Master's Degree in Theology (MTh)

The programme for degree of Master in Theology (MTh) offers candidates the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Theology through specialised study, personal work and research.

There are two methods of obtaining this degree:
Mode A: students write a minor thesis and complete 5 Seminar Courses.
Mode B: students submit a major thesis and fulfill the requirements of the
Historical Theology Seminar.

Theological Languages – Mode A and Mode B:
A competence in theological language(s) is a qualifying requirement.

• A candidate who has not already attained an acceptable level of competence in theological languages is required to pass qualifying courses in at least two of the following: Hebrew, Greek, or Latin. In certain circumstances an advanced course in one language may be
  accepted in lieu of a second.
  
• A candidate who has successfully completed a one-year full-time University course in Latin or Greek is exempt.
  
• The language(s) requirement is merely qualifying and does not form part of the final assessment.

This Degree qualifies for Higher Education grants.

Admission Requirements - Mode A:

The minimum entry requirement for the MTh Programme Mode A is a primary degree in which Theology comprises at least an equal joint component. Candidates should have obtained at least Second Class Honours, Grade II overall, and Second Class Honours, Grade II in Theology. An interview will be part of the selection procedure.

The Faculty of Theology may also accept applicants whom it deems to have achieved an equivalent standard. Where an applicant's qualifications are insufficient for admission to the MTh a Qualifying Programme and Examination may be provided.

Students whose first language is not English will be required to satisfy the English language requirements. Students will normally be expected to register year by year on a continuous basis until they have completed their degree. Students wishing to suspend registration may do so only on the express permission of the Faculty.

Programme of Study: Mode A
The Master's Degree in Theology involves at least a one-year course of full-time study in one of the options below. Course work accounts for 60% of the MTh Degree.

Course Option I: Systematic / Moral Theology
In Year 1 the candidate takes two seminar courses in Systematic / Moral Theology as well as two obligatory courses:

• Historical Theology (Professor Leahy/Professor Tracey) in the first semester.
• The Theologian as Exegete (Professor O'Connell/Professor Ryan, Professor McCarthy) in the second semester.

In Year 2 the candidate takes one seminar course in Systematic / Moral Theology in the first semester, and completes the thesis.

Course Option II: Biblical Theology
In Year 1 the candidate takes two seminar courses in Biblical Theology as well as taking the two obligatory courses:

• Historical Theology (Professor Leahy/Professor Tracey) in the first semester.
• The Theologian as Exegete (Professor O'Connell/Professor Ryan, Professor McCarthy) in the second semester.

In Year 2 the candidate takes one seminar course in Biblical Theology in the first
semester and completes the thesis.

Course Option III: Pastoral Liturgy
The candidate

• audits the Liturgy course work for the Higher Diploma in Pastoral Liturgy conducted by the National Centre for Liturgy (see Diploma Course Programmes)
• studies under direction three courses:
  • liturgical theology
  • sacramental theology
  • pastoral liturgy.
• Students are required to take the obligatory course Historical Theology (Professor Leahy / Professor Tracey) in the first semester.

Minor Thesis:
In addition to attendance at one of the three course options described above, the candidate is required to submit a minor thesis of 25,000 - 30,000 words on an approved topic within two years of completion of the courses. This study is pursued under the direction of a member of the Faculty of Theology. While engaged on this work the candidate is not required to be in full-time attendance.

 

Admission Requirements - Mode B:

To qualify for admission to a Master's Degree in Theology by dissertation only, candidates shall have second class honours, grade I in the theological component of their degrees. Th Faculty of Theology may also accept applicants whom it deems to have achieved an equivalent standard.

Students whose first language is not English will be required to satisfy the English language requirements. Students will normally be expected to register year by year on a continuous basis until they have completed their degree. Students wishing to suspend registration may do so only on the express permission of the Faculty.

Programme of Study: Mode B

• Candidates must fulfil the requirements of Historical Theology, and work for at least three semesters under the direction of a permanent teacher within the Faculty.
  
• The subject of the dissertation requires the approval of the relevant Head of Department.
  
• The length of the dissertation shall be approximately 40,000 words, exclusive of footnotes and bibliography.
  
• Candidates shall be required to submit their dissertations within nine terms. Extensions will be granted only in exceptional circumstances.
  
• Candidates may be examined on the subject matter of the dissertation if the examiners so decide.

 

 

For further details contact:
Admissions Office
Pontifical University
Saint Patrick’s College
Maynooth
County Kildare
Ireland

Telephone:
Ireland: (01) 708 4772 / 3600 / 3892
International: +353-1-708-4772 / 708-3600 / 708-3892

Fax:
Ireland: (01) 7083441
International: +353-1-7083441

E-mail: theology.office@may.ie
Web Page: www.maynoothcollege.ie