Theology - Research

Research Master's programmes form the foundation of enduring postgraduate study at the College. In a Research Master's, candidates exercise far greater choice in the shape of their study and personal research, in contrast to Undergraduate Study or a Taught Master's where a student follows a course of study determined to a huge extent by the degree they have chosen. There are two Research Master's routes—the Master's by Minor Thesis and Allied Courses (Structured Research), and Master's by Major Thesis (Pure Research).



A Master's degree requires a thorough, broad, and interdisciplinary academic training. It is in this perspective that the Pontifical University brings the wide experience and expertise of its theologians to bear.



The programme for degree of Master in Theology (MTh) offers candidates the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Theology through specialised study, personal work and research.

Programme of Study



There are two methods of obtaining this degree.



Structured Research: candidates complete six Seminar Courses and write a minor thesis (25,000-30,000 words).



Pure Research: candidates submit a major thesis (40,000 words) and fulfil the requirements of the PG464: Research in Theology: Historical and Methodological Approaches Seminar.



Programme of Study: Structured Research

The duration of the programme is two years. The first year is considered a year of full-time study in one of the options below. In the second year the candidate, takes one seminar course in the first semester and completes a thesis. Candidates must complete Postgraduate Induction.



Course Option I: Systematic Theology (Code - MU508)

In Year One the candidate takes five seminar courses: two seminar courses in Systematic Theology, two seminar courses from the remaining suite, as well as the obligatory course PG442: The Soul of Theology in the second semester.



In Year Two the candidate takes obligatory course PG464: Research in Theology: Historical and Methodological Approaches in semester one and completes the dissertation. The dissertation is to be submitted by 3.00pm on the last Friday in June. A grace period of two weeks will apply.



Course Option II: Moral Theology (Code - MU509)

In Year One the candidate takes five seminar courses: two seminar courses in Moral Theology, two seminar courses from the remaining suite, as well as the obligatory course PG442: The Soul of Theology in the second semester.



In Year Two the candidate takes obligatory course PG464: Research in Theology: Historical and Methodological Approaches in semester one and completes the dissertation. The dissertation is to be submitted by 3.00pm on the last Friday in June. A grace period of two weeks will apply.



Course Option III: Biblical Theology (Code - MU510)

In Year One the candidate takes five seminar courses: two seminar courses in Biblical Theology, two seminar courses from the remaining suite, as well as the obligatory course PG442: The Soul of Theology in the second semester.



In Year Two the candidate takes obligatory course PG464: Research in Theology: Historical and Methodological Approaches in semester one and completes the dissertation. The dissertation is to be submitted by 3.00pm on the last Friday in June. A grace period of two weeks will apply.



Course Option IV: Liturgy (Code - MU511)

In Year One the candidate takes five courses: one reading course in Liturgical Theology, two seminar courses in Liturgical Theology, the obligatory course PG442: The Soul of Theology and one seminar course from the remaining suite of modules, as agreed with the Dean of Postgraduate Studies, in consultation with the programme co-ordinator.



In Year Two the candidate takes one further seminar course in Liturgical Theology, and completes the minor dissertation, of 25,000—30,000 words. The minor dissertation will be on an approved topic and submitted by 3.00pm on the last Friday in June. A grace period of two weeks will apply. The dissertation is pursued under the direction of a member of the Faculty of Theology. While completing the dissertation, the candidate is not required to be in full-time attendance. The dissertation is to be submitted by 3.00pm on the last Friday in June. A grace period of two weeks will apply.

Admission Requirements: Structured Research



The minimum entry requirement is a primary degree in which Theology comprises at least an equal joint component. Candidates should have obtained at least Second Class Honours, Grade I overall, and Second Class Honours, Grade I in Theology. An interview will be part of the selection procedure.



The Faculty of Theology may also accept applicants whom it deems to have achieved an equivalent standard. Where an applicant’s qualifications are insufficient for admission to the MTh a Qualifying Programme and Examination may be provided.



Students whose first language is not English will be required to satisfy the English language requirements. Students will normally be expected to register year by year on a continuous basis until they have completed their degree. Students wishing to suspend registration may do so only on the express permission of the Faculty.



Admission Requirements : Pure Research



To qualify for admission to a Master’s Degree in Theology by dissertation only, candidates shall have Second Class Honours, Grade I in the theological component of their honours degree. The Faculty of Theology may also accept applicants whom it deems to have achieved an equivalent standard. Masters Mode B is recommended only for students who have a clear research focus and a proven ability to work on their own. An interview will be part of the selection procedure.



Students whose first language is not English will be required to satisfy the English language requirements. Students will normally be expected to register year by year on a continuous basis until they have completed their degree. Students wishing to suspend registration may do so only on the express permission of the Faculty.



Theological Languages – Structured Research and Pure Research:

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



• Candidates admitted into the MTh Research (Biblical) programme in the Faculty of Theology shall be required to sit a qualifying examination in Greek and Hebrew, which usually take place during orientation.



• Candidates admitted into the MTh Research (Moral/Systematic/Liturgy) programmes in the Faculty of Theology shall be required to sit a qualifying examination in Latin, which usually takes place during orientation.



• Candidates who do not pass the above qualifying examination(s) are required to attend and pass qualifying course(s) in the relevant theological language(s).



• Candidates can opt not to take the qualifying examination(s) during orientation and register to take the qualifying course(s) in the relevant theological language(s).



• Candidates who have previously successfully completed the theological language courses in the Pontifical University are exempt.



Syllabi for these examinations here: Greek, Latin, Hebrew (Hebrew Vocabulary).



This Degree qualifies for Higher Education grants.

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.

2 years full-time.

Course Start Date: September 2025

There are many ways in which a degree in Theology can be used. Possible career routes include:



• Second Level teaching (following the successful completion of the undergraduate degree in Theology followed by the Professional Master of Education (PME)).



• Journalism.



• Pastoral work, Retreat work, Parish catechesis.



• Public/Private Sectors



• School/ Hospital Chaplaincy (For professional qualifications in chaplaincy additional courses are also a requirement).