Divinity - Licentiate in Divinity

Introduction

The Licentiate in Sacred Theology (Sacrae Theologiae Licentiatus) is a pivotal postgraduate degree in the Pontifical University, as the STL qualifies candidates to teach theology in a major seminary, and in the canonical programmes of a Roman Catholic university. The Pontifical University awards the Licentiate in Fundamental Theology, Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, Sacred Scripture, Sacred Liturgy, and in Philosophy (LPh or PhL)



Description



Since the STL qualifies candidates to teach theology as described above, it provides both the necessary skills and knowledge to permit candidates to acquire mastery in their field of interest, and offers a demanding cycle of seminars and reading courses that ensure a rigorous grounding in a particular theological discipline.



The programme takes at least 4 semesters, during the final two semesters of which the candidate undertakes a dissertation, which is examined viva voce.



To obtain the Licentiate in Divinity (STL), two years' full time specialised study is required. The course and degree are designed for candidates who have attained honours standard in their previous theological studies. Part-time candidates may, with the approval of the Director, take the course over three or four years.

Year 1

Reading Courses (from September 2023)



Candidates select two reading courses from the list of courses on offer. One reading course must be from within their theological discipline.



Reading Courses are assigned the code RC:

Postgraduate Modules 2022-2023

https://sppu.ie/postgraduate/postgraduate-modules



Reading Courses are to convene at least once per month during the academic year (i.e., at least 6 meetings). Reading Courses are to be assessed by a variety of means: end-of-semester papers and a formal colloquium presentation. Each paper is to be of 3000 words, making a total of 6000 words per reading course. The STL Programme Director, in consultation with those offering the suite of reading courses, is to ensure variety and balance in the means of assessment.



In Year 1, candidates must connect with Mentor/Supervisor in reading towards a research area.



Seminar Courses (from September 2023)



Full-time candidates usually take four seminar courses in year one, including the obligatory course PG442 The Soul of Theology



For the full list of seminar courses:

Postgraduate Modules 2022-2023

https://sppu.ie/postgraduate/postgraduate-modules



Part-time candidates agree an initial schedule of seminar courses with the Programme Director.



Seminar courses are normally assessed by assignment(s) of c.7,000 words. Variations may be approved by the Director in consultation with the Postgraduate Board.



Research Colloquium

Formal colloquium presentation, based on one of the reading courses taken



Induction Week

Candidates must successfully complete the Postgraduate Induction Week which takes place September.



Year 2

Seminar Courses (from September 2023)



Full-time candidates usually take two seminar courses in year two, including the obligatory course PG464: Research in Theology: Historical and Methodological Approaches



For the full list of seminar courses:

Postgraduate Modules 2022-2023

https://sppu.ie/postgraduate/postgraduate-modules



Part-time candidates agree an initial schedule of seminar courses with the Programme Director.



Seminar courses are normally assessed by assignment(s) of c.7,000 words. Variations may be approved by the Director in consultation with the Postgraduate Board.



Scriptum



Each candidate shall prepare a scriptum or dissertation under the direction of a member of the Faculty, on a topic approved by the Faculty. The scriptum shall be between 25,000 and 30,000 words in length, inclusive of footnotes but exclusive of bibliography and appendices. The scriptum is to be submitted by the last Friday in June. A grace period of two weeks will apply.



The scriptum will be assessed in a 30-minute viva voce examination. The examiners shall be the Director of the scriptum, an internal reader, and an external reader appointed by the Faculty.

In order to register for courses leading to the degree of Licentiate in Divinity, a candidate must hold at least a Baccalaureate in Divinity, second honours, Grade I (magna cum laude), or what in the judgement of the Faculty is regarded as an equivalent standard of theological study.



Theological Languages



A competence in theological language(s) is a qualifying requirement



STL candidates entering the Faculty of Theology shall be required to sit a qualifying examination in at least two of the following: Hebrew, Greek, or Latin. Syllabi for these examinations here: Greek, Latin, Hebrew Grammar, Hebrew Vocabulary.



Qualifying examinations will take place during orientation week.



Latin qualifying examination will take place on the Monday of orientation week.



Greek qualifying examination will take place on the Friday of orientation week.



Candidates who do not pass the above qualifying examination, are required to attend and 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.



Candidates who have successfully completed a one-year full-time University course in Hebrew, Latin or Greek are exempt, as are candidates who have successfully completed theological language courses in the Pontifical University.



The language(s) requirement is merely qualifying and does not form part of the final assessment.



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



Candidates whose first language is not English will be required to satisfy the English language requirements.

Application Deadline:



30th June 2025

For EU & those living on the island of Ireland (Late applications may be considered).



31st May 2025

For non EU



If you have any queries please contact admissions@spcm.ie.



PLEASE NOTE: Application forms must be completed in full, and all documentation must be provided BEFORE an application can be considered. Applicants will not be called for interview if an application is incomplete.

The Final Assessment of the STL is based on:

• Reading Course examinations

• Seminar Course assignments

• The Scriptum and its Viva Voce examination.

• Language requirements are qualifying requirements and do not form part of the final assessment.

2 years full-time.

Course Start Date: September 2025

Career Outcomes

The STL degree is suggested for lay, clergy and religious to further theological expertise for service in official capacities in religious communities and dioceses, and for teaching in higher education, diocesan schools and seminaries. Officially, it "is the academic degree which enables one to teach in a major seminary or equivalent school." It also serves as a preparation for doctoral work.