EDUCATION ACT(CAP. 327)

Degree of Sacrae Theologiae Doctor - S.Th.D. - Regulations

Citation and Interpretation

1.  (1)  These regulations may be cited as the Course leading to the degree of Doctor of Sacred Theology (Sacrae Theologiae Doctor - S.Th.D.) - Regulations, 1994.

 (2)  In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires -

 "the Course" means the Course leading to the Degree of Sacrae Theologiae Doctor - S.Th.D.;

 "the Degree" means the Degree of Sacrae Theologiae Doctor - S.Th.D.

Applicability

2.  These regulations shall be applicable to courses starting in October 1991 or later.

Eligibility for the Degree

3.  To be eligible for the Degree a candidate must have:

 (a) registered as a student of the Faculty of Theology of the University;

 (b) obtained the degree of Licentiate in Sacred Theology of the University or a degree or other qualification considered by the Senate as its equivalent;

 (c) submitted a thesis showing that he is capable of undertaking scientific research and containing an original contribution to theological sciences;

 (d) defended his thesis orally in public; 

 (e) published his thesis in whole or in part; and

 (f) satisfied all other requirements prescribed down in these regulations and the relative bye-laws.

Duration of Course

4.  The duration of the course shall be the time prescribed by or under paragraph (2) of regulation 5, with the addition of a reasonable time to be allowed by the Faculty Board for the revision, if any, of the thesis, its oral defence and publication.

Thesis

5.  (1)  The subject of the thesis referred to in paragraph (c) of regulation 3 hereof shall be submitted by the candidate for the approval of the Faculty Board within three months after his registration. Any change of subject after it has been accepted by the Faculty Board shall require the approval of that Board.

 (2)  The thesis shall be presented within a period of not less than two and not more than four calendar years from the date of approval of its subject by the Faculty Board. Such period may, in special circumstances, be shortened or extended by Senate, if, on the recommendation of the Faculty Board, Senate deems it so appropriate.

 (3)  The Faculty Board shall, after approval of the subject of the thesis, appoint:

 (a) a supervisor, who shall normally be a member of the permanent teaching staff of the Faculty to direct and supervise the work of the candidate; and

 (b) a Board of Examiners composed of the supervisor and two other members of the teaching staff of the Faculty.

 (4)  The thesis shall not be considered if it has already been submitted or if it is currently intended to be submitted for another postgraduate degree or qualification. If a part of the thesis has already been submitted for another postgraduate degree or qualification or independently published, a statement in writing to this effect shall be made by the candidate when presenting his thesis.

 (5)  The Board of Examiners shall within such time as may be determined by the Faculty Board submit to it a report on the merits of the thesis and as to whether the thesis satisfies the requirements of paragraph (c) of regulation 3 hereof.

 (6)  If the thesis is considered to be inadequate, the Board of Examiners may recommend to the Faculty Board that the candidate undertake further research in the subject-matter of the thesis, after which he shall be permitted to present it once more in a revised form within a period of time determined by the Faculty Board. The Board of Examiners shall submit to the Faculty Board a report on the thesis in its revised form.

 (7)  The Faculty Board, in the cases mentioned in paragraphs (5) and (6) of this regulation, shall, on receiving the relative report of the Board of Examiners, decide whether to accept or reject the thesis, or require the candidate to undertake further research as stated in paragraph (6).

 (8)  When the thesis is accepted by the Faculty Board, the candidate shall proceed with the requirement of paragraph (d) of regulation 3.

 (9)  The Board of Examiners shall report to the Faculty Board in writing on the result of the oral defence of the thesis.

Grading, Publication of Results and Re-registration

6.  (1)  The Faculty Board, after receiving the report mentioned in paragraph (9) of regulation 5 shall give successful candidates their final grading, either with the grade "Passed with Distinction" or with the grade "Passed".

 (2)  A list of the names of those candidates whose thesis has been accepted and who have been successful in its oral defence shall be published at the University in alphabetical order and showing the grade obtained by such candidates.

 (3)  Candidates whose names do not appear in such list shall be considered as failed, but may at any time re-register for the Course.