Graduate Diploma in Intercultural Studies
The two Intercultural Studies programmes offered at SBC (.ie., GDIS, MAIS) equip God’s people to meet the challenge of missions in the 21st century. Contemporary missions training requires integration of cross-cultural awareness, development issues, creative-access approaches, and the unchanging truth of the Bible applied in specific contexts.
It is critical that those who go to the field and those who support them are shaped by the same concepts and values. Thus, this programme provides solid theological foundations for missions, combining cutting-edge missiological thinking with practical application. For these reasons, the programme addresses issues such as:
- Culture and contextualization
- Mission to migrant and diaspora peoples
- International development
- Cultural exegesis
- Missions mobilisation
- Urban mission
- Enterprise as mission
These are in addition to conventional equipping in theology and Bible, as well as spiritual formation with a focus on fulfilling the Great Commission.
Learning onsite within the SBC community is most effective and fruitful. However, it is now possible to choose to complete the GDIS curriculum entirely online, wherever you are, part/full-time. Those who opt to do this may apply to the Immersion Experience?where they can stay and study at SBC for 1–2 weeks at the start of every semester and get to know their classmates and faculty in person.
Please note that all international students studying onsite are required to be studying on a full time basis.
Prerequisites for Programme Admission
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University or Bible College
English Language Minimum Requirements
- ‘A’ Level: B4
- TOEFL: 550 (PBT)/213 (CBT)/80 (IBT)
- IELTS:? 6.0
General Requirements
- At least 24 years old
- Christian for at least 2 years
- Evidence of involvement in ministry
- Evidence of call to ministry and service
- Endorsement by church leadership
Graduation Requirements
- Completion of 32 credit hours including field education
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
Curriculum
Year 1
| First Semester | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Old Testament Foundations | 3 |
| Hermeneutics | 3 |
|
Introduction to Christian Spirituality |
2 |
|
Cultural Anthropology for Ministry |
3 |
|
Engaging Current Issues and Trends in Missions |
3 |
| Field Education | 1 |
| Research and Writing | 1 |
| 16 |
| Second Semester | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| New Testament Foundations | 3 |
| Old Testament Studies I | 3 |
| Systematic Theology I | 3 |
| Missiological Perspectives | 3 |
| Urban Mission | 3 |
| Field Education | 1 |
| 16 |
Note: Course offerings are subject to change.
Blended Learning at SBC
At SBC, we seek to build up our community through blended learning: designing synchronous and asynchronous learning activities using both physical and online platforms. Students may expect to be enriched with a variety of face-to-face and online learning experiences during their studies at SBC.
