Diploma in Theological studies and ministry
Our Diploma program consists of 14 units (11 core units and 3 electives) in addition to a graduation capstone project. It is designed to build candidates understanding of theological thought through the Scriptures and the fathers of the while embracing the practical component of ministry also. Fundamental concepts revolving around theology, Holy Bible and patristics are laid down in the first semester to pave the way for the intense material involved in the rest of this 70-credit-hour degree. The coursework is specific yet leaves room for students to choose what they wish to specialize in/study in depth.
Face-to-face:
Coursework (assignments, quizzes, discussions) – 50%
Essay/project*- 25%
End of semester open-book exam – 25%
Online:
Coursework (assignments and quizzes)- 35%
Essay/project – 25%
Online oral examination – 15%
End of semester online open-book exam – 25%
*word count varies according to course instructor
2 units in Biblical theology
2 units in Systematic theology
2 units in Patristics
2 units in Liturgical theology
1 unit in Orthodox spirituality
1 unit in Pastoral theology
1 unit in Homiletics
3 elective units (at least one in atheological discipline and at least one from the pastoral field)
This study runs for four 16-week semesters (two years). All on-campus students are required to enroll full-time. It is possible to defer a semester but this must be proceeded with a written request and acknowledged by the seminary in writing also from the dean and/or registrar.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of applying and are required to have completed a minimum of High-school/secondary level education.
Bachelor of Theological studies and ministry
Our Bachelor program consists of 24 units addition to a graduation capstone project. It is designed to form a more holistic understanding of the historical development and variety of theological thought and deepen student’s connection with our Orthodox roots and Coptic heritage. Practical ministry is also examined in more detail than in the Diploma program. Some introductory units are studied to prepare the different dimensions of the degree’s framework While there quite a number of mandatory units in this study, it is designed to leave ample room for choice, enabling students to focus on areas that interest them most after completing the core units.
To earn the degree, students are required to complete 24 units + the graduation research project in their sixth semester
Specific core units common to all students:
2 units in Biblical theology
2 units in Systematic theology
2 units in Patristics
2 units in Liturgical theology
1 unit in Orthodox spirituality
1 unit in Pastoral theology
1 unit in Homiletics
For the remaining 13 units students choose any:
2 units in Biblical theology (one from each Testament)
2 units in Systematic theology
2 units in Patristics
3 units in Pastoral theology
2 units from any area
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of applying and are required to have completed a minimum of High-school/secondary level education.
Face-to-face:
Coursework (assignments, quizzes, discussions) – 50%
Essay/project*- 25%
End of semester open-book exam – 25%
Online:
Coursework (assignments and quizzes)- 35%
Essay/project – 25%
Online oral examination – 15%
End of semester online open-book exam – 25%
*word count varies according to course instructor
This study runs for six 16-week semesters (three years). All on-campus students are required to enroll full-time. It is possible to defer a semester but this must be proceeded with a written request and acknowledged by the seminary in writing also from the dean and/or registrar.
Online Study
A few short months after the seminary was established, the first request (from Cairo) to open up a means of studying online at Tyrannus was conveyed to Fr.Athanasius at a priests’ seminar. To date we have received this same request hundreds of times from all over world. In light of recent circumstances and with the possibility of study becoming virtual, HG Bishop Pavly announced in October 2020 that it would be possible for non-Alexandrians to apply (online) for the new academic year.
Method of Study
The courses are taught on our LMS using mainly video material that is recorded by an expert in their respective field. This is accompanied by a PDF/PowerPoint file alongside other resources/references. The lectures are supplemented by tutorial lessons which aim to simplify concepts while focusing on some of the finer details. Tutorials are designed by nature to encourage engagement, interaction and active participation. Live sessions may be held occasionally for discussions or webinars.
Like on-campus students, evaluation is based on assignments, research projects, quizzes and open-book exams at the end of the semester. Nevertheless, acts of cheating, copying and dishonesty will be sanctioned and may lead to suspension if repeated.
For online students we adopt a self-paced and flexible style of teaching. Furthermore, there are no precise times of the day or week when students must login to view lectures or tutorials. They are uploaded and left available on our system at their disposal at anytime.
However, this is not the case for assignments, quizzes or exams. These functions have due dates. To accommodate international students with different time zones, all tasks that require some form of interaction can be completed within a 48-hour window (as supposed to a specific time in Egypt).
Emphasis is placed on research work not rote learning. It is not the seminary’s intent or the objective of the lecturer to transfer abstract knowledge but rather to foster and develop a valuable skillset which has proven to be far more beneficial and spectacular in its results and output. This approach is reflected in the nature of the tasks assigned and the ratio of projects to examinations.
Online students are invited to attend all events (conferences, symposiums … etc) provided that they first contact us for registration.
To enroll, applicants must have access to computer/Ipad/tablet or at least a quality smartphone and good internet to able to view video material, engage in lessons and complete tasks.