PROGRAMME SUMMARY

Programme Name

BACHELOR OF DIVINITY

Programme Description

The Bachelor of Divinity (BD) programme prepares students for responsible positions within the churches and societies of Oceania. It encourages students to develop Pasifika ways of doing theology and living faith in communities, while building on and deepening their own theological knowledge and social justice capacities. Whether preparing for the ministry, further academic pursuits, or advocacy and social justice engagements, students are equipped with rigorous and integrated approach to biblical, theological, historical, ministerial and academic skills studies aimed to advance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The studies feature the importance of whole of life justice-driven approach and contextualisation in any interpretation and formulation of the Christian faith and its implications for churches, societies and communities in the Pasifika context.

Minimum Entry

Requirement

Should have passed a Pacific Qualifications Framework (PQF) Council recognised diploma level 6 qualification or equivalent:

▪ A University Diploma, Degree, or

▪ A Diploma in Theology from SPATS accredited institution, or an equivalent qualification, or

▪ Met the mature age student admission criteria: (23 years plus, evidence of community or voluntary engagement; or formal, non-formal, informal, household, or subsistence employment).

Graduate Outcomes

▪ Articulate a critical understanding of whole of life Pasifika ways of being in transdisciplinary approach to ministry in different Missio Dei communities-based contexts.

▪ Build diverse characteristics and perspectives in their professional/

communities practice through openness and respect for other Christian and religious views and positions; and appreciate their own tradition’s contribution to the Christian life and mission.  

▪ Engage in contextual de-colonial thinking and practices which inform local, regional, and international development strategies through differing views on Scriptures and theological issues, and arrive at a balanced understanding of alternative views.  

▪ Critically appraise diverse Pasifika contexts and related development strategies by distinguishing and applying different methodologies employed in theological scholarship. 

▪ Produce concrete innovations to develop whole of life responses to current and future challenges and demonstrate appreciation of the principles of biblical, theological, and historical interpretation relevant to their ministry within the church, societies and communities. 

▪ Construct effective communications for whole of life learning as responsible advocates for prophetic justice driven leadership in communities.

▪ Engage with new ideas as self-reflective practitioners of ministry, evaluate and adopt innovations in collaboration with diverse communities.

Requirements for the

Award of the Degree

Course credits: 15 credits per course at the Undergraduate level.

Single Major: For single major, students need to complete 8 Major courses (120 credits), 4 Communities Learning (CL) and Engagement courses (60 credits), 4 University Wide (UW) courses (60 credits), and 4 electives (60 credits). The other 4 left (60 credits) can be taken from the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or extra electives if the RPL does meet the 60 credits requirement.

Double Major: For double major, students need to complete 8 Major courses from the Bachelor Divinity (BD) (120 credits), 8 Major courses from the Bachelor of Ecumenism (BE) (120 credits), 4 University Wide courses (60 credits), and 4 Communities Learning (CL) and Engagement courses (60 credits).

Mode of Delivery

Face-to-face

Duration

3 years Full Time or 5 years Part Time

Programme Type

Undergraduate Degree

Level

Equivalent to PQF/SPATS/HECF level 7

School Name

School of Theology & Ecumenism (SOTE)

Credit Point

360

Fee

Pasifika Students:

FJD$18,000.00 full programme (3-years)

International students:

FJD$35,067.00 full programme (3-years)

Education Pathway

This qualification can lead to post-graduate qualification (Level 8) or its overseas equivalent

Employment Pathway

Holders of this qualification will have the skills and knowledge to work in various roles in Christian churches or the wider society, particularly within the faith-based organisations and church affiliated sectors.

• Instructors in theological institutions around the region.

• Leadership positions in ecumenical and faith-based organisations.

• Leadership positions in communities.

• Work in organisations such as NGOs with specific focus on leadership, justice, spirituality.

• Consultants in areas of the intersection of theology, spirituality, and social justice issues.

• First step towards ordination in some faith communities.

Semester 1

Semester 2

Year 1

UW

100

UW

101

UW

102

BS

Major 1

TE

Major 1

HC

Major 1

PM

Major 1

Year 2

BS

Major 2

TE

Major 2

HC

Major 2

PM

Major 2

ELECTIVES

BS

204

TE

205

HC

206

PM

207

Year 3

UW

300

Remaining Electives (Yr 2)

BS

208/209

CL

300

(begins s1, credited s2)

CL

301

CL

302

CL

303