About KEDS
A: King's Evangelical Divinity School (KEDS) is an established online evangelical theological institution offering biblical and theological education from certificate through to doctoral level. Based in the UK, KEDS provides 100% online, flexible theological education to students in the UK and around the world, equipping Christians for ministry, mission, and discipleship. KEDS is a registered charity (Charity Number: 1169734).
A: KEDS specialises in Biblical Studies and Hermeneutics — the principles and methods of biblical interpretation. The aim is to equip students to engage with, analyse, and interpret individual passages of the Bible faithfully before exploring wider biblical theology. KEDS encourages students to approach the text inductively — setting aside presuppositions as far as possible — to reach theological conclusions grounded in Scripture itself rather than importing pre-formed confessional positions into the interpretive task.
A: Yes. Although KEDS is a confessional, evangelical school drawing students from across the evangelical spectrum, non-evangelicals are welcome to study at KEDS, provided they are respectful of and do not actively promote views contrary to KEDS's orthodox, historic, and mainstream evangelical values and beliefs.
A: No. As a school specialising in biblical studies and hermeneutics, students are encouraged to engage with a range of modern translations and ancient sources. KEDS does not promote one Bible version over another, though several modules explore the transmission of the biblical text and how some versions are more faithful and accurate than others.
Accreditation
A: KEDS is currently pursuing accreditation with the European Council for Theological Education (ECTE), a respected pan-European accrediting body for evangelical theological institutions.
A: ECTE is a cross-border, independent accreditation agency for evangelical theological institutions that operates according to European Standards and Guidelines (ESG) and adopts the ICETE Standards for Global Evangelical Theological Education. ECTE is registered with the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR). Its umbrella organisation, ICETE, also governs the Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) in North America. ECTE accreditation is a recognised mark of academic quality and evangelical integrity.
A: Each KEDS module is worth 10 ECTS credits, which are equivalent to 20 CATS (UK credits) and are transferable within the UK. ECTS credits also give students greater mobility within Europe. Credit transferability is subject to ECTE accreditation being confirmed.
Studying at KEDS
Yes, we are currently recruiting students for the EQF Level 6 and EQF Level 7 Theology programmes. Students who enrol now will receive credits retroactively once accreditation has been formally approved by the European Council for Theological Education.
A: For certificate-level programmes (KYB, FBI, JCS), there are no entry requirements whatsoever — these are open to anyone. The bachelor-level programme requires 3 A-Levels or equivalent (mature students aged 21+ are considered on a case-by-case basis). The master-level programme requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent in theology or a related field.
A: Yes. All KEDS programmes are delivered 100% online with no campus attendance required. Courses are asynchronous, meaning there are no live sessions or fixed class times. Students access all materials through the KEDS Learning Management System (LMS) and study at a pace and schedule that suits them.
The organisation of studies is flexible and determined by the student. Students may choose to study one module at a time or take multiple modules concurrently.
A: For KYB and Jewish-Christian Studies programmes, book requirements are minimal — most reading is provided through the LMS. Language modules require the relevant textbook. KEDS provides access to full-text theological journal packages online (Galaxie and Perlego) and guides students towards purchasing resources that will remain valuable well beyond their studies.
A: For KYB, the minimum requirement is 2–3 hours of study per week over 16 weeks. For degree-level modules, each 10-credit module represents 250 hours of learning — equivalent to between 7 and 40 hours per week depending on whether you study part-time or full-time.
A: KYB and BJCS modules are assessed through a quiz. FBI, FJCS, and Degree-level modules are assessed through written assignments. KEDS provides helpful tutorial support throughout, and assignments at certificate level are shorter and more accessible than at degree level.
A: Yes. KEDS is designed to be accessible for students returning to study after a long gap. Helpful tutorial support is available for all students regardless of academic background. Certificate-level assignments are shorter and focus on biblical knowledge and understanding rather than advanced academic writing skills.
