Theological Education Statistics
Online directories of courses
UK Bible College Directory www.bible-college.co.uk
Distance Learning:Theology and Religious Study Online www.trsonline.org.uk
The number of theological and Bible colleges has been increasing:
- 34 colleges in 1972
- 68 colleges in 1980
- 98 colleges in 1991
- 105 colleges in 2006
The take up of residential student places in theological and Bible colleges has been increasing:
- 79% of the 7337 places available in 1993 were taken
- 91% of the 7848 places available in 1999 were taken
- 96% of the 8280 places available in 2006 were taken
The average cost for tuition and accommodation in 2006 was £5,518
- The total number of students in 2006 was 8280
- The total number of female students in 2006 was 3470
- The total number of male students in 2006 was 4810
The average length of a course is 2.5 years
Sources Religious Trends no.7 2007/8 and Religious Trends no.2 2000/1
Church of England Ministry Division figures show that people applying for training for the priesthood is increasing. In 2006 727 candidates reached the final stage of the selection process and in 2007 740 candidates were at the same stage. The gender split is roughly 50:50
Source Hope for the C of E? by Sally Hitchiner Christianity Magazine February 2007
The number of open learning, distance learning and part time courses offered via colleges has increased and there are now 39 colleges offering courses approved by the DFES
