The Bachelor of Divinity (BD) programme is a post-baccalaureate degree that prepares students for ordination. The purpose of the programme is to equip students with knowledge and skills for ministerial leadership in the congregation and church-related institutions. Students enrolled in this programme possess more critical and in-depth grasp of the biblical tradition, appreciation of the Asian culture and context, and have a more developed understanding of the ministry and pastoral identity.
The BD degree is conferred by The Divinity School of Chung Chi College Limited while BD students are registered as Associate Students in The Chinese University of Hong Kong. The BD certificate achieved at the end of the programme is generally recognized internationally as equivalent and comparable to that of a Master of Divinity certificate, where academic standard is concerned.
There are three types of study schemes for students with different academic qualifications:
| Curriculum | Entrance Requirements | Normative Study | Maximum Study Period (Full-time) | Graduation Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-year | Secondary school graduates | 5 years | 7 years | 154 units |
| 4-year | Have successfully completed a programme at Hong Kong Qualification Framework (HKQF) Level 4 or equivalent (e.g. associate degree or higher diploma programmes, etc.) | 4 years | 6 years | 125 units |
| 3-year | Graduates with bachelor’s degrees (including Bachelor of Theology) | 3 years | 5 years | 101 units |
*Remarks: Full-time church or Christian organization workers, and Christians with a doctorate in other subjects, can apply for part-time study. The study periods of part-time students vary according to individual circumstances.
Application for Admission
Applicants may download the application procedures and forms at the link below:
Application Procedures and Forms
Entrance Requirements
- Candidates should have been baptized for at least two years prior to admission.
- Candidates must fulfill at least one of the following requirements:
- Completed the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) or the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination, plus one year of working experience; or
- Completed the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE), plus five years of working experience; or
- Other equivalent qualifications. - Candidates must fulfill at least one of the following English proficiency requirements:
- Achieved Grade E or above in the English Language subject of HKCEE; or
- Achieved Level 2 or above in the English Language subject of HKDSE Examination; or
- Submitted an original valid official score report of TOEFL (iBT) 45 / IELTS (Academic) 5 or above; or
- Obtained a degree from a university in Hong Kong or an English-speaking country; or
- Other equivalent qualifications.
*Each application will be considered on its individual merits. Due to the limited quota, satisfying the above entrance requirements does not guarantee admission.
Study Scheme
(Please refer to the course lists below for further details)
- Biblical Studies
- History of Christianity
- Theology
- Pastoral Studies
- Christianity and Society
- Faculty Student Seminar
- Graduate Thesis
- Field Education
- Electives
- Compulsory Non-theology Courses^
^ Students who have not received a bachelor’s degree prior to admission are required to take undergraduate non-theology courses (e.g. general education and philosophy courses) to gain broad exposure to different disciplines and to understand the Christian faith with an interdisciplinary perspective.
