Union Theological College has a history of providing theological education that stretches back to the founding of the original Presbyterian College there in 1853.
The College’s primary task is to prepare students for ministry in contemporary Ireland. Union also welcomes students from all backgrounds and perspectives to study Christian theology at undergraduate and postgraduate level in a community of faith and scholarship.
Support for our current students is a top priority for Union and takes three main forms – one involving fellow students and the other two, staff. While you study with us, you will be well supported by the programme team with a wide variety of additional one–to–one support.
Every student is assigned a personal tutor who will:
Guide you through the matriculation process and the course schedule
Help you become a confident, active member of the online learning community
Help you with any concerns or problems that might affect your studies
Students access materials, discussion forums and a range of learning tools via the Virtual Learning Environment. Our platform is designed to be easy to use and we incorporate familiarisation training into the programme induction. Tech support will be via BibleMesh.
Sitting down to prepare and write an assignment can be a daunting task. See here for our helpful resource.
Find out where you should be and when. View your timetable by clicking the link below.
Spring 2024 timetableWhatever your practical need, a team of College administrative and support staff is there to meet it. You will encounter them:
At the welcome desk in the entrance foyer
At the reception counter in the main office,
By the enquiries counter in the library
(for the College custodian) anywhere around the College
In every case, you will find someone friendly, approachable and ready to help answer your question, solve your problem or point to you to the person or service that can.
Rev Nigel Craig is the college chaplain and is available to help all members of the community.
Union College seeks to respond positively to the views of students with regard to issues that will improve our students’ experience of studying and learning.
Are you keen to develop your practices as a missional leader, church planter or youth worker and to train others?
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The College has 26 en–suite bedrooms. These are available for undergraduate and postgraduate students in general but preference is given to Union Students. The College Residence seeks to maintain a specifically Christian ethos.
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Students will be able to take advantage of digital library access to the e–books in The Gamble Library.
Find out moreThe overall aim of the General Student Council (GSC) is to improve quality of the life of the college community and all matters that enhance the learning experience for current and future students.
Every undergraduate Theology student is assigned to a personal tutor. Your personal tutor is the member of College Faculty who will meet you at your induction and take a personal interest in you throughout your studies, inviting you for a chat on a regular basis. With or from your tutor you can (for example):
Set goals for your academic progress and review your performance
Get quick answers to non–module–specific questions relating to your studies
Ask for an academic reference when you want to apply for volunteering, further study or employment
Your personal tutor is available during office hours, contactable by email otherwise and always ready to help you if you need something.
The Presbyterian Chaplaincy at Queen’s, Derryvolgie Hall (49a Derryvolgie Avenue), is term–time home to some Presbyterian students but also serves all Presbyterian students during their studies: visit website
During the teaching semesters, the chaplain, Rev Nigel Craig], is regularly present in Union College for worship or at other times. If you want to get involved with the chaplaincy, or you would value a chat about faith or other spiritual matters, Nigel or one of his team will be glad to help you.