DDS - Diploma in Denominational Studies

The Diploma in Denominational Studies is a program that takes two forms:

  1. A course of studies set by the judicatories of a particular student’s denomination that is designed to meet the needs of the particular student.
  2. A course of studies designated by the School that provides a general theological background with courses in the history, theology, polity, and ethos of the historic denominations of the School.

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Outcomes
Courses
Admissions
Distance Learning

Outcomes

1. Diploma in Denominational Studies: Designated by Denominational Judicatory

Overview of Program
The Diploma in Denominational Studies: Anglican/United/Presbyterian is designed to recognize accomplishment by a student who has completed a program of study set for them by their respective denomination, The Anglican Church of Canada, The United Church of Canada or The Presbyterian Church in Canada. Normally, the Diploma is given for a program of 18 credit hours or more. A student who accomplishes more than 12 and fewer than 18 credit hours of work that has been set by a denomination will be awarded a Recognition of a Program of Studies.

Length of Program
The Diploma in Denominational Studies: Anglican/United/Presbyterian varies in length depending on the program of study set by the denomination for a particular student. However, any program that consists of 18 credit hours or more will be recognized by VST with the granting of the Diploma.  Students should complete their Diploma within 7 years of initial registration.

Course Requirements
Course requirements for the Diploma in Denominational Studies: Anglican/United/Presbyterian are set by the respective denomination. The judicatory may ask the School to determine specific course work for the student, taking into account previous academic work the student has accomplished.

2. Diploma in Denominational Studies: Designated by VST

Overview of Program
This is an 18 credit hour program that combines several introductory courses in the history, theology, polity, and ethos of the three respective denominations. Courses are listed below.

Courses

Diploma in Denominational Studies: Anglican

Diploma in Denominational Studies: United

Diploma in Denominational Studies: Presbyterian

VST-Regent College Joint Program for PCC Candidates for Ministry

Candidates for the ministry of The Presbyterian Church in Canada may choose to enter a joint Regent College-Vancouver School of Theology Program. Students choosing this option would apply concurrently for the Master of Divinity Program at Regent College, and the Diploma in Denominational Studies at VST. During their time at Regent College, they will take up to 15 courses (45 credit hours) at VST and may transfer a significant number of those credits to the Regent College M.Div. Those courses include Denominational Studies, Field Placement in a Presbyterian Church in Canada congregation and at least one course with all PCC professors at VST. Candidates who successfully complete this program will be qualified academically to enter the ministry of The Presbyterian Church in Canada. Students in this program generally take a little longer to complete their studies than those enrolled only in the M.Div program at VST.

Information Literacy and Research Skills

All degree and diploma students are required to complete six hours of non-credit, no-fee research modules in Information Literacy. The modules will engage students in hands-on as well as theoretical work intended to develop knowledgeable, disciplined and critically astute researchers.

See the Research Skills Module Schedule for further information.

Admissions

An undergraduate degree is required, preferably in the humanities.

Distance Learning

Diploma in Denominational Studies: Anglican
Can be accomplished 100% by distance.

Diploma in Denominational Studies: United
65% can be accomplished by distance.

Diploma in Denominational Studies: Presbyterian
Can be accomplished 100% by distance.