Diploma in Theology

The Diploma in Theology is awarded on the successful completion of a three year course of theological studies.

Admission Requirements:
Satisfactory completion of one of the following or its equivalent is required:

• The Seminarist Course in Philosophy and Arts
• An acceptable two-year programme in Philosophy.

Those who have an interest in Theology, but do not hold a primary degree or equivalent qualification may be considered for entry to the Diploma in Theology.

Programme of Study:
The following subjects will be studied:

• Obligatory Subjects: Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, New Testament, Old Testament, Ecclesiastical History, Liturgy (year I), Canon Law (years II & III), Mission Studies.
• Qualifying Subjects: Patrology, Homiletics, Catechetics
• Elective Subjects: Any two of the elective subjects approved by the Faculty.

The programme is outlined in full in the Baccalaureate of Divinity programme. Candidates are given exemption from studying the theological languages of Latin, Hebrew and Greek.

Students holding a Diploma in Theology may be admitted to the BTh or BD programmes which are offered in Add-On mode. Applicants for the BD Add-On mode programme must have at least five years professional experience and satisfy the Pontifical University matriculation criteria.

Course content will be based on the syllabus for BD and BTh programmes, which are described in detail in Chapters III and IV of this publication. The specific courses to be undertaken in the major and in the minor subjects must be agreed in advance on an individual basis with the Dean and the Registrar. The minimum duration of these programmes will be one academic year, and must be
full-time in the case of the BD Add-On mode. Permission to extend the duration of studies must be sought expressly from the Faculty of Theology. Assessment will be by examination and course work.

Application Procedure:
All applications should be made directly to the Admissions Office and will be examined on an individual basis by the Dean of the Faculty and the Registrar.

For further information contact:

The Admissions Office
Pontifical University
Saint Patrick’s College
Maynooth
County Kildare, Ireland
Telephone: (353) 01-708-4772 / 708-3600 / 708-3892
Fax: 353-1-628-9063
E-mail: Theology.Office@spcm.ie
Web Page: www.MaynoothCollege.ie