Courses
A: KEDS offers the following programmes, all delivered 100% online: Knowing Your Bible (KYB) — certificate; Foundations in Biblical Interpretation (FBI) — certificate; Jewish-Christian Studies at Basics (BJCS) and Foundations (FJCS) level — certificate; Biblical Languages (Hebrew and Greek); and degree-level programmes at bachelor (EQF 6), master (EQF 7), and doctoral level.
A: KYB is an introductory online biblical studies certificate designed to provide an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Bible and its interpretation. It consists of four modules — What is the Bible?, Who Wrote the Bible?, What is Divine Inspiration?, and What is Biblical Inerrancy? — each costing £50 (£200 for the full programme). Each module requires approximately 12.5 hours of study. KYB is non-accredited but provides an excellent foundation for further study with KEDS.
A: FBI is an online certificate programme designed for students who want to develop serious hermeneutics skills and biblical knowledge before progressing to bachelor-level study. It consists of four modules — Introduction to the Bible, Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey, and Genre and Biblical Interpretation — each costing £195 (£780 total), with each module requiring approximately 50 hours of study.
A: KEDS offers two Jewish-Christian Studies programmes. The Basics in Jewish-Christian Studies (BJCS) is an introductory certificate of four modules at £50 each (£200 total), exploring Israel's role in God's redemptive plan, the church and Israel, a biblical theology of Israel, and an introduction to Romans 9–11. The Foundations in Jewish-Christian Studies (FJCS) is a more in-depth certificate of four modules at £195 each (£780 total), covering biblical theology, supersessionism, ecclesiology, and Jewish-Christian relations in the UK church. Both are 100% online with no entry requirements.
A: The KEDS bachelor-level programme aligns with EQF Level 6 in Theology — the equivalent of a bachelor's degree under the European Qualifications Framework. It can be studied full-time over 3 years (£4,710/year) or part-time over 4–6 years. The programme includes core and elective modules in biblical interpretation, hermeneutics, biblical theology, biblical languages, and more, culminating in a dissertation. Entry requires 3 A-Levels or equivalent. KEDS is currently pursuing ECTE accreditation for this programme.
A: The KEDS master-level programme aligns with EQF Level 7 in Theology — the equivalent of a master's degree. It can be completed full-time in one year (£6,165/year) or part-time over 2–3 years. It consists of 90 credits including three core modules and four elective modules, culminating in a dissertation. Entry requires a bachelor's degree in theology or a related field. KEDS is currently pursuing ECTE accreditation for this programme.
Q: Is a KEDS EQF6 in Theology qualification the same as a Bachelor of Theology from a UK university?
A: The title "Bachelor of Theology" is restricted to degrees awarded by British universities, so KEDS cannot use this title. However, the bachelor-level programme is designed to align with EQF Level 6 learning outcomes, equivalent to a bachelor's degree under the European Qualifications Framework. Subject to ECTE accreditation, each module will carry 10 ECTS credits (equivalent to 20 UK CATS credits), making credits transferable within the UK and Europe.
A: Yes. Students may take individual modules without registering for the full programme at any level. This gives students maximum flexibility to explore KEDS courses before committing to a full programme.
Scholarships and Financial Support
A: Yes. KEDS offers the David Royle Scholarship for Pastors, established in honour of David Royle (1959–2024), a missionary with a passion for pastoral training around the world. The scholarship provides 100% fee coverage for pastors studying Knowing Your Bible and Foundations in Biblical Interpretation, and 50% coverage for the bachelor-level programme. It is available to pastors and assistant pastors living and ministering in developing countries. Currently two scholarships are awarded per year. To apply, download the application form from kingsdivinity.org/scholarships and return it to office@kingsdivinity.org.
A: The scholarship is for pastors and assistant pastors living and actively ministering in countries defined as developing by the OECD. It is designed to support those with a clear calling to ministry who lack access to formal theological education. Applications are considered annually, and currently, two scholarships are awarded each year.
Community and Prayer
KEDS holds a weekly devotion and prayer time every Monday (except Bank Holidays) — you can sign up via Eventbrite.
A: Yes. KEDS has an active community Facebook group where tutors, students, and alumni from around the world connect, encourage one another, and share in their walk with Christ. There is also a weekly online devotion and prayer gathering every Monday.