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 Masters has a two-fold focus: biblical interpretation and biblical spirituality. For the latter, it explores both spiritualities within the Bible and spiritualities shaped by engagement with the Bible. The programme approaches biblical spirituality from the perspectives of biblical studies, Christian spirituality and liturgy, understands spirituality incarnationally as communal and personal expressions of lived faith, and includes a strong practical dimension. The programme equips learners to employ a range of methods in biblical interpretation, with a strong focus on literary and narrative approaches. It aims to form learners as competent theologians and to situate the study of sacred scripture within the broader theological enterprise.

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 Wednesdays, with some blended learning (online and a week on campus ). Assessment of modules is predominantly by essay (c. 3 500 to 7,000 words).



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



Taught Modules



Participants take six modules, two modules per semester in semesters 1-3. Modules are divided into three groups: A. Interdisciplinary; B. Biblical Studies; C. Spirituality. Participants select two modules from each group.



NOTE: Only some modules are offered in a given year.



Group A. Interdisciplinary

PG09302 The History of Christian Thought

PG09709. Theology and Renewal in the 20th Century Century

PG09710 Re-imagining the Human



Group B. Biblical Studies

PG09467 Exploring Ways of Reading Genesis

PG09477 Come and See: John and Method

PG09481 Liberation and Law: Approaches to Exodus

PG09495 Exploring Biblical Narratives

PG09496 The David Story



Group C. Spirituality

PG09483 Scripture and the Spirituality of Childhood

PG09486 Word and Lection

PG09658 Pathways in Biblical Spirituality

PG09724 Synodality: Scriptural and Spirituality Perspectives



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 July, 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.

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:



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, part-time

Lectures: Wednesdays

Course Start Date: September 2025

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).