IBTS

High academic standards are achieved by delivering a well-structured doctoral programme in collaborative partnership with the Faculty of Religion and Theology at the Vrije Universiteit (VU-FRT). An integral part of the doctoral programme is the Post Graduate Certificate in Research which is recognised by VU-FRT for 30 ECS. The PGCert also accredited by the European Council for Theological Education (ECTE) at level 7.

IBTS has obtained institutional accreditation from the European Council for Theological Education (ECTE) as an alternative provider of higher education in 2018 together with programme accreditation for the Post Graduate Certificate in Theological Research.  ECTE accreditation of alternative providers of higher education indicates that the learning opportunities offered by IBTS are compliant with the European Standards and Guidelines for higher education and attests to the level of the learning opportunities according to the EQF. 

Part of the value of research is in its potential to have an impact, or transformative effect, in church and society alike. Researchers at IBTS are usually embedded in their research context so that the issues under investigation, as well as the research findings, are well grounded in the local situation. Current research methodologies, that recognise the potential of research to be transformative, are integrated into the research process.  

Collaboration is essential for shaping the research agenda so that it stays on the cutting edge. Collaboration can happen between academics and practitioners, in sharing across academic disciplines, through ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, and through international partnerships. 

Academic endeavour is rooted in the convictions, practices and traditions of the Baptist faith community. Fellowship amongst those who draw from Baptist and Anabaptist traditions across many countries and cultures provides a strongly supportive and stimulating environment for all involved in the research journey. Through its strong links with the European Baptist Federation, IBTS is relationally and organisationally rooted in the wider European Baptist family.  

Exercising academic freedom is essential for rigorous doctoral research. By holding together the commitment to being a Faith Community along with Academic Freedom, IBTS seeks to provide a safe space within the EBF for meaningful exploration of the issues that really matter to the church in contemporary society.