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Vancouver School of Theology

Non-Credit Research Modules Requirements by Degree

Required  Research Modules for these VST  programs of study:

  • Diploma 
  • Graduate Diploma
  • MAPPL 
  • MAPPL – Spiritual Care
  • MDiv 
  • MATS (without thesis)
  • MAIIS (without thesis)

are listed below:

Module 1: Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Research Methods (formerly Module J)

Module 2: Undertaking Library Research                                        (formerly Modules A & B)

Module 3: How to Write a Paper                                                        (formerly Module C)

Module 4: Research with Human Subjects – must be taken synchronously (formerly Module E)

Required Research Modules for these three programs of study:

  • MATS with thesis
  • MAIIS with thesis
  • ThM

are listed  below:

Module 1: Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Research Methods   (formerly Module J)   

Module 2: Undertaking Library Research                                           (formerly Modules A & B)

Module 3: How to Write a Paper                                                           (formerly Module C)

Module 4: Research with Human Subjects - must be taken synchronously (Formerly Module E)

Module 5: Thesis Proposal and Writing

Module 6: Library Research for a Thesis

2025 Research Module Schedule

Modules by the number

2025 Fall Term

Module 1 – Indigenous Research

To be decided

Module 2 – Library Research

Saturday, Oct. 4, 9am - 12pm

Module 3 – Paper Writing

Saturday, Oct. 4, 1pm - 4pm

Module 5 – Thesis Proposal and Writing

Saturday, Oct. 18, 9am - 12pm

Module 6 – Library Research for a Thesis

Saturday, Oct. 18, 1pm - 4pm

Module 7 – Microsoft Word including Zotero

Saturday, Sep. 27, 9am - 12pm

2026 Spring Term

Module 2 – Library Research

Saturday, Jan. 17, 9am - 12pm

Module 3 – Paper Writing

Saturday, Jan. 17, 1pm - 4pm

Module 4 – Research with Human Subjects

Monday pm in Spring Term

Modules by the date

2025

Fall Term

Saturday, September 27th, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Module 7 -  Microsoft Word - includes Zotero

Saturday, Oct. 4, 9am - 12pm

Module 2 – Library Research

Saturday, Oct. 4, 1pm - 4pm

Module 3 -  Paper Writing 

Saturday, Oct. 18, 9am - 12pm

Module 5 – Thesis Proposal and Writing

Saturday, Oct. 18, 1pm - 4pm

Module 6 – Library Research for a Thesis

To be decided

Module 1 – Indigenous Research

2026 Spring Term

Saturday, Jan. 17, 9am - 12pm

Module 2 – Library Research

Saturday, Jan. 17, 1pm - 4pm

Module 3 – Paper Writing

To be decided, Monday pm

Module 4 – Research with Human Subject

Research Module Completion Timeline

Research Modules should be taken in a student’s first year of study. The number of credits you can enroll in will be capped if you have not completed the required Research Modules.

Modules 1 – 4 are required for all diploma and degree students. These are non-credit, no-fee research modules in Information Literacy. The research modules will engage students in hands-on as well as theoretical work intended to develop knowledgeable, disciplined and critically astute researchers.

Please check the guidelines in the Student Handbook for additional Modules required for your degree (e.g. Modules 5 and 6 for anyone writing a thesis).

You can register for the Research Modules on Populi before the add/drop deadline (Second Friday after classes begin). After that, please contact the Library or to register.

Modules are 3 hrs each and presented online. Sychronous participation is recommended. Attendance is taken to confirm completion of each Module. If you are unable to participate synchronously due to extenuating circumstances, please make arrangements with the Library to confirm completion of the Module.

 

Research Modules Requirement Waiver

A student can petition for Research Module exemptions on the following ground.

  1. Having advanced degrees 
    • Completion of Master's level (MDiv, MATS, etc.) and above degree programs (Th.M., D.Min, Ph.D., etc.) from previous institutions accredited by ATS.
    • Religion related advanced degree (Master's and PhD) from a non ATS accredited school whose academic standard is considered to meet or exceed ATS accreditation standard by the VST librarian.
    • Advanced degrees awarded in disciplines other than theology, religious and inter-religious studies do not qualify.
  2. Completion of an undergraduate program in theology and religious studies with submission of a previous academic writing.
  3. Taking a live challenge exam through Zoom that demonstrates one's research ability. 

Final exemption will be approved by the VST Registrar based on VST librarian's recommendation.

Please contact VST librarian as soon as possible if you want to seek an exemption(s).