Theology - Bible & Spirituality

Introduction
As Scripture, the Bible is a collection of writings that reflects the dynamic experiences of ancient Israel and of the early Christian Church, and which continues to nourish and make sense of people’s lives. This Master's has a two-fold focus: it explores both spiritualities within the Bible and spirituality shaped by engagement with the Bible. The programme approaches biblical spirituality from the perspectives of liturgy, history and biblical studies, understands spirituality incarnationally as communal and personal expressions of lived faith, and includes a strong practical dimension.

Programme Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the MTh in Biblical Spirituality, students should be able to:
· Analyse the spiritualities inherent in Old and New Testament texts.
· Interpret biblical texts with a sensitivity to their literary conventions.
· Explore biblical aspects of various Christian spiritual traditions (e.g., Benedictine, Franciscan, Ignatian), and the way woman mystics in particular (e.g., Birgitta, Hildegard of Bingen, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Jesus, Thérèse of Lisieux) have read Scripture.
· Trace the ecclesial and sacramental manifestations of biblical spirituality at various times in the history of the Church.
· Engage with Scripture in potentially transformative ways.
· Describe current trends in the academic study of spirituality.
· Discuss the contribution of Scripture to issues such as justice and creation spirituality.

The course consists of six taught modules (10 credits each) delivered over two years, and the submission of a thesis of 15,000 words.

In addition to the following programme of study, candidates must successfully complete the Postgraduate Induction Week.

Minor Dissertation (15,000 words)
The dissertation is to be written under the direction of a member of the Faculty of Theology, and submitted by candidates in their second year by 3.00pm on the last Friday in August, in Year 2. A grace period of two weeks will apply.

Note: progression to the PhD from this programme requires the successful completion of a doctoral qualifying year, the parameters of which are established by the Faculty of Theology.

The course runs over a two-year cycle and consists of six taught modules delivered over four semesters, three modules per year; and a minor dissertation of 15,000 words to be submitted in year 2.

Cycle A 2023-2024
Semester 1
PG 709 Re-Sourcing: Theology and Renewal in the 20th Century

Semester 2
Those in year 2 take ONE of the following. Students in year 1 take both modules.
PG 724 Synodality: Perspectives from Scripture and Spirituality
PG 467: Exploring Ways of Reading Genesis

Admission Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement is a primary degree in which Theology comprises at least an equal joint honours 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 admission process. The Faculty of Theology may also accept applicants whom it deems to have achieved an equivalent standard. Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to satisfy the English language requirements.

Application Deadline:
02nd August 2024 For EU & those living on the island of Ireland (Late applications may be considered).
31st May 2024 For non EU

2 years part-time.
Modules will be delivered on Wednesday afternoons and evenings, with some blended learning (online and a week on campus).

Course Start Date: September 2024

Career Outcomes
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
• Parish Pastoral work, Retreat work, Parish catechesis
• Public/Private Sectors
• School/ Hospital Chaplaincy (For professional qualifications in chaplaincy additional courses are also a requirement).