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Institute for Advanced Christian Studies

About IACS

The Institute for Advanced Christian Studies (IACS) serves as the theological centre in Madras Christian College. It focuses on addressing the current societal issues to bring them into perspective(s) under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Even before the inception of IACS, the constant interaction of students with Christ during study had raised significant Christian witnesses like Justice Pandippedi Chenchiah, a Judge of Pudukottai and Vengal Chakkarai, the Mayor of Madras Corporation in 1941 to mention a few. They were students of William Miller, former Principal of the College. They made remarkably original contributions on missiological and ministerial explorations in the context of Higher Education to evolve Indian Christian Theology. Later, this became a branch of study in Theological Seminaries in India and in parts of Asia. Thus, the objective is to make a human being to become humane with love, compassion and hope. This makes the world a better place to live in.

Programmes

Under the aegis of the autonomous status of the College, IACS offers short term courses to all who are interested to equip themselves in Christian witness wherever they study or work in their respective professions. A workable knowledge of the Bible is required to register for these courses.

Diploma in Christian Studies

This is a 9-month (July to March) course. It offers sound biblical, theological, and ethical study. The course is conducted in two terms during an academic year. Classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays in two batches each day:

Batch One –  10.30am – 12.30pm

Batch Two – 2.30 – 4.30pm.

This is to facilitate the candidates both students and staff to attend classes according to their convenient time. It’s open to the churches and the public to join in their preferred timing. A Plus-Two qualification or its equivalent is required to join the programme. Medium of instruction is English. The study helps one to understand the basic tenets of the Christian faith.

Registration

Post-Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies

This is a one-year (10 months) course in distance mode of study, that is, there is no class attendance. Communication is by e-mail. Eligibility is to have a University Degree or its Equivalent. Medium of instruction is English. Admission is done twice in an academic year:

Batch One – July

Batch Two – January

It builds a strong Christian foundation of faith to address the current issues confronting humanity.

Registration

Certificate in Biblical Foundations

This is a 3-month course from January to March in an academic year.

Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 – 8pm.

A brief devotion is done before each class. A Std. X pass or fail is eligible to join. The medium of instruction is bilingual – English & Tamil. Those who do not have time to attend regular courses during the daytime can join this course in the evening. This develops a systematic study of the Bible.

Registration

Certificate in Church Music

This course is conducted for Two full days in the month of January. This is for Church-based Organists, Musicians and Choristers. A workable knowledge in Music is a must. Formerly, the candidates who joined this course had come from different parts of India and from abroad.

Registration

The Satellite Centre

This is a one-year (10 months) course in distance mode of study, that is, there is no class attendance. Communication is by e-mail. Eligibility is to have a University Degree or its Equivalent. Medium of instruction is English. Admission is done twice in an academic year:

Batch One – July

Batch Two – January

It builds a strong Christian foundation of faith to address the current issues confronting humanity.

The Senate of Serampore College (University) courses at Institute for Advanced Christian Studies (IACS)

Bachelor of Christian Studies (By extension)
(Senate of Serampore)
 
Duration: 4 Years
Medium : English & Tamil
Eligibility: Any Degree
Click here for pre-registration
Diploma in Christian Studies (By extension)
(Senate of Serampore)
 
Duration: 2 Years
Medium : English & Tamil
Eligibility: Std. 10th Pass
Click here for pre-registration

Conferences / Seminars / Meetings

IACS organizes conferences, seminars and special meetings regularly during an academic year.