Senate of Serampore College University

About Senate of Serampore College University

Senate of Serampore College (University) is a University, which was actually, a college set up by the Dansih Colonists in Serampore, West Bengal. It was established as a College in 1818 by Danish pioneer Christian missionaries - William Carey, Joshua Marshman  and William Ward for the instruction of Indian youth in Christianity and the Sciences. In 1827, the College was incorporated by the Royal Charter granted by Danish King Frederick VI with University powers under the control of an independent Council. The President of the Council is the Master of the College. The final authority in all matters related to the College is bestowed in the Master and the Council of Serampore College. The College was affiliated to the newly formed Calcutta University in 1858. In 1910, a reorganization of the College was begun. It was reorganized on the lines laid down by the original founders under the direct control of the College Council and by the appointment of qualified Theological staff and the opening of Higher Theological Classes on an interdenominational basis. In 1918, the Centenary year of the College, the Serampore College Act was passed by the Bengal Legislative Council, confirming the power of Serampore College to confer Degrees, and enlarging the College Council. In 1922, the Collegiate School was closed down and shifted to Bishnupur, Kolkata where it still continues to function, and the college became purely an institution of higher education. In June 1949, the Council transferred to India with its headquarters at Serampore. Subsequently, the Serampore College Act, 1918 (Bengal Act IV of 1918) was adapted in 1937 and 1950 and is in the law book of the Government of West Bengal as modified in 1951 and 1997 respectively.

Today it has about 50 college affiliated all over in India, including two in Sri Lanka and one in Bangladesh. However, the university does not register students who are residing outside India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. It does admit NRI students. It confers several degrees and diplomas in Divinity.  Degrees in Arts, Science and Commerce are offered at Serampore College, but they are through University of Calcutta. All Serampore programmes are theological in nature and are catered to the pastoral and professional needs of the non-Roman Catholic churches in India. Serampore degrees are not meant to be for all as they are Christian and Church specific. It, however, does not bar anyone from receiving theological degrees. Most of the graduates of Serampore College (University) take up the priest-hood as their profession/vocation in the church.

The college coat of Arms contains:

(i) The CROSS, the important symbol of sacrifice and love, as witnessed in the life and death of Jesus Christ.
(ii) The BIBLE, which contains the word of God for all humanity.
(iii) The pelican of Piety, feeding with drops of her own blood the three hungry young ones sitting on the edge of her nest.

The motto on the crest reads in Latin 'Gloriam Sapientes Possidebunt' which means “Glory to the Blessed”, inviting all those entering the portals of this Institution to live up to the ideals cherished by the blessed founders.

Courses:

• Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.).
• Bachelor of Religious Education (B.R.E.).
• Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.).
• Bachelor of Christian Studies (B.C.S.).
• Master of Theology (M.Th).
• Master of Ministry (M.Min.).
• Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.).
• Doctor of Theology (D.Th.).
• Diploma in Christian Studies (Dip.C.S.) - It is open to every one, without any distinction of creed and religion.
• Diploma in Bible Translation (Dip.B.T.).
• Diploma in Clinical Pastoral Counselling (Dip.C.P.C.).
• Doctor of Divinity (D.D. Honoris Causa) - Conferred to eminent scholars and social workers.

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Department

Theology.  

Facilities

SCEPTRE - It is the Programme Centre of the Senate established to promote diversified theological education and practice of ministry. It is situated in Kolkata. Senate conducts its theological education programme through extension to the whole people of God by offering BCS and Dip. CS courses. The Doctor of Ministry, which is a field research-oriented study and in-service training degree programme for pastors and those in working in the diversified ministry of the church, is also conducted from this Centre. SCEPTRE provides its facilities for institutions/scholars for accommodation, seminars rooms to conduct classes and consultations, and library for study.

Department of Research - It is established under the care of Senate of Serampore College (University), incorporating Research and SATHRI programme of the Senate and BTESSC. Department of Research functions within the structure of Senate of Serampore College (University) with the approval of the Council of Serampore College.

Functions:

1. Co-ordinates and guides formal research at the doctoral level under the guidance of the Committee for Research and with the cooperation of doctoral students.
2. Organizes programs that are aimed at strengthening the relationship between theological education and the churches, strengthening inter-disciplinary of church and society.
3. Facilitates non-formal research through consultations, seminars, conferences, symposia and colloquia and research projects.