Studies:

• master course (full-time and part-time)
• postgraduate course (full-time and part-time)

 

Canon law studies at the Catholic University of Lublin go back to 1918. They have been conducted continuously since the University's inception. Currently, the Institute of Canon Law is comprised of 9 departments. Its personnel are 15 scholars, among them eminent professors of law, scholars from the Polish Academy of Sciences and renowned, international experts of extensive research and teaching experience. The institute leads the way among the research centers pursuing canon law studies and research. The institute is authorized to confer doctoral and postdoctoral degrees in canon law.

The institute offers courses in canon law as a major on a full-time and part-time basis. The institute is accredited by the National Accreditation Commission, has implemented the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and offers international student exchange under the ERASMUS program.

The training objective is to introduce students to the law of the Catholic Churches. The introduction to the study of canon law involves the insight into theology, philosophy and history. Further studies include mainly administrative and constitutional law of the Church, sacramental law, with particular emphasis on matrimonial law, monastic law, Church property law and public law. The curriculum lists compulsory courses in ecclesiastical procedural law (matrimonial, canonization, administrative and criminal). The students may also participate in elective classes. During the final year, the undergraduates are assigned to professional training in episcopal courts. National and international conferences and open lectures organized by the institute's staff and students furnish some more opportunities of broadening the knowledge on the subject.

Beginning with the academic year 1998-1999, the students of canon law may elect the law of the Eastern Catholic Churches as their specialization; this includes a special educational program, covering the entire Eastern codification, the history of legal institutions of the Eastern Catholic Churches and the elements of liturgical law and Eastern sacramental studies.

The Institute of Canon Law is governed by the Statute defining the institute's aims and responsibilities; it was approved by the Holy See and made effective on 1 October 2008. These aims and responsibilities are inter alia: to cultivate and promote the study of canon law and to train the canon law research and teaching personnel; to deliver a scholarly and practical training to the personnel involved in administration, ecclesiastical tribunals and parish ministry; to offer courses to undergraduate and postgraduate students of other majors at the University.