The Foundations in Biblical Interpretation (FBI) programme is for people who are looking to do the bachelor's but want to ease back into academic study.
Course Details
Level
Certificate
Timeline
Per Module: 50 hours
Total: 200 hours
Cost
Per Module: £195
Total: £780
Contact
donna.orr@kingsdivinity.org
Mode of Study
Online
Entry Requirements
None
Why FBI?
Meet Key Faculty
Hear from FBI Programme Director, Donna Orr
Purchase Modules
In order to access the course material, login to your account or register for a new one after clicking on your selected course.
FAQs
Q: What is the Foundations in Biblical Interpretation programme at King's Evangelical Divinity School?
A: The Foundations in Biblical Interpretation (FBI) programme is an online certificate course at King’s Evangelical Divinity School (KEDS) designed for people who want to develop serious Bible study and hermeneutics skills, particularly those preparing to ease back into academic study before progressing to a bachelor’s-level theological programme. It consists of four modules delivered entirely online, with no entry requirements.
Q: Who is the Foundations in Biblical Interpretation course designed for?
A: FBI is designed for anyone who wants to develop stronger skills in reading and interpreting the Bible, with a particular focus on those who are preparing to begin or return to academic theological study. It is ideal for church leaders, ministry workers, and Christians who want to move toward undergraduate-level study but feel they need a supported entry point. No prior academic qualifications are required.
Q: What does the Foundations in Biblical Interpretation programme cover?
A: The FBI programme covers four key areas of biblical study: an introduction to the Bible (FBI1), a survey of the Old Testament (FBI2), a survey of the New Testament (FBI3), and the study of genre and biblical interpretation (FBI4). Together these modules develop advanced hermeneutical skills, provide an overview of both Testaments in God’s revelation, and equip students to apply genre-specific tools to biblical narrative, prophecy, and other literary forms.
Q: What modules are included in the FBI programme?
A: The programme consists of four modules: FBI1 — Introduction to the Bible; FBI2 — Old Testament Survey; FBI3 — New Testament Survey; and FBI4 — Genre and Biblical Interpretation. Each module costs £195 and involves approximately 50 hours of study, giving a total programme commitment of 200 hours at a total cost of £780.
Q: What is hermeneutics and why does it matter?
A: Hermeneutics is the study of the principles and methods used to interpret texts, particularly the Bible. Good hermeneutics helps readers understand what a biblical passage meant in its original context and how it applies faithfully today. The FBI programme develops hermeneutical skills systematically, equipping students to read different types of biblical literature — including narrative, prophecy, poetry, and epistle — accurately and with confidence.
Q: What is genre and why does it matter for reading the Bible?
A: The Bible is a library of texts written in many different literary genres, including historical narrative, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, gospel, epistle, and apocalyptic writing. Reading each genre correctly requires different interpretive tools. FBI4 — Genre and Biblical Interpretation — teaches students how to identify and apply genre-specific approaches, avoiding common misreadings and helping students engage with Scripture more accurately and faithfully.
Q: Is the Foundations in Biblical Interpretation course fully online?
A: Yes. The FBI programme is delivered 100% online with no campus attendance required. All course materials are accessible through the KEDS online learning platform, allowing students to study at their own pace from anywhere in the UK or internationally, fitting study around work, family, church, and ministry commitments.
Q: Does the FBI programme prepare me for degree-level theological study?
A: Yes. The FBI programme is specifically designed as a preparatory pathway for KEDS’s bachelor-level programme. It equips students with the foundational skills in biblical interpretation, Old and New Testament knowledge, and hermeneutics needed to succeed at undergraduate level. Completing FBI is an excellent way to build confidence before transitioning to full degree-level theological study.
Q: Do I need any prior qualifications to enrol in the FBI programme?
A: No. There are no entry requirements for the Foundations in Biblical Interpretation programme. It is open to anyone with a desire to study the Bible more seriously and develop their interpretive skills, regardless of previous academic or theological background.
Q: Who teaches the Foundations in Biblical Interpretation programme?
A: The FBI programme is directed by Donna Orr and taught alongside Dr Anthony Royle, Principal of King’s Evangelical Divinity School. Dr Royle teaches FBI3 (New Testament Survey) and FBI4 (Genre and Biblical Interpretation). Students benefit from teaching that is both academically rigorous and pastorally grounded, rooted in an evangelical commitment to the authority of Scripture.
Q: How much does the Foundations in Biblical Interpretation programme cost?
A: Each of the four FBI modules costs £195, with a total programme cost of £780. Modules can be purchased individually, giving students the flexibility to progress at their own pace and budget. There are no additional campus or attendance fees as the course is entirely online.
Q: How long does the Foundations in Biblical Interpretation programme take to complete?
A: Each module involves approximately 50 hours of study, giving a total programme commitment of around 200 hours across all four modules. Because the course is self-paced and fully online, completion time will vary depending on how many hours per week a student is able to dedicate to study.
For any further questions, contact programme director, Donna Orr.
Subscribe now to receive updates on KEDS programmes and events!