ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES

Introduction
In the spirit of Magnum Matrimonii Sacramentum, the Graduate Diploma of Marriage and Family Studies provides an introduction to graduate level study of Catholic philosophical and theological thought, as well as the human sciences and pastoral care. It specializes in marriage and family studies by focusing attention on the fields of Christian anthropology, sacramentality and ethics. Specialisations (e.g. in teaching) are also possible. The programme prepares the graduate for various possible ministries or for further studies at a Masters level. Courses satisfactorily completed will be credited to the M.Theol. (Marriage and Family) degree should a student decide to do such further study.

Raphael, Betrothal of the Blessed Virgin

Admissions
To be considered for admission to this Diploma programme applicants must:

• have an undergraduate degree from a recognized institution; or
  
• in the opinion of the Dean, have sufficient background in philosophy, theology and/or related disciplines to qualify them for entry at a graduate diploma level in a recognized institution; or
  
• in the opinion of the Dean, have sufficient professional or life experience in areas related to the specialisation of the diploma to qualify them for entry at a graduate diploma level in a recognised institution.

Although previous undergraduate work in philosophy (especially ethics and anthropology) and in theology (especially biblical and systematic theology) is desirable, students may supplement and strengthen their background by preliminary courses and extra programmes provided or recommended by the Institute.

Programme Requirements
All candidates for the Graduate Diploma of Marriage and Family Studies must:

• satisfactorily complete ten courses over one to two years of full-time study or over two to three years of part-time study; and
  
• attend such seminars, conferences and public lectures as are from time to time arranged.

In certain cases credit may be given for previous studies upon application to the Academic Council via the Dean.

Curriculum
The curriculum for the Graduate Diploma of Marriage and Family Studies is ordinarily ten of the following courses:
JP500 Philosophical Anthropology ^*
JP501 Being, Knowing and Choosing
JP502 Philosophical Foundations of Bioethics
JP503 St Thomas for the 21st Century
JP504 The Theology of Benedict XVI
JP506 Contemporary Theological Anthropology
JP520 Nature and Method of Theology
JP521 Biblical Theology of Marriage and the Family
JP522 Marriage in the Catholic Tradition^*
JP523 Theology of the Family as the Domestic Church
JP525 Theology of the Body^*
JP528 New Evangelization in Post-Modern Culture
JP530 Themes in Systematic Theology
JP535 Foundations of Theological Anthropology
JP540 Foundations of Christian Moral Life
JP541 Virtues, Norms and Happiness
JP542 Redemption of Sexuality
JP547 Theology and Practice of Natural Family Planning
JP548 Natural Law, Life and Family
JP560 Social Science of Marriage and the Family
JP561 Psychology and Pastoral Care of the Family
JP562 Politics of Marriage, Family and Life
JP563 Parish and Family Ministry
JP564 Educating in Sexuality, Marriage, Family and Life
JP567 Challenges and Strategies in Religious Education
JP572 Art, the Sublime and the Sacred

^* compulsory

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