Degree Regulations

1.  Quarter System

There are three quarters in each academic year and each quarter lasts for twelve weeks. The academic year usually commences in the beginning of September and finishes in June of the following year.  There is a break between each quarter.

2.   College Transfer and Credit Approval

ABS accepts student transferring from other college/seminary.  Courses completed and credits attained from the previous college/seminary must be assessed by the Academic Dean for approval of transfer.  The sum of the transferred credits and number of courses must not exceed one half of the program requirement.

3.   Accreditation

Our programs are accredited by the Asia Theological Association (ATA). The accredited programs are listed on the ATA website (https://www.ataasia.com/members/alliance-bible-seminary/?portfolioCats=53) and are marked in the program descriptions on this website.

ABS is also one of the members of the Hong Kong Theological Education Association (HKTEA).

4.   Credit Calculation

One credit is equivalent to 50 minutes per class, one class per week, ten weeks per quarter.

5.   Class Attendance

Students must attend all sessions of their chosen courses.  Any absence must report to the Academic Office.  If absence from a course exceeds its allowed limit, no credit of such course will be awarded.

6.    Assignments

Each student should spend two hours for each classroom hour to prepare and complete assignments.  When a student finds out that he/she cannot handle the load of assignments, the Academic Dean will advise the student to reduce the number of courses taken each quarter, and to extend his/her term of study.

7.   Regulations for Pastoral Studies Basic Degree Programs

          a.   Registration

Applicants to the Bachelor of Christian Studies & Master of Divinity Dual Degrees, Master of Divinity (3-year program), Master of Divinity (4-year program major in Intercultural Studies), and full-time lay programs must register in September each year.  Applicants who wish to enter these programs in times other than September must gain prior approval from the Academic Affairs Committee.  Student, who for special reasons suspended his/her study and would like to resume, must first consult with the Academic Dean.  Any change to courses enrolled must be done within the first week of the quarter when classes begin.

          b.   Residency Requirement

ABS believe that community life in the dormitory can benefit students in their all-round growth.  All single students in the Bachelor of Christian Studies & Master of Divinity Dual Degrees, Master of Divinity (3-year program), Master of Divinity (4-year program major in Intercultural Studies), and full-time lay programs must live in the dormitory.  ABS also encourage, but not demand, married students to stay on campus for one or two nights per week from time to time, or to live in Cheung Chau so that they can be more involved in campus life.

          c.   Credit Limits

A full-time student can take no more than 14 credits in each quarter (i.e. four 3-credit courses plus one 1 or 2-credit core course).  Those who achieve a GPA of 3.3 or above can take three more credits in the coming school year.  And those who achieve 3.6 or above can apply to take six more credits.

          d.   Bible Reading Requirement

 All students must finish reading the whole Bible once by the end of the second year of their study.

8.   Grading System

9.   Graduation Requirements

All students must complete their required credits within the time limit of the program, and fulfill the field education/practicum requirement and requirements for student life to graduate.  The minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) (on a 4 points scale) required for graduation of different programs are as follows:

Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Missiology/Intercultural Studies and Master of Theology   (3.0)

Other Master programs (2.7)

Undergraduate and Certificate programs (2.0)

The calculation of CGPA does not include grade points attained from credits transferred from other college/seminary.