Christian Theology (M.Phil)
1 year Full time/2 years Part Time
Apply
To apply, click on the relevant Apply Link below
Get In Touch
Course Director
Dr Fáinche Ryan
Telephone Number
+353 1 896 4772
srpostgrad@tcd.ie
Website
https://www.tcd.ie/religion/
Course Fees
Click here for a full list of postgraduate fees.
Course Description
This Masters in Christian Theology provides students with the opportunity to gain an in-depth knowledge of core issues in Christian theology and to develop skills of critical thinking in relation to them. Students are introduced to historical scholarship and to rigorous contemporary theological investigation.
The focus on theological studies of the highest academic standing prepares students to contribute to public debates on theological issues in contemporary societies.
The M.Phil. is currently taught by Loyola staff in the School of Religion.
The M.Phil. is delivered full-time over one year (12 months) or part-time over two years. Lectures will normally be held on Monday and Thursday evenings. Some elective modules may be held during the day.
There are a number of scholarships available. See www.tcd.ie/loyola-institute for details.
Structure
The course incorporates both taught and research components. Students must take six taught modules (10 ECTS each) comprising three core and three optional modules and write a 15,000 – 20,000 word dissertation (30 ECTS). Students are assessed via written contributions for each module.
Core Modules
- Violence and Grace in the Human Narrative
- The First Words: Theology/ies of the Bible
- Readings in Classical Theological Texts
- Optional modules on offer may include:
- Jesus of Nazareth: Son, Christ, Word
- Method and Theory in the Study of Theology
- Theology and the Arts
- Christianity of the Celtic World (600-1,000 AD)
- The Role of Church in a Pluralist Society
- Ministry and Church in a Challenging Era
- Nature, Grace and the Triune God*
- Authority, Tradition and Experience: Ecumenics as Intercultural Theology*
*Modules shared with the M.Phil. in Intercultural Theology and Interreligious Studies.
Note: Not all modules are offered each year.
Dissertation: A research dissertation (15,000 – 20,000 words) to be supervised by an appropriate member of staff and to be submitted in August. Students who complete the taught element of the programme but not the dissertation may be eligible for the postgraduate diploma.
‘With a professional background in Catholic education I was seeking a robust qualification to further enhance my understanding of a complex subject. I was hoping for an academically provocative environment that would bring to bear the stimulating challenges of the subject.
A particularly impressive element is the attention paid to training us in first principles of ‘doing good theology.’ In what can be a highly theoretical subject, it is refreshing to be exposed to the more practical implications of faith and theology in the modern world. Without doubt, the course so far has equipped me to grapple with ideas of immense personal and public consequence with clarity of thought and expression.’
Paul Corcoran – 2019 – 2020
‘This MPhil offers the opportunity to explore Christian thinking throughout the ages and the programme looks at both core theological disciplines and contemporary issues. The programme of lectures and seminars offers perspectives on a wide range of subjects of concern to society today. Our group’s composition was a real surprise as it includes a few whose primary degree is in Theology and then many from other disciplines. It includes at least six nationalities.’
Deirdre Soffe – 2019 - 2020
Course Details
Course Coordinator
Prof. Michael Kirwan
Next Intake
September 2021
Closing Date
30 June 2021Admission to this course is at graduate level. Applicants will normally hold a good honors degree (minimum 2.1) in theology from a recognized university. Applicants whose degree is in a different but relevant discipline, such as philosophy, history or religious education, will be considered on a case by case basis. Exceptional cases where applicants do not fully meet the above criteria but make a reasonable case for admissions otherwise will be considered by the Dean of Graduate Studies.
The School offers three levels of postgraduate education in Christian Theology. Students can take any of these as stand-alone qualifications or build from Certificate (30ECTS) to Diploma (60ECTS) to Masters (90 ECTS)
Course Fees
Click here for a full list of postgraduate fees.
Apply
To apply, click on the relevant Apply Link below
Get In Touch
Course Director
Dr Fáinche Ryan
Telephone Number
+353 1 896 4772
srpostgrad@tcd.ie
Website
https://www.tcd.ie/religion/