Admission Requirements

In order to register for courses leading to the Doctoral Degree in Divinity (DD), a student must hold at least a Licentiate in Divinity (STL) of second honours, Grade II (cum laude) or what in the judgement of the Faculty is regarded as an equivalent standard of theological study.

A basic knowledge of Greek and Hebrew is required, and an appropriate knowledge of two modern languages.

Programme of Study

• The doctoral dissertation, which forms the basis for granting the degree, must be a substantial and original piece of research in a theological area, offering a notable contribution to the advancement of the theological sciences.

• The dissertation must be prepared under the direction of a member of the Faculty on a topic approved by the Faculty.

• Students who have completed the STL programme in the Faculty are not required to take courses or attend lectures.

• Students who have not taken any special courses at the Faculty but have a Licentiate of the required standard must take special courses for one year. These are qualifying only.

• At the end of the first year, doctoral students should provide sufficient evidence of progress in the preparation of the dissertation to warrant continuance.

• Dissertations submitted by 30th November are accepted for examination by early spring. Those submitted by 15th May are accepted for examination in early summer. Examination at any other time may be considered only in exceptional circumstances and by express leave of the Faculty.

• The dissertation shall be presented to the Director of Postgraduate studies at least two months before the candidate may be admitted to defend it. In exceptional cases the Council of the Faculty may shorten the period required.

• Three copies of the dissertation are to be submitted in the first instance, and these may be ring-bound. A hard-bound copy, incorporating any corrections which the examiners may require, must be submitted to the Library following successful defence of the work.

• All dissertations shall remain the property of the Pontifical University.

Public Examination

The public examination shall comprise the following elements:

• A lecture by the candidate for half-an-hour on the topic, arguments and conclusions of the dissertation

• A defence of the dissertation for an hour against objections.

• An examination for half-an-hour on nine propositions chosen by the candidate and approved by the Council of the Faculty. Three propositions will be chosen from each subject area, Systematic Theology, Moral Theology and Sacred Scripture.

• At the end of the Defence, the Faculty shall vote firstly on whether the degree of doctor is to be awarded and secondly on what mark shall be given. Separate marks are given for the thesis and the propositions; the minimum mark is 65%. The marks are counted and an aggregate mark is awarded. This is not communicated to the student. The number of examiners from the Faculty at the examination shall be at least five.

Publication of Doctoral Dissertation

Before the Doctorate in Divinity can be conferred, the dissertation, or at least a substantial part thereof, must be published. Publication may take any of the following forms:

• Appearance as a book, or as an article in a recognised theological journal

• Circulation of copies of the dissertation, or of a major excerpt, in printed form, on disk, microfilm or microfiche, to the main ecclesiastical Faculties of Theology.

• Deposition of a copy of the dissertation and of the disk in the John Paul II Library at St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, together with notification of the fact through appropriate means of inter-library exchange.

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 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 two obligatory courses:

• Historical Theology (Professor Leahy / Professor Tracey) in the first semester

• The Theologian as Exegete (Professor O’Connell / 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 Chapter VII)

• Studies under direction three courses:

o Liturgical Theology

o Sacramental Theology

o 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. The 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

Doctoral Degree in Theology (PhD)

The Doctoral Degree of PhD in Theology is awarded to those holding the MTh who satisfactorily complete the course and research requirements for the Degree.

Admission Requirements

• A Master’s Degree in Theology of at least Second Class Honours Grade I or its equivalent

• The Faculty of Theology may also accept applicants whom it deems to have achieved an equivalent standard.

• A competence in at least two theological languages: Hebrew, Greek or Latin.

Postgraduate Degree 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. Upon registration, PhD students will be assigned a staff mentor to assist them in their choice of courses and thesis director.

Programme of Study

• Candidates must normally complete at least three years of study, one of which must include four postgraduate seminar courses. Two of these courses will normally be Historical Theology and The Theologian as Exegete.

• Candidates must have or must acquire a good reading knowledge of a modern continental European language.

• The doctoral dissertation, which forms the basis for the award of the degree, must be a substantial and original piece of research, which offers a notable contribution to the advancement of the theological sciences.

• The dissertation must be prepared under the direction of a member of the Faculty of Theology on a topic approved by the Faculty.

Regulations for the PhD Defence

A defence of the dissertation is required for the awarding of the PhD.

I. The candidate shall in the first place submit three copies of the dissertation which may be ring-bound.

II. The examiners shall be the supervisor of the dissertation, an extern chosen by the Faculty, and a member of the Faculty appointed by the Faculty.

The Faculty will also appoint a chairperson for the defence, and Faculty members are invited to attend.

III. The examiners may accept or reject the dissertation for defence.

IV. The format of the defence shall be decided by the examiners but shall not exceed one and a half-hour's duration.

V. The examiners shall make a written recommendation to the Faculty.

VI. The dissertation may be accepted without change or with some modifications, or it may be rejected on the basis of the defence.

VII. In the event of a successful defence the candidate must submit a hard-bound copy of the dissertation incorporating any changes which the examiners may require. Changes are verified by at least one of the examiners. The degree shall not be conferred until receipt of a duly revised copy has been confirmed by the Director of

Postgraduate Studies.

