Graduate Diplomas in Canon Law

The Faculty of Canon Law at Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Canada offers three graduate diplomas to provide a specialisation in canon law in accordance with education and career needs.

The Graduate Diplomas are granted jointly by Saint Paul University and the University of Ottawa, under the terms of the federation agreement between them.

Graduate Diplomas may be pursued online, though there may be on-campus intensive components from time to time which will be held in Sydney.

Full-time over six to eight months or part-time over the course of one, two, or a maximum of three years.

Each of the above Graduate Diploma programs requires 15 credits of coursework, comprising compulsory and elective courses.

  • An honours bachelor’s degree or equivalent four years of post-secondary studies with at least a B average. At least 18 credits in the theological disciplines either by course work and/or equivalent pastoral experience in keeping with criteria established by the Executive Committee of the Faculty of Canon Law.
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation by persons who know the applicant and can attest to the applicant’s capacity to pursue graduate study. In addition, a letter of permission from the applicant’s bishop (for secular clergy) or superior (for members of institutes of consecrated life or societies of apostolic life).
  • A curriculum vitae.
  • Excellent knowledge of English or French.

The GDCL is intended for two audiences:

  • Students who already have an adequate training in a related discipline, e.g. theology, religious studies, philosophy (ecclesiastical), mission studies.
  • Students and practitioners of civil or common law who wish to acquire a further specialisation in canon law.
  • The GDCP is open to students who have a degree in canon law or have already completed significant training in canon law and need a specialization to obtain employment in careers involving the practice of canon law. It allows them to acquire or deepen the knowledge and skills required for occupations and professions such as: judge, defender of the bond, promoter of justice, chancery personnel, lawyer, canonical consultant for various religious bodies, etc.
  • The GDCP is also available as a refresher program for canon lawyers and others who are already employed in the above mentioned positions, and who need updated or additional knowledge and specialized skills in particular areas of canonical practice.
  • The GDEA offers an advanced specialisation, within the general discipline of canon law, suited to careers in church administration. From the perspective of canon law, the program provides the students with a specialised knowledge of issues related to the governance and management of dioceses, religious institutes, church tribunals, ecclesiastical institutions of education and health care, and other similar bodies. The GDEA is offered annually.
  • The GDEA is open to students who have a university degree in canon law, or have already completed significant training in canon law.

The Graduate Diploma curriculum is taught annually across the following sessions:

  • September-December (Northern Hemisphere Fall/Autumn);
  • January-April (Northern Hemisphere Winter);
  • May-June session (Northern Hemisphere Spring)

Students may complete the graduate diploma requirements full-time in one session, or part-time over the course of one, two, or at most three years.

Online

GDCL
Compulsory Course (3cr.):

  • DCA5129 GENERAL NORMS (3cr.)

Compulsory Course (3cr.) chosen from among the following:

  • DCA5131 CHRISTIAN FAITHFUL (3cr.)
  • DCA5132 ADMINISTRATIVE INSTITUTES (3cr.)
  • DCA5136 INTRODUCTION TO CANON LAW (3cr.)

Elective courses (9cr.):
These courses are chosen from among the graduate courses taught in the Faculty of Canon Law and approved by the Dean of the Faculty of Canon Law.

GDCP
Compulsory courses (6cr.) from among the following:

  • DCA5128 SANCTIFYING OFFICE (3cr.)
  • DCA5130 MATRIMONIAL LAW (3cr.)
  • DCA5133 PROCEDURES I (3cr.)
  • DCA6114 PROCEDURES II (3cr.)

Elective courses (9cr.):
These courses are chosen from among the graduate courses taught in the Faculty of Canon Law and approved by the Dean of the Faculty of Canon Law.

GDEA
Compulsory courses (6cr.) are chosen from among the following:

  • DCA5103 UNIVERSAL AND SUPRA DIOCESAN CHURCH STRUCTURES (3cr.)
  • DCA5127 PARTICULAR CHURCHES (3cr.)
  • DCA6113 TEMPORAL GOODS (3cr.)
  • DCA6115 PENAL LAW (3cr.)

Elective courses (9cr.)
These courses are chosen from among the graduate courses taught in the Faculty of Canon Law and approved by the Dean of the Faculty of Canon Law.

Please see the SPU website for information relating to tuition fees.
All fee enquiries should be directed to:
Saint Paul University, 223 Main Street, Ottawa, Canada
T: 613-236-1393
F: 613-782-3014
E: info@ustpaul.ca

Please complete the Expression of Interest Form in the first instance

To register, please contact:
BBI – The Australian Institute of Theological Education
T: +61 (0)2 9030 8638
E: studentservices@bbi.catholic.edu.au