The Degree Programme
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.
Admission to Study at Malua
The Admission policies and Requirements for Graduation are initiated by the Principal, Vice Principal, and Lecturers subject to the approval of the MTC Board.
Malua Entrance Exam
- All intended candidates (21 years and above) for MTC are to be firstly approved by the Elders’ Committee and then the CCCS General Assembly before they take the entrance exam.
- The Entrance Exam is held annually in the month of August at District (Matagaluega) locations approved by the Board. Locations will be in America, Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand. For Samoa, the exam is held at MTC campus. There are two days assigned for the exam.
- The entrance exam consists of three papers. All intended candidates are tested on their general knowledge of selected Old Testament and New Testament books approved by the Principal, Vice Principal and Faculty. They are also tested on their understanding of the English language to the Year 13 level. Exam papers are normally set at the ratio of 50:50 in Samoan and English.
- Successful candidates must gain at least 50% in each of the three papers.
Women's Programme
In designing the Women’s Programme, the College is committed to the practical and theological training of students’ wives. Mindful of and guided by the principle of ‘partnership in mission,’ the College accepts this as the most appropriate model of the current ministry of the CCCS, both in Samoa and overseas. The overriding aim of the Women’s Programme is:
(i) to assist women to grow and develop as persons; and
(ii) to create an awareness and appreciation of themselves as partners with their husbands in the ministry; and
(iii) to see themselves and their husbands as equal and complementary partners in the mission field.
Collective worship is held every Wednesday evening. This is also an important occasion for women to share their experiences and discuss matters pertaining to the life of women in the College.
As intelligent, responsible, and creative people, women of the College undoubtedly have made and will continue to make a remarkably significant and positive contribution to the ministry of the Church and the welfare of society.
Women's Theological Education
In addition to and complementing the practical training provided by the Women’s Programme, the College is also committed to the theological education of students’ wives. Affirming the principle of ‘partnership in mission,’ the aim is to provide quality theological education that recognizes, nurtures, engages, and develops the creative intellectual potential of student wives.
As part of the ongoing development of the College, student wives are given the opportunity to undertake academic studies through courses offered by the College throughout the year. They can fully participate in the educational programmes approved by the Faculty, taking a range of courses in the four basic areas of theological education: Biblical Studies, Theology, Church History, and Practical Theology. These courses are taught and accredited through the Malua Bible School, where student wives are awarded the Certificate IV in Theological Studies and the Diploma V in Theological Studies respectively, at the successful completion of all requirements for these two programmes.
These four areas of study should equip women to:
- become familiar with Christian Scriptures as an essential foundation for creative theological thinking and an innovative spirituality for ministry in the Church;
- prepare a syllabus or manual for instruction in Christian education;
- engage contemporary issues and realities of church ministry, developing a clear view of their potential roles and contributions in the church ministries awaiting
The College shall continue to commit itself entirely to the principles of equity and equal opportunity by encouraging student wives to explore and appreciate the benefits of
obtaining a sound theological education, by means of undertaking courses on offer.
Curriculum for Women
YEAR ONE | YEAR TWO | ||
Semester 1 | Semester 1 | ||
OT 010 | Introduction to the Old Testament | CH 020 | Introduction to Christian Revival |
TH 010 | Introduction to Theology | NT 020 | Gospels |
NT 010 | Introduction to the New Testament | TH 020 | Christian Ethics |
Semester 2 | Semester 2 | ||
PT 010 | Introduction to Christian Ministry | OT 020 | Women of the Old Testament |
CH 010 | Introduction to Christianity | PT 020 | Homiletics |
PT 011 | Christian Worship | NT 021 | Paul-An Itinerant Preacher |
YEAR THREE |
YEAR FOUR | ||
Semester 1 | Semester 1 | ||
TH 030 | Christian Baptism & the Lord’s Supper | PT 040 | Basics of Counselling |
NT 030 | Revelation | CH 040 | Samoan (LMS) Women in Mission |
PT 030 | Christian Education | OT 040 | Wisdom in the Old Testament |
Semester 2 | Semester 2 | ||
CH 030 | Introduction to the History of EFKS | TH 040 | Salvation: Gift or Reward? |
OT 030 | Storytelling in the Old | NT 040 | Women in Luke’s Gospel |
TH 031 | Christian Teachings of the Last Days | CH 041 | Mission Societies |
Diploma of Theology (Level VI)
Admission
Intending students must satisfy the following requirements:
- Gain a pass in the MTC Entrance Examination; and
- Be approved by the Board to study at the College.
