Eligibility and Admission of Students

The Institute is “open to all who can legally give testimony to leading a moral life (VG 31) and having completed the previous studies appropriate to enrolling” (VG 32) in the institute. The students admitted to the institute are mostly candidates to priestly ministry. Whereas, religious and laity can also be admitted by the Director in agreement with the Institute Council, based on the academic requirements, the moral conduct and the need of the local church (VG art. 26, 31; Instruction art. 3).The student shall produce an official ‘Certificate of Conduct’ (VG 31) issued by the head of the institution of previous studies or by the Major Superior in the case of the religious, or by the Ordinary of the student in the case of diocesan seminarian.

The academic eligibility for admission to Ruhalaya College of Philosophy is successful completion of plus two or its equivalent. They should have also completed three years/equivalent of minor seminary formation or Novitiate in case of religious. The applicant must have sufficient proficiency in English to follow the courses offered (VG 32/52).

In addition to the above requirements, the following conditions must be met for Admission to the institute as a Student (VG art. 31. 2): In the case of seminarians, presentation by the Eparchial Bishop, in the case of the religious, presentation by the Major Superior, and in the case of any other applicant, a testimonial letter of a person recognized by the institute.

The Categories of Students

The following categories of students are admitted to the Institute:

Baccalaureate in Philosophy (B.Ph.): Students who pursue their studies in Ecclesiastical Philosophy for a Baccalaureate degree in Philosophy (B.Ph.).

Diploma in Philosophy (2 Years): Students with another Baccalaureate with a minimum of 50% of marks in aggregate of all the subjects who choose to pursue a comprehensive course for a period of two years designed to suit the purpose of those clerical students who enter the institute with a view to proceed to a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology.

Programme of Studies

Ruhalaya College of Philosophy offers first cycle three-year philosophy course equivalent to a Baccalaureate Programme spread through six semesters and a two-year Diploma in Philosophy for students with another Baccalaureate.

Along with the three-year B.Ph. programme, the students are allowed to procure a secular B.A. Degree from a University prescribed by the institute.

The courses offered are measured in terms of ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits. As a rule, students must obtain 180 ECTS credits to fulfil the requirements of the Bachelor of Philosophy programme (Instruction Art. 32). For the two-year Diploma, 48 credits are accredited from previous university studies so that the candidate could complete the Diploma in four semesters, fulfilling the norms in Veritatis Gaudium.

One ECTS credit is equivalent to 25 hours of workload. Each lecture is of 45 minutes duration or didactic activity. Each credit consists of   15 academic sessions and equal duration of personal work and preparation for examination. Each credit is given a weightage of 25 marks.

As a rule, there are 18-20 weeks in a semester. First Semester is from June 15 to October 15, and Second Semester from November 1 to March 31. Semester break is from October 16 to 31, and Christmas holidays are from December 21 to 27.

The philosophy curriculum includes courses in the history of philosophy and systematic philosophy both Western and Indian, educational and experimental psychology, social sciences, languages, Sacred Scripture, missiology, spirituality, and liturgy. Book review, seminar, textual studies and research paper are also part of the curriculum. Besides, additional courses, debates and seminars on relevant topics are conducted throughout the year.

Students are required to submit an undergraduate thesis towards the end of their third year. An undergraduate thesis is a research paper of approximately 20000-25000 words (excluding table of contents, footnote, and bibliography) in which they combine insights from the Bachelor’s classes, their reading and the obtained scientific skills of research. The student selects the theme and the supervisor with the approval of the Director of Studies.

Students have to appear for a final comprehensive examination which covers all basic subjects taught in the history of philosophy and systematic philosophy. The Comprehensive exam consists of two parts: written and viva voce. Duration of the written examination is four hours. Viva voce examination is of 45 minutes before a board of examiners.

Basic Structure of the Course for Cycle One

The plan of studies for the first cycle consists of three years or six semesters of organic exposition of the various parts of philosophy. It includes the history of philosophy, together with an introduction into the method of scientific research (VG 82a).

The syllabus or the plan of studies is drawn following the requirements given in VG Norms of Application 66 §1. The division of the courses offered are the following: Obligatory Basic Subjects (OBS), the Supplementary Obligatory Subjects (SOS) and the Optional Additional Subjects (OAS). The Bachelor of Philosophy (B.Ph.) programme consists of Obligatory Basic Subjects (OBS) for 120 credits, Supplementary Obligatory Subjects (SOS) for 30 credits and Optional Additional Subjects (OAS) for 30 credits, totaling 180 credits in three years. Diploma students have to acquire 120 credits in two years comprising courses from all major branches of philosophy.

Subjects and Credits

The Bachelor of Philosophy programme comprises Lecture Courses, Seminars, and Philosophical Projects. The table given below presents the Courses offered as per three categories of subjects mentioned above (OBS, SOS & OAS):