Theological Studies

The Higher Diploma in Theological Studies from St. Patrick’s Pontifical University attests to the completion of a substantial and coherent programme of learning. The Higher Diploma allows students to finish an accredited introductory programme in theology and to obtain a credential for it. Other students who achieve a Second Class Honours Grade I, or better, may use the programme as a gateway to applying to a Master’s programme in Theology or Pastoral Ministry either in Maynooth or elsewhere (students interested in entering a Master’s programme are advised to speak with the Admissions Office prior to starting the HDip for further details).



Others may be interested in the programme simply as a structured way to approach the big questions in life, giving their personal inquiry a theological shape in the Catholic tradition. Additionally, the Higher Diploma equips graduates to take a more active role in their local church community.

Systematic Theology

ST 405: Reason, Faith, and Revelation

ST 404 Understanding Jesus Christ Today

ST 403 The Church and Its Sacraments

ST 406: Grace and Anthropology



Special Topics

MR 404 - The Catholic Moral Tradition and Bioethics

TS 109 Foundations of Religious Education

TS 111 Introduction to World Religions

TS 112 Church History

TS 114 Philosophy of Religion and Secular Belief Systems



Moral Theology

MR 405: Introduction to Moral Theology

MR 403 Catholic Social Teaching



Sacred Scripture

SC 400 The Bible and Its Worlds

SC 401 The Old Testament: Moses, David, Isaiah, and Beyond

SC 403 The New Testament: Reading Luke and Acts



Liturgy

LI 400 Foundations of Worship

Normal entry requirements:



A primary degree or its equivalent is required. While the degree/qualification will normally be in a discipline other than Theology, consideration will be given to all applications.



University-issued or certified copies of official transcripts of results for qualifications must be included with the application. These copies are kept by the University. Copies may be certified/stamped, as a true copies of the original, by the relevant institution or by a member of an Gárda Siochána (the police force of the Republic of Ireland), a medical doctor, a member of the clergy, a lawyer or solicitor, a school principal/vice-principal, who have no relationship to the applicant.



All credentials in languages other than English must be accompanied by certified English translations;



Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to satisfy the English language requirements. See here for more information: https://sppu.ie/english-language-requirements;



Students must provide a digital passport style photograph that will be used in the College’s computer system to identify the student to lecturers and other students;



As this course is delivered in a hybrid manner with much of the content being given on-line, students are required to have basic academic computer skills and have access to a computer and the internet.

Application Deadline:



15th August 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.

All core courses will be assessed by means of either coursework or end of semester examination. Shorter modules are assessed by means of essay.

1 year part-time.

Course Start Date: September 2025

The Higher Diploma in Theological Studies meets all the Teaching Council of Ireland’s Requirements for the teaching of Religious Studies at post-primary level. It entitles teachers holding Department-recognised degrees and teacher training qualifications to teach up to 15 hours’ Religious Education per week in a secondary school. Other graduates may use the programme as a gateway to applying to a Master’s programme in Theology or Pastoral Ministry either here in Maynooth or elsewhere (students interested in entering a Master’s programme are advised to speak with the Admissions Office prior to starting the HDip for further details). Others may be interested in the programme simply as a structured way to approach the big questions in life, giving their personal inquiry a theological shape in the Catholic tradition. Additionally, the Higher Diploma equips graduates to take a more active role in their local church community.