Pastoral Theology

Students are taught to use advanced skills in professional ministry, especially leadership in public prayer, pastoral care and spiritual accompaniment, and building and strengthening community. This includes using and transforming advanced skills and tools to teach in diverse settings, provide effective catechetical and faith formation, and exercise responsible stewardship of parish personnel and resources.



This level allows students to develop a detailed knowledge of theological principles as these relate to ministry practice, and an understanding of concepts, methods, and models pertaining to ways of doing theology in practice. It enables students to develop the ability to act in variable contexts, to be flexible in response to the needs of a community, and a diversity of situations and people, to go beyond their comfort zone, and act effectively within a changing ministerial landscape.



The programme further enables students to:



exercise appropriate judgment in complex planning, leading groups, and managing resources;



take responsibility for forming a habit of reflective practice for ministry;



express a comprehensive, internalised, personal worldview, achieving self-awareness and critical reflection as these relate to pastoral ministry;



face the demands of making collaborative ministry work;



exercise initiative and independent thought, to interact intelligently, empathically, ethically, and professionally within their ministerial context;



differentiate appropriate ministerial approaches, and to formulate pastoral responses to complex situations in pastoral contexts.



This Higher Diploma follows the same academic and placement schedules as the Diploma in Pastoral Theology, and is awarded on the successful completion of one year’s full-time engagement.

Modules

Pastoral Practice 30 Credits

PT 430: Pastoral Practice



Prayer Leadership 7.5 Credits

PT 431: Prayer Leadership



Caring and Spiritual Accompaniment 5 Credits

PT 432: Caring and Spiritual Accompaniment in Community



Theology and Pastoral Ministry 7.5 Credits

PT 434: Theology and Pastoral Ministry



Organisational Leadership in Ministry Contexts 5 Credits

PT 435: Organisational Leadership in Ministry Contexts



Healthcare Chaplaincy: Ministry of Presence and Visitation 2.5 Credits

PT 437: Healthcare Chaplaincy: Ministry of Presence and Visitation



Educational Chaplaincy: Ministry of Catechesis and Faith Formation 2.5 Credits

PT 438: Educational Chaplaincy: Ministry of Catechesis and Faith Formation



CPE

Under Stream One - Pastoral Practice

Clinical Pastoral Education

Admission Requirements



HIGHER DIPLOMA IN PASTORAL THEOLOGY



In order to register for courses leading to the Higher Diploma in Pastoral Theology, learners:



- require a recognised degree qualification where theology is at least a major component.



- learners whose first language is not English will be required to satisfy the English language requirement



- successful individual and group interviews are an essential part of the selection process.



Candidates with a primary degree in which theology is at least a minor component and deemed to have sufficient and appropriate experience in pastoral ministry may be admitted. These learners may be required to take courses in theology to qualify for admission.



St Patrick’s Pontifical University also accepts applications to its programmes from all prospective learners who possess the ability, knowledge and experience through its widening participation schemes. The University operates a Recognised Prior Learning (RPL)and Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme which recognises relevant prior learning and experience for admission and/or credit purposes. Full details are available on the University website.



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



Successful individual and group interviews are an essential part of the selection process.

Application Deadline:



30th April 2025

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



01st March 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.

1 year full-time.

Course Start Date: September 2025

• Pastoral Work

• Chaplaincy

• Catechesis & Faith Development

• Sacramental Preparation Coordination