Requirements for Graduation
The Diploma of Theology (Level VI) shall be awarded by the College only to candidates who have satisfied the following requirements:
(i) reside in the College campus during the required time of study
(ii) attained three hundred and sixty-eight (368) credits from completing thirty-eight (38) courses
(iii) satisfactorily completed all requirements of Extra Curricula Activities
specified for the programme
(iv) paid in full all fees and debts owed to the college
Note: Special conditions may arise in individual cases where the Faculty reserves the right to make necessary alterations to the above requirements depending on its assessment of each case.
Bachelor of Theology (VII)
Admission
Intending students must satisfy at least one of the following requirements:
- Be Graduates of Malua Theological College with Diploma of Theology (Level VI) awarded by the College. A Student with a Diploma of Theology (Level VI) is required to attain 120 credits (equivalent of 10 courses) in Level 7.
The final decision concerning the admissibility of any applicant depends, however, on an assessment by the Faculty of that person’s ability and reasonable probability of success in the Bachelor of Theology (Level VII) programme.
- Be Graduates or Students of the College with qualifications (other than a Bachelor of Theology) conferred by Tertiary Institutions recognised by the College.
Instead of taking the Bachelor of Divinity with Honours (Level VIII) programme, some graduates may wish to enroll in the Bachelor of Theology (Level VII) programme. Such person may apply for admission to the programme under this provision. Applicants must, however, be either graduates or students of Malua at the time of application.
- Admission into the Bachelor of Theology program requires that a student, at the end of the Foundation Year gains a pass of at least 60% or C+ in ALL of the 12 foundation year courses.
From the second to the fourth year, a student must achieve a satisfactory pass of at least 55% or C per course but must maintain an aggregate term average of at least 60% or C+ in order to remain in the BTh (Level VII) Programme.
Requirements for Graduation
The degree of Bachelor of Theology (Level VII) shall be conferred by the College only on those candidates who have satisfied the following requirements:
(i) resided in the College campus during the required time of study; or otherwise fulfilled admission rule one (1) above; and,
(ii) satisfied all requirements for the degree, i.e., attained four hundred and ninety-two (492) credits from completing forty-four (44) courses and in
accordance with the specified structure of the programme.
Note: In their fourth year, BTh (VII) Students who do not write theses are required not to take Thesis Research and Writing courses. Instead, they are to do three courses as shown in the schedule of course to make up the number of credits required at level 7.
(iii) satisfactorily completed all requirements of Extra Curricula Activities specified for the programme.
(iv) paid in full all fees and debts owed to the college.
Bachelor of Divinity with Honours (VIII)
Admission
Intending students must satisfy at least one of the following requirements:
(1) Be Graduates of Malua Theological College with a Diploma of Theology (Level VI) or a Bachelor of Theology (Level VII) awarded by the College.
A Student with a Diploma of Theology (Level VI) is required to attain 120 credits (equivalent of 10 courses) in Level 7 and 120 credits in Level 8 which includes a thesis.
A Student with a Bachelor of Theology (Level VII) degree is required to attain 120 credits in Level 8 which includes a thesis.
Intending students must have successfully completed the DipTh or BTh programmes. However, those who apply for admission under this provision may be considered admissible only if they, in the opinion of the Faculty, have reasonable likelihood of success in the programme.