VIII. A copy of the dissertation will be lodged in the College Library, and candidates will be invited to complete the following form: I hereby agree that the copy of my dissertation deposited in the Library shall be available for consultation under conditions laid down by the Pontifical University.

IX. All dissertations shall remain the property of the University.

Master’s Degree in Pastoral Studies (MPS)

Director of Pastoral Studies: Sr Brid Liston fcj, MDiv (Chicago), MTh

The Master’s Degree in Pastoral Studies prepares people for ministry through participative learning, faith formation, theological reflection and practical pastoral experience. At the heart of the MPS is the engagement between theology and ministry. The programme includes the study of topics relevant to pastoral theology and ministry including all aspects of theology, Sacred Scripture, contemporary culture, supervision and communications.

Admission Requirements

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

Course Aims:

The aim of the Master’s Degree in Pastoral Studies is to form and prepare people for ministry. In order to achieve this, the course aims:

• to study and reflect on Christian life and ministry, both individually and corporately in the Christian tradition

• to combine pastoral theology and the acquisition of skills with supervised experience in pastoral placements

• to deepen an understanding of the complementarity that exists between the ordained ministry and the full or part-time lay pastoral ministry in the Christian community

• to develop reflective, pro-active and evaluative skills through theological reflection, so as to enable students to relate theology and ministry to contemporary culture

• to develop and facilitate the on-going formation of people with management skills, including responsibility and accountability appropriate to pastoral ministry

Programme of Study

The Master’s Degree in Pastoral Studies is a two year course. The first year is a taught programme consisting of seven core modules and two elective modules. Course work includes group sessions, lectures, presentations and interactive seminars. While classes are normally on Monday and Tuesday of each week, students may be required to attend courses and seminars that are only available outside these times. In the second year the student completes one unit of Clinical and Pastoral Education (CPE) and a dissertation / project on an issue relevant to pastoral theology.

Core Modules:

• Foundations of Pastoral Theology

• Pastoral Theology in Context:

o Historical Theology and Research Methodology

o Ministry and Contemporary Culture

• Scripture and Prayer

o Scripture in a Pastoral Setting

o Prayer, Discernment & Contemporary Spirituality

• Liturgy and the Sacraments in Ministry

• Moral Theology and Ministry

• Church at the Service of God

• Pastoral Theology in Contemporary Society:

o Primary level Catechesis & Chaplaincy

o Secondary level Catechesis & Chaplaincy

o Parish Ministy

o Introduction to Pastoral Counselling

Pastoral Placement Education:

Students commit to a pastoral placement for ten to twelve hours per week. This takes place in the first year and is arranged through the placement coordinator. Participation in pastoral reflection groups and supervision are central to the placement experience.

Clinical and Pastoral Education:

This is a professional education for ministry for pastoral carers in a hospital setting. The course includes development of self-understanding and the foundation for the practice of pastoral care. CPE is a twelve-week, full time course which students take in the second year.

Dissertation/Project:

The student researches an issue of pastoral concern under the direction of a supervisor. The dissertation / project will be approximately 15,000 words.

Assessment:

Each module will be assessed by class attendance, participation, presentations and a written assignment as outlined within the module. The placement and theological reflection is assessed twice in the first year. A Learning Portfolio of work illustrating the student’s reflections and learning in the taught programme and in the pastoral placement will also be part of the assessment.

Mid Course Review:

At the end of the first year the student, with representatives of the pastoral theology department, reviews her/his work and submits a proposal for their MPS Dissertation/Project. This facilitates the on-going development of the student, his/her potential to satisfactorily complete the degree and show a readiness for ministry.

Communication and Development

The Postgraduate Diploma in Christian Communication and Development is awarded on the successful completion of one year’s full-time study. The aims and objectives of the course are:
• To provide the individual with a broad education and training in communications theory
• To provide practical training in the areas of radio and television production
• To examine the role of communications in international development
• To analyse Church documents on Communications.
Students are trained by media professionals in the management and technical aspects of media production so that they will carry from the course immediately usable technical skills. In addition, they are introduced to theoretical and practical perspectives, which will equip them with the conceptual tools and the framework of knowledge to develop a critical understanding of the context of media, their operations and their applications.

A student requires a primary degree or equivalent qualification, or a suitable professional qualification with experience in the field of communication and / or development as determined by the admissions board.

The course involves both lectures and project-work and comprises the following areas:
• Communication Theory
• Communications and Development
• Church and Communication
• The Political Economy of Mass Media.

The assessment is continuous and is designed to facilitate learning in both knowledge and skills areas and to provide independent validation of standards achieved appropriate to the course objectives and in line with national and international norms. It normally consists of the following.
• continuous project work: each student must successfully complete major projects in the fields of audio and video editing, radio and video production
• Semester papers: each student must successfully complete two semester papers
• Semesterized written examinations
In the Republic of Ireland, Local Authority Grants are available for this course -subject to eligibility.
For further information contact the Course Director:
Telephone: 01-628-6007
Fax: 01-628-6511
E-mail: Training@kairoscomms.ie
Web Pages: www.kairoscomms.ie / www.MaynoothCollege.ie