This is the University of Cambridge Bachelor of Arts degree. Federation students
who read for the Tripos are usually relatively few in number, and read for
the BA in Theology and Religious Studies. In most cases they are graduates
already (in non-theological subjects) and so, provided they meet the University's
entrance requirements, they are exempted from the first year, or Part I. In
effect, then, these candidates do a theology degree in two years, although
usually they also have to take a paper in Greek or Hebrew from Part I. As a
result, students will generally be under great pressure. In fact, it is not
possible for ordination candidates to do the Tripos unless they are a three
year student because the Tripos is a qualification in academic theology, not
a degree of ministry. The student's third year, therefore, is reserved
for 'catching up' in those areas not covered by the Tripos, although
first-year Tripos (and M.Phil.) students are expected to do one pastoral placement
in that year (preferably in a vacation). Tripos students must be affiliated
to one of the University's Colleges, and their studies are overseen by
the Director of Studies in Theology in that College. Nevertheless, Tripos students
are full members of the Federation and are expected to play a full part in
the worship and community life of the Federation as well as their Institution.
Further details may be found at: www.divinity.cam.ac.uk