The academic elements of the Beda programme include scripture, philosophy, liturgy, dogmatic, moral and spiritual theology, homiletics, canon law and church history.

Pastoral theology and human formation provide a continuous core throughout a person’s time at the Beda.

Lectures take place within the Beda College, although a few students may pursue a degree at a Roman university for part of their time at the Beda. Professors from Colleges and Institutes throughout Rome supplement the work of the resident staff by teaching courses in their particular subjects.

Lectures are given in English and are examined orally and through essays.

Students are encouraged to learn Italian while they are at the Beda. Classes for beginners are provided, but it is not a requirement for their studies.

The Beda, along with many other Roman Colleges, operates a two semester system. Examinations are held at the end of each semester.

Academic awards from the Beda are conferred by St Mary’s University, Twickenham, London. Most students register for the Bachelor of Theology (BTh) degree and the studies are attentively monitored by St Mary’s.

The option for a student to study for a Pontifical Baccalaureate at the Angelicum (or another Roman university) remains open.

This, however, would not be the norm because the academic element is integral to the total formation programme offered by the Beda. Such a course of study would be at the specific request of a Bishop and in keeping with the good interests of the student and the College.

While most students are resident in the Beda College, a few who live in other Religious Houses in Rome come to the Beda each day for their intellectual formation.

These 'external' students play an active part in the life of the Beda, but their overall formation remain the responsibility of their own Religious Communities.