- GST partnered with North-West University Faculty of Theology in 1997
Greenwich School of Theology was founded in 1958 as an independent, non-denominational, non-sectarian theological institute. Originally offering courses in the USA as Geneva Theological College, the work of the School was extended to the UK through the perseverance of the late Dr Rupert Judge. GST remains a non-profit making organisation [a registered charity: 1097904] pledged to offering opportunities for higher education to those students who, for valid reasons, may not be able to pursue or possibly afford such courses elsewhere.
The School maintains its own independent board of directors, tutors, examiners and external examiners, offering students online / distance-learning opportunities that lead to fully accredited Theology degrees at Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral levels. The School’s prospectus emphasises in its mission statement that prospective students “must be prepared to adopt a broad, scholarly and critical approach” and that its governing ethos is “firmly based on the academic study of Theology and related subjects”.
From the outset, the necessity for the formal accreditation of the School’s degree programmes was recognised and driven by the then Dean of Studies, Revd. Professor D Byron Evans, whose service to the school continues in his role as Vice-President. With the support of all governors and staff of GST, this goal was finally realised in 1998 when the formal association between Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education [now North-West University] and the Greenwich School of Theology was confirmed. As each student’s work develops, the co-ordination of both GST and NWU staff involved in the implementation of this is the responsibility of the GST Dean, Professor Dries du Plooy. He has held this post since taking retirement as Dean of the Faculty of Theology at NWU. The two institutions continue to develop a close working relationship, managing educational initiatives and sharing in the supervision and support of their students. The two Liaison Administrators – Tienie Buys in the Faculty of Theology at NWU and Peg Evans at the GST Central Office UK – manage and monitor the day-to-day business of the School.
- Faculty of Theology building
The examiners and tutors of the GST, approved formally by North-West University, are highly qualified academics with broad, varied experience and professional expertise. With their North-West colleagues, their role is to offer guidance and advice to students as their course details are being decided, and to assess the developing and finished work in accordance with the accrediting body, North-West University. As required, two External examiners are appointed by NWU to provide independent assessments of each individual student’s submission.
In recognition of the School’s mark of excellence, the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council (ODLQC) granted recognition to GST in September 1997, welcoming its “important and distinctive role, which is not covered by any other accredited college”.
26 September 2011