PROGRAMMES

The formal beginning of the degree programme in February 1997 was indeed a very important moment in the history and academic life of the College. The event thus warrants special notice.

As the realisation of a vision, the inception of the degree programme represented the culmination of years of planning and organisation. In the respect that the event marked the final phase in the transformation of the College into a tertiary institution, the beginning of the degree programme thereby accentuated the ability of the College to develop its institutional objectives and to widen its academic horizons. In a subtle yet practical way, the beginning of this new venture impressed upon everyone involved with its implementation the enormity of the task. As a huge educational undertaking, the continuation of the new venture will no doubt command from the Church, members of the Faculty and students of the College a commitment commensurate with the nature of the undertaking. In short, it will require commitment of the highest order.

Thus, the introduction of a higher and more flexible academic programme commenced in 1997. Gone are the days when College students were confronted with a range of compulsory courses in their four years of study towards the Diploma of Theology award. In addition to the opportunity to undertake degree courses, students now also enjoy a wide choice of courses in the second, third, and the fourth years of the degree programme. The optional or elective papers offered under the degree programme span a wide range of courses from the immediately practical through to more philosophical papers.

But while the degree programme offers a wide choice of courses and considerable opportunity for specialisation, the College degrees and the Diploma of Theology award continue to place strong emphasis on the development of basic practical skills relevant to and necessary for the Church’s pastoral ministry. The development of sound interpretative, analytical and reasoning skills is therefore the primary focus of the compulsory ‘block’ of core courses taught in the four years, especially in the first year.

In the remaining three years, other practical skills are developed through compulsory programmes in preaching or ‘Sermon Class’ in the second year and Field Work in the third. The latter programme is designed to give all third year students the essential practical experience of working in a local Church congregation.

So while the academic programme is now much more flexible and students have     much greater opportunity to tailor their courses to meet their own particular interests, the traditional practical orientation of the courses that the College offers has not been undermined rather it has been greatly enhanced.

The end of 1999 witnessed the first graduation of Malua Students with degrees (Bachelor of Divinity & Bachelor of Theology), a historic moment in the history of Malua Theological College. During the same graduation service, then Principal, Rev. Dr Otele Perelini was awarded the first Church Professorship of the College, another historic moment in the life of the College. The retirement of Professor Perelini marked ten years since the College began conferring its degrees.

As in any on-going venture of this kind, there is always the challenge to maintain its momentum and adapt to the changing circumstances. This need was encountered in 2010 when the erstwhile Principal, Rev. Dr. Afereti Uili, set in motion a major review of the College’s academic programmes.

As the result of the review undertaken, Rev. Ma’afala Limā – who became Principal of the College in 2015 – was determined to adapt Malua to the changing circumstances in terms of the quality assurance of its programmes without losing sight of the core values   upon which the College was established.

Hence, the inception of the alignment of the College’s programmes to the new accreditation standards set by the South Pacific Association of Theological Schools (SPATS) and the registration and accreditation of the College’s programmes under the Samoa Qualification Authority (SQA) as per law of the land.

Rev. Dr. Vaitusi Nofoaiga – the current Principal and Accreditation Commissioner of SPATS – continues the work done by the previous Principals. He is now responsible to lead the implementation of the Master of Theology degree programme that begins in 2022.