Higher Diploma Programmes

Higher Diploma in Theological

Studies

Course Director: Reverend Professor Brendán Leahy, BCL, BL, DD

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

Monday & Wednesday: 6.30 p.m. – 9.30 p.m.

One Saturday per month: 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.

• The core courses will be taught on Monday and Wednesday evenings.

• The elective courses will be taught on Saturdays. Two Saturdays will be devoted to each, and each student will take three electives courses.

• Overnight facilities are available in the College. Rates and information from the Maynooth Campus Conference and Accommodation Office: Telephone: 01-708-6200 / 708-3533

FAX: 01-708-3534

E-mail: Info@MaynoothCampus.com

Web Pages: www.maynoothcampus.com / www.MaynoothCollege.ie

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.

Higher Diploma in Pastoral Liturgy

Course Director: Reverend Patrick Jones, BA, BD, STLitL
The one-year course, conducted by the National Centre for Liturgy, offers candidates the opportunity to study the worship of the Church, its tradition and its place in the Church today. It aims to provide training in liturgy to enable the student to take a leadership role in pastoral work, specialising in liturgy, at diocesan and parish level.

Admission Requirements

Students are required to have a primary degree where theology is at least a major component. Students with other degrees, or with a professional diploma or equivalent qualification, may be admitted if they have experience in parish or liturgical ministry. They may be required to take extra courses in theology, and to take an oral examination while studying for the higher Diploma in Pastoral Liturgy.

Programme of Study

Students must take the basic course work for the Diploma in Pastoral Liturgy. In addition, they take guided reading courses in the main courses: theology and practice of liturgy, Eucharist, sacraments, liturgy and time, prayer and liturgical spirituality, human communication in liturgy, music. They are required to take part in two seminars on pastoral liturgy and liturgical theology.

Assessment

Students will be assessed through written work on the various courses in 7 - 8 semester essays, and through an oral examination on completion of the programme. In addition, a major written work of c. 15,000 words, must be submitted.
For further information contact
Course Director
National Centre for Liturgy
Saint Patrick's College
Maynooth
County Kildare
Tel: 01-708-3478
Fax: 01-708-3477
E-mail: Liturgy@may.ie
Web Page: www.MaynoothCollege.ie