanced Subsidiary (AS) GCE qualifications will not be acceptable in place of one A–Level
A minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or better (to include English Language)
Irish Leaving Certificate: 3H3 + 2H4
Access Course Requirements: 65% average
International students (and for whom English is not their first language) must be able to demonstrate their competence in written and spoken English. We welcome students from any faith or none. As part of the process, applicants may be asked to attend for interview.
The BA Hons in Theology is on-campus. The MDiv is the only postgraduate course that is delivered on-campus; the rest are delivered fully online.
Union provides training for students for the ordained ministry in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. If you are open to giving candidacy for ministry in PCI serious and prayerful consideration, please contact Rev. David Leach, Professor of Ministry and Director of the Institute for Ministry, who has overall responsibility for guiding applicants through all stages of the Application Process.
He welcomes the opportunity to chat with anyone enquiring about a vocation in full-time ministry and can be contacted by telephone +44 (0)28 9020 5080 or email d.leach@union.ac.uk
For up-to-date tuition fees, go to the Study with Us section of the website to find the information for the particular course that you are interested in.
The College has 26 en–suite bedrooms in the Gibson Chambers Student Halls, available for undergraduate and postgraduate student in Belfast, with preference given to Union Students. For details on the accommodation, see Accommodation in About.
As you will be studying on a student visa, your attendance will be monitored. There may be restrictions on employment whilst in the UK.
The Semester Dates and Timetable can be found in the ‘Student Hub’ section.
You are welcome to visit Union. Just speak to the College reception to let us know when you intend to visit.
Our new BA Hons Theology, awarded by St. Mary’s University, Twickenham, offers students from all backgrounds the opportunity to study Christian theology in a community of faith and research-led scholarship. We also provide a range of postgraduate degrees, open to all, and offered through our own Royal Charter in the name of the Presbyterian Theological Faculty, Ireland (PTFI).