Best AI Website MakerACADEMIC PROGRAM
The academic program at the Pacific Regional Seminary (P.R.S.) is designed to offer students the opportunity to engage in intellectual exercises by which they seek to understand the Christian faith. It is aimed especially at candidates for the priesthood, for lay ministers, and for anyone interested in studying the Catholic faith in greater depth.
There are two academic programs available at P.R.S.: Diploma of Theology, and Bachelor of Divinity. The requirements for each program are given below. This refers to the Diploma of Theology or the Bachelor of Divinity programs.
DIPLOMA OF THEOLOGY
The Diploma of Theology program at PRS is accredited by the South Pacific Association of Theological Schools (SPATS) and the Fiji Higher Education Commission (FHEC).
Admission:
Admission requirements for the Diploma of Theology and for entrance into the Seminary are a minimum of five years’ secondary education, usually with a pass grade in the final examination. As most students at PRS come from multi-lingual countries throughout the Pacific, candidates are also required to sit an entrance examination to demonstrate their competency in both written comprehension and expression of English. Beginning in 2015, diocesan students will also have had to complete the propaedeutic period offered in the third term prior to entry.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of the Diploma of Theology is to provide students for the priesthood with the academic skills and the theological foundations required for entry into the Bachelor of Divinity program. The Diploma is required for entry into the BD program which in turn is normally required for ordination in the Catholic Church.
Objectives
In the light of the above statement of purpose, the Diploma of Theology has the following essential objectives:
- to improve the students’ knowledge of English and provide the skills necessary for tertiary level studies,
- to equip students with an adequate philosophical background and knowledge of the social sciences needed to pursue theological studies,
- to equip students with a foundational knowledge of Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, Christian Ethics, Church History and Pastoral Praxis.
The Diploma used to include one or two terms of a Foundation Year Program. Since 2015, the spirituality and courses of the Foundation year have been taken up in the Propaedeutic period which runs through the third term for those accepted to begin studies the following year and hence are not part of the Diploma program – but are a pre-requisite. The revised Diploma now requires nine terms of full-time study over a three-year period.
Award:
The Diploma of Theology is normally awarded to those students who have passed at least 36 courses listed in the program from Years I to III.
The PRS award of Distinction:
Where there has been excellent performance in the three years of the Diploma program (usually measured as maintaining an A- average or above) an internal award of Distinction is awarded to students with an A- average or above in the three years of study. This note of Distinction is to acknowledge and encourage superior performance.
BACHELOR OF DIVINITY
The Bachelor of Divinity program at PRS is accredited by the South Pacific Association of Theological Schools (SPATS) and the Fiji Higher Education Commission ((HECF).
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Bachelor of Divinity program requires the successful completion of a Diploma of Theology or its equivalent qualification.
Statement of Purpose and Objectives
The Bachelor of Divinity is a second degree in theological studies designed to meet the academic formation requirements for the Catholic priesthood. The program responds to the needs of the Catholic Church by offering the courses required for priestly formation. Accordingly, the B.D. program comprises all courses presented in Years IV, VI, and VII of the PRS curriculum.
The specific objectives of the program are to enable students to:
• Develop a thorough familiarity with the Catholic tradition and its contemporary expression within the Pacific context;
• Acquire a mature understanding of Sacred Scripture, Church history, theological traditions, and the beliefs of both their own and other expressions of the Catholic faith;
• Critically evaluate contemporary theologies and spiritualities with intellectual maturity;
• Articulate a well-reasoned understanding of the Catholic faith and apply it thoughtfully to contemporary issues;
• Engage respectfully with, and demonstrate appreciation for, other Christian traditions and other faiths.
Research Requirements
Students in Years IV and VI are required to submit one research paper each under the supervision of a faculty member:
• Year IV: A 10-page research paper in Scripture, Theology, or an approved subject of the student’s choice.
• Year VI: A 20-page research paper in Scripture, Theology, or an approved subject of the student’s choice.
All research papers must meet high academic standards. Students are encouraged to produce work of publishable quality.
All papers must be submitted by 20 July 2026. Final marks and grades must be submitted before the beginning of the third term.
The Year VII research paper is a comprehensive interdisciplinary study of approximately 7,500 words (20–30 pages), with a strong emphasis on practical application. At the conclusion of the academic year, students are required to defend their research in a formal presentation of approximately 45 minutes.
Award of the Degree
The Bachelor of Divinity degree is normally awarded to students who have:
• Successfully completed at least 36 courses listed in the program handbook (Years IV–VII); and
• Submitted and passed three required research papers.
PRS Award of Distinction
The PRS Award of Distinction is granted to students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance throughout the three years of the B.D. program.
This distinction is typically awarded to students who maintain an overall average of A- or above across the three years of study. The award recognizes and encourages sustained academic excellence and superior performance.
ACADEMIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Academic Advisory Committee (AAC) operates through the office of the Academic Dean. It is concerned in general with all the areas of the Academic program of the Pacific Regional Seminary. For the Academic Year 2026 its membership consists of:
• Rev. Dr. Tupouniua Tutoe (Dean)
• Fr. Samuela Tukidia, SM
• Fr. Inia Tikolotu
• Sr. Esther Powell (HOC)
• Fr. Tuia Afoa (SDB)
• Ianana Taranteuea (Student President)
The AAC meets to discuss academic concerns of both faculty and students. The recommendations and reports of the AAC are presented to the Academic Faculty for further discussions and then approval. One of the main concerns of the AAC is to evaluate continually the current academic program and curriculum, the work loads of individual programs and courses, and to make recommendations to the faculty concerning the future development of the curriculum.
The AAC also acts as a tribunal for academic appeals. Should a lecturer or a student have a grievance that cannot be otherwise taken care of concerning a course, a grade, or the general academic program, he/she is invited to approach any member of the AAC. It will be this member's responsibility to represent the complaint to the Committee. The complaint and how it was dealt with is recorded by the Dean.
Through the Academic Dean, the AAC coordinates student evaluations of the courses. This is done before the conclusion of lectures in each term. The results are returned to the lecturer after assessments have been completed.
CLASS COORDINATORS
At the beginning of each year, the Rector, after consultation with the Dean, appoints lecturers to be the Coordinators for each class. The Class Coordinator consults regularly (usually each Friday during the meeting periods) with the students of his or her class concerning their general spirit and progress. He or she also addresses concerns regarding their academic courses and workloads. Urgent matters should be taken to the Dean. The Class Coordinator makes a report at the monthly Academic Staff Meetings.
Coordinators ensure the due dates for assignments and reviews are properly distributed, and the amount of work demanded is in proportion to the importance of the course. All courses must have more than two grounds for assessment. It is recommended that no undue weight (more than 40%) be given to any one component of the course's assessment. The Class Coordinator should try to provide moral support and be an animator for the class.
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