Department of Social and Religious Studies
Entry Requirements
STUDENT INTAKE
Entry to the Religious Studies Diploma program requires Matriculation from Divine Word University or an equivalent Grade 12 standing with an overall “C” average. Consideration is also given to those who have been working successfully in related fields.
In general, the Department is ready to recognise formal training in religious congregations to be a genuine professional equivalent in the field of academic religious development. Such formation programs should have included reflection on scriptural, theological and pastoral themes in the tradition of the congregation. These reflections should also have been conducted with a view to service within the PNG Churches. Such training needs to be at least on the platform of a successful completion of Grade 10, with evidence that the applicant has maintained a practice of reading, reflection and attendance at courses of religious study.
ACADEMIC PROGRESS
Attendance at all classes is required. Final assessments are given at the end of each semester and are usually made up of 60% semester work and 40% semester final examination. The passing mark in all courses is 60% unless otherwise stated. Students must pass all scripture and theology programs to be able to graduate. Students who accumulate two failures in other programs are also not eligible for graduation and may be terminated from studies.
A specific requirement of the professional education and training is a religious education practicum and a six-week pastoral work experience program. Successful completion of the religious education and pastoral work experience program is a prerequisite for entry into second year studies. This program also provides valuable feedback concerning course content and student attitudes.
Those students applying for the Certificate in Religious Studies need to have graduated from Secondary Teacher training with the required awards certifying to their ability to teach Christian doctrine.
Students are expected to adopt a professional attitude towards their studies, deportment and career orientation.
The Religious Studies program is subject to change
ADVANCED STANDING
It is possible for students to be granted up to 40% credit towards a Diploma for work taken elsewhere within the last two years, and after completion of Grade 12. However, the guiding principle is that the program provides a well-rounded source of reflection on religious learning and practice, and the program should be followed as a whole in the interests of personal formation of the students.
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