Higher Diploma in Theological Studies

Course Director: Rev Dr Padraig Corkery

Course Co-ordinator: Dr Suzanne Mulligan

This one-year part-time programme aims to give a foundation in Theological Studies to students who hold a primary degree in another discipline. It is recognised by the Department of Education and Science as entitling teachers holding Department-recognised degrees and teacher-training qualifications to teach up to 15 hours' Religious Education per week in a voluntary secondary school. Students who achieve a First Class Honours mark in the Diploma examinations, and whose primary degree is at least of Second Class Honours Grade I standard, may apply for admission to a qualifying course with a view to entering the Master in Theology programme.

Admission Requirements:
A primary degree or its equivalent is required. While the degree or qualification will normally be in a discipline other than Theology, consideration will be given to all applications.

Programme of Study:

Core Courses:

• Systematic Theology, which studies the meaning and implications of the
  principal faith-affirmations of Christianity concerning God, Jesus, the
  Church, the human condition, etc.
  
• Moral Theology, which deals with the experience of morality and in
  particular with the bearing of Christian faith on the moral life. Topics
  include: conscience, making moral decisions, the Bible and morality,
  bioethics, ethics and communications, ethics of gender and sexuality,
  justice, morality and law, ethics in public life, ethics and
  communications, peace and war.
  
• Sacred Scripture, which studies the Bible – its nature and significance,
  origins, literary forms, interpretation today. It will include a study of
  particular Old Testament and New Testament books.
  
• Foundations of Worship will ask “Why Liturgy?”
  
• Elective subjects:
  
  • Foundations in Religious Education
  • Jerusalem through the Eyes of a Fourth Century Pilgrim
  • Church History: The Catholic Church in Ireland, 1795-1922
  • Introduction to Islam
  • From Pope to Parish Councils: Canon Law & the running of the Church
  • Spirituality, Theology and Daily Life.

Timetable:

Mondays: 6.30 p.m. – 9.30 p.m.
Wednesdays: 6.30 p.m. – 9.30 p.m.
One Saturday per month: 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.

The core courses (Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, Sacred Scripture, and Foundations of Worship) will be taught on Monday and Wednesday evenings. The electives will be taught on Saturdays from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Two Saturdays will be devoted to each elective, and each student will take three electives.

Students will have the option of staying overnight in the college. Please check with the Maynooth Campus Conference and Accommodation Office to check rates and availability. They can be contacted as follows:

Maynooth Campus Conference and Accommodation Office
Telephone: 01-708-6200 / 708-3533
Fax: 01-708-3534
E-mail: info@maynoothcampus.com
Web Page: www.maynoothcampus.com

Assessment:
All core courses will be assessed by means of coursework (50% of total mark) and end-of-year examination (50% of total mark). Elective Courses may be assessed by means of coursework only.

2011-2012 Fees: €3,100

Information on H Dip Theological Studies
H Dip Theol Studies Application Form

Closing date for completted application forms: 1st June

The Admissions Office
Pontifical University
Saint Patrick’s College
Maynooth
County Kildare
Ireland

Telephone: (01) 708 4772
Fax: (01) 7083441

E-mail: admissions@spcm.ie
Web Page: www.maynoothcollege.ie