Christian Theology

Course Overview

The M.Phil. in Christian Theology enables participants to gain an in-depth knowledge of core issues in contemporary Christian theology. Whether your background is as a graduate in theology or other related disciplines, the course offers a structured programme of study at an advanced level.



Students are introduced to historical scholarship and to rigorous contemporary theological investigation. A written dissertation is a key part of the course. This enables participants to engage in advanced study of a particular topic of interest in the field. In the process of writing, participants are offered one-to-one academic supervision.



Scholarships are available for both the M.Phil. in Christian Theology and for postgraduate research degrees. See details of scholarship here: Scholarships - The Loyola Institute - Trinity College Dublin (tcd.ie)



Is This Course For Me?

For graduates in theology (or other related disciplines), this M.Phil. offers study at an advanced level.



For those who have an interest in theological questions, this degree will help them become better informed and more articulate in Christian theology.



For chaplains, pastoral workers, and others already engaged in Church ministry, this Masters will serve as an ideal opportunity for further in-depth reading, writing and study of the core disciplines of theology, in a way that furthers professional development.



While the M.Phil. is designed to be complete in itself, it can serve as preparation for those wishing to proceed to further research in the field.



Course Structure

The course is delivered full-time over one year or part-time over two years. The Christian Theology course can also be done following a three-year framework route, from P.Grad.Cert. to P.Grad.Dip. to M.Phil.



In Year 1, at Postgraduate Certificate level, students complete three modules (two core modules and one optional module) to develop a basic understanding of the core issues in contemporary Christian theology (30 ECTS). Students may exit with the P.Grad.Cert. award or progress to the P.Grad.Dip. Year 2 Top-Up to continue their studies.



In Year 2, at the Postgraduate Diploma level, students complete three modules (two core modules and one optional module) to gain a thorough grounding in contemporary Christian theology (30 ECTS). Students may exit with the P.Grad.Dip. or may progress to the one-year M.Phil.



In Year 3, at the M.Phil. level, students will have the opportunity to apply what they have learned in their coursework throughout the development of a 15,000-20,000 word research dissertation (30 ECTS).

Course Content

The course incorporates both taught and research components.



Students must take three core and three optional modules, and write a 15,000-20,000 word dissertation.



Core modules include: Readings in Classical Theological Texts; Violence and Grace in the Human Narrative; The First Words: Theology/ies of the Bible.



Elective modules vary year by year: Electives offered in recent years include: Jesus of Nazareth: Son, Christ, Word; Theology and the Arts; The Role of Church in a Pluralist Society; Ministry and Church in a Challenging Era; Christianity of the Celtic World (600-1000 AD); Political Theology; Nature, Grace and Place: Theology, Maps and Territories; Reimagining Ecumenical Theology: and Dialogue and Difference.



Students are assessed via written contributions for each module.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should normally have an upper second-class Honours Bachelor's degree, or 3.2 GPA (or above). Applicants not meeting these requirements may be considered at the discretion of the Dean of Graduate Studies.



English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band B, see the English Language Requirements page.

Closing Date: 31st July 2025.

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

Next Intake: September 2025.

Career Opportunities

For teachers of religious education, this course provides an excellent opportunity to explore theological issues at a deeper level, so benefiting them and their students. While the M.Phil. is designed to be complete in itself, it can serve as preparation for those waiting to proceed to further reserach in the field. Students will learn research skills, as well as analytic, written, and verbal communication skills that are highly valued and effective in a variety of careers.