(2) Be Students of the College with Degrees conferred by Tertiary Institutions
recognised by the College who at the end of the Foundation Year gains a pass of at least 60% or C+ in ALL of the 12 foundation year courses.
From the second to the fourth year, a student must achieve a satisfactory pass of at least 55% or C per course but must maintain an aggregate term average of at least 60% or C+ in order to remain in the BD Hons (VIII) Programme.
(3) Special Admission.
The Faculty reserves the right to exercise its discretion in respect of the admission of other applicants as in its opinion, have achieved sufficient relevant experience and academic qualifications to enable them to undertake the programme with a reasonable chance of success.
It should be noted that the admission of applicants based upon this provision must also comply with the following requirements for graduation.
Requirements for Graduation
The degree of Bachelor of Divinity with Honours (Level VIII) shall be conferred by the College only on those candidates who have satisfied the following requirements:
(i) resided in the College campus during the required time of study; or otherwise fulfilled policies rule one (1) above; and,
(ii) satisfied all requirements for the degree, i.e., attained four hundred and ninety-two (492) credits from completing forty-four (44) courses including 124 credits at Level 8 and in accordance with the specified programme structure and curriculum requirements.
(iii) satisfactorily completed all requirements of Extra Curricula Activities specified for the programme.
(iv) paid in full all fees and debts owed to the college.
Master of Theology (IX)
Admission
To be considered admissible to the programme, intending students must satisfy at least one of the following requirements:
(1) Be Graduates of Malua Theological College with a Bachelor of Theology (Level VII) or a Bachelor of Divinity with Honours (Level VIII) awarded by the College.
Applicants who have successfully completed the Bachelor of Divinity with Honours (Level VIII) will do the one-year Master programme. Applicants who have successfully completed the BTh programme will do the two-year Master programme. Intending students who have completed the BTh programme who apply for admission under this provision may be considered admissible only if, in the opinion of the Faculty, they have reasonable likelihood of success in the course.
OR
(2) Be Graduates of other Theological Colleges and Universities with Degrees in Theological studies recognised by the College.
OR
(3) Special Admission.
The Faculty reserves the right to exercise its discretion in respect of the admission of other applicants as in its opinion, have achieved sufficient relevant experience and academic qualifications to enable them to undertake the course with a reasonable chance of success. For example, a Graduate of Malua
Theological College with a Diploma of Theology who has been working in the ministry for a long period of time and has good potential to do the Master
programme.
Requirements for Graduation
The degree of Master of Theology shall be conferred by the College only on those candidates who have satisfied the following requirements:
(i) satisfied all requirements for the degree:
Students in the one-year Master programme must attain one hundred and twenty (120) credits from completing a research put in the thesis writing format in accordance with the regulations and requirements of the one-year Master programme.
Students in the two-year Master programme must attain two hundred and forty (240) credits from completing eight (8) courses in the first year and a research put in the thesis writing format in the second year and in accordance with the regulations and requirements of the two-year Master programme.
(ii) paid in full all fees and debts owed to the college.
Application Process and Cut-off Dates
For all those interested to apply for the next intake of MTh candidates beginning in 2024, please express your interest by contacting the MTh Programme Coordinator Rev. Dr Visesio Saga (vsaga@malua.edu.ws) or by phone +685 42303 during business hours. From the initial expression of interest, please note the relevant cut-off dates:
(1) 23-30 October 2023: All completed Application Forms and Proposals are to be received in full by the MTh Programme Coordinator
(2) 31 October 2023 – 06 November 2023: All completed Application Forms and Proposals are presented to the Malua Committee of Graduate Studies for initial considerations
(3) 20-22 November 2023: All completed Application Forms and Proposals are presented to the Faculty of Malua for final considerations and approval
(4) 30 November 2023: All applicants to the MTh programme for 2024 will be informed of the outcome of their applications
Please use the button below to download a copy of the MTh Application Form for MTC to be filled out. Once done return your completed form to the MTh Programme Coordinator Rev. Dr Visesio Saga on the details given above.