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

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 can be certified/stamped by the relevant institution or by a member of an Gárda Siochána, as a true copy of the original: Members of the police, a Medical doctor, A member of the clergy, a Lawyer/Solicitor, a School principal/vice principal. Just as long as they’re not related 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.

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 2024

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.