Theology - Specialisation in Bible & Spirituality

Master's Degree in Theology (specialisation: Bible and 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 Masters 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. Modules will be delivered on Wednesday afternoons and evenings, with some blended learning (online and a week on campus ).

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.

Cycle A
Minor Dissertation

Semester 1
PG 481 - Liberation and Law: Approaches to the Book of Exodus
PG 709 Re-Sourcing: Theology and Renewal in the 20th Century

Semester 2
PG 486 Word and Lection: Scripture Heard and Proclaimed

Cycle B
Semester 1
PG302: History of Christian Thought (core module, online)

PG495: Exploring Biblical Narrative (Online + one week on campus)
PG 302 History of Christian Thought
PG 495: Exploring Biblical Narratives

Semester 2
PG486 Word and Lection: Scripture Heard and Proclaimed*

OR

PG467: Exploring Ways of Reading Genesis

*It is recommended, but not obligatory, that candidates participate in an introduction to lectio divina such as that provided in the second part of PT431.

PG 486 Word and Lection: Scripture Heard and Proclaimed
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 selection procedure. 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: 12th June 2020
Late applications may be considered from those living on the island of Ireland and from the EU.

Duration: 2 years, part-time
Lectures: Wednesdays

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

Course Start Date: September 2020

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).