Aim & Objectives

Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute is both an academic and applied centre of theology. It conceives theological education as a means to understanding the Gospel in the Indian context. The salient features are the following.

• To conceive and build a relevant theological education taking into consideration the hope and aspirations and the pain and pathos of the marginalised, especially the women, dalits and adivasis & to involve in their social struggles.
  
  
• To evolve praxis-oriented method of learning, so as to prepare students for pastoral & other Christian ministries.
  
  
• To foster an inclusive community through corporate worship, mutual care and fellowship.
  
  
• To encourage freedom of critical reflection and research through seminars, consultations, workshops, training programs and publications.
  

Programs

The academic year of the College is from June to April every year, where all the Courses - Bachelor of Divinity (4 years), Master of Theology (2 years), Doctor of Theology (3 years) as per Senate regulation are offered at Gurukul as residential and full time study. Two types of accommodation are provided - single for men and women and family for M.Th. and D.Th. students.

Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.)

The main focus of the B.D. program is to fulfil the requirements of the Senate of Serampore College; it also encourages specialisation in any particular area of interest of the students to make theological education more contextual and thereby preparing them for holistic ministry.

Course requirement for BD Degree is 26 courses plus a thesis (2 courses in lieu of thesis). The Senate examines twelve courses and the College examines the rest of the courses and thesis. Completion of practical work in ministry and passing the elementary examination in a Biblical language is mandatory. All students will have to take some additional courses on contemporary concerns under its Bold Theological Vision.

Senate requires two types of practical training for all the B.D. students: Concurrent practical work on weekends and a full-time practical work equivalent to two terms (Internship Program). Gurukul organises programs involving students in caring of individual persons, helping in the work of parish churches and engaging in social action programs. The practical work of each student is evaluated, graded and credited, marks of which are reported to the Senate of Serampore College.

Master of Theology (M.Th.)

M.Th. degree provides an opportunity for persons who have completed a B.D. degree, or its equivalent. This study, requiring an advanced level of student work, intends to increase both knowledge and competency for ministry in all of its variety.

• Old Testament
• New Testament
• Christian Theology
• History of Christianity
• Religions
• Missiology
• Communication
• Women's Studies

M.Th. Students are required to complete 40 credits of courses including thesis in their branch of study. The Senate examines 12 credits of courses and thesis while the College examines the rest of the credit courses. All the M.Th. students are required to write a thesis.

Doctor of Theology (D.Th.)

Gurukul offers under the Senate of Serampore System D.Th. in the following areas.

• Old Testament
• Christian Theology
• Religions
• Communication

College Degree, Diploma and Certificate Courses

• Master of Theological Studies
• Post Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies
• Post Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies
• Diploma in Theology
• Certificate in Theology

International Centre for Special Studies

Special short-term, tailor-made Certificate and Diploma programs of six to twelve months duration are offered in the areas of Dalit Theology, Women's Studies, Theology of Human Development and Communication Studies to national as well as international students and scholars. (For admission and other details write to the Principal)

Diplomas, Certificates and Prizes

Gurukul conducts examinations at the end of each term, while the Senate has its examinations at the end of each academic year at two levels - Internal assessment and a written examination, examined by both the internal and external examiners. On the recommendation of the Staff Council, Gurukul diplomas and certificates are awarded to students on completion of all the requirements of the College by the Gurukul College Council. Degree Certificates are awarded by the Senate of Serampore College at the annual convocation, which is normally held in January/February every year. The college academic prizes for all branches of study have been instituted by Friends of Gurukul, where there are 8 prizes for M.Th. students and 20 for B.D. students.