Theology - Systematic / Moral / Biblical / Pastoral - Research

Master's Degree in Theology (Research)
Introduction
The Research Masters is aimed at giving students the necessary skills and knowledge to permit them to acquire an initial mastery in their field of interest.

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

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. Masters degree programmes are generally two years study on a full-time (120 ECTS) or part-time (90ECTS) basis.

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.

Course Structure
Mode A:
Programme of Study
There are two methods of obtaining this degree.
• Mode A: candidates complete five Seminar Courses and write a minor thesis (25,000-30,000 words).
• Mode B: 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: Mode A
The duration of the programme is two years. This involves at least a one-year course of full-time study in one of the options below. In the second year the candidate completes a thesis. The candidate also takes one seminar course in the first semester of second year.

Course Option I: Systematic Theology
In Year One the candidate takes two seminar courses in Systematic Theology, one seminar course in Moral Theology, Sacred Scripture or Liturgy, as well as the obligatory course PG442: The Soul of Theology, in the second semester.

In Year Two the candidate takes one seminar course in Systematic Theology in the first semester, and completes the dissertation. The dissertation is to be submitted by 3.00pm on the last Friday in June. A grace period of 2 weeks will apply.

Course Option II: Moral Theology
In Year One the candidate takes two seminar courses in Moral Theology, one seminar course in Systematic Theology, Sacred Scripture or Liturgy, as well as the obligatory course PG442: The Soul of Theology, in the second semester.
In Year Two the candidate takes one seminar course in Moral Theology in the first semester, and completes the dissertation. The dissertation is to be submitted by 3.00pm on the last Friday in June. A grace period of 2 weeks will apply.

Course Option III: Biblical Theology
In Year One the candidate takes two seminar courses in Biblical Theology, one seminar course in Systematic Theology, Moral Theology or Liturgy, as well as the obligatory course PG442: The Soul of Theology, in the second semester.
In Year Two the candidate takes one seminar course in Biblical Theology in the first semester, and completes the dissertation. The dissertation is to be submitted by 3.00pm on the last Friday in June. A grace period of 2 weeks will apply.

Course Option IV: Pastoral Liturgy
In Year One the candidate takes four seminar courses in Liturgical Theology – two in each semester, as agreed with the Director of Postgraduate Studies, in consultation with the Professor of Sacred Liturgy.
In Year Two the candidate takes one further seminar course in Liturgical Theology during the first semester, 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.

Programme of Study
There are two methods of obtaining this degree.
• Mode A: candidates complete five Seminar Courses and write a minor thesis (25,000-30,000 words).
• Mode B: 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: Mode A
The duration of the programme is two years. This involves at least a one-year course of full-time study in one of the options below. In the second year the candidate completes a thesis. The candidate also takes one seminar course in the first semester of second year.

Course Option I: Systematic Theology
In Year One the candidate takes two seminar courses in Systematic Theology, one seminar course in Moral Theology, Sacred Scripture or Liturgy, as well as the obligatory course PG442: The Soul of Theology, in the second semester.

In Year Two the candidate takes one seminar course in Systematic Theology in the first semester, and completes the dissertation. The dissertation is to be submitted by 3.00pm on the last Friday in June. A grace period of 2 weeks will apply.

Course Option II: Moral Theology
In Year One the candidate takes two seminar courses in Moral Theology, one seminar course in Systematic Theology, Sacred Scripture or Liturgy, as well as the obligatory course PG442: The Soul of Theology, in the second semester.
In Year Two the candidate takes one seminar course in Moral Theology in the first semester, and completes the dissertation. The dissertation is to be submitted by 3.00pm on the last Friday in June. A grace period of 2 weeks will apply.

Course Option III: Biblical Theology
In Year One the candidate takes two seminar courses in Biblical Theology, one seminar course in Systematic Theology, Moral Theology or Liturgy, as well as the obligatory course PG442: The Soul of Theology, in the second semester.
In Year Two the candidate takes one seminar course in Biblical Theology in the first semester, and completes the dissertation. The dissertation is to be submitted by 3.00pm on the last Friday in June. A grace period of 2 weeks will apply.

Course Option IV: Pastoral Liturgy
In Year One the candidate takes four seminar courses in Liturgical Theology – two in each semester, as agreed with the Director of Postgraduate Studies, in consultation with the Professor of Sacred Liturgy.

In Year Two the candidate takes one further seminar course in Liturgical Theology during the first semester, 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.

Mode B
?Programme of Study: Mode B
Candidates must fulfil the requirements of PG464: Research in Theology: Historical and Methodological Approaches, and work for at least three semesters under the direction of a permanent teacher within the Faculty.

The subject of the dissertation requires the approval of the relevant Head of Department.

The length of the dissertation shall be approximately 40,000 words, exclusive of footnotes and bibliography.

Candidates shall be required to submit their dissertations within three years. Extensions will be granted only in exceptional circumstances.

Candidates may be examined on the subject matter of the dissertation if the examiners so decide.

Admission Requirements: Mode A
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 : Mode B
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 – Mode A and Mode B:
A competence in theological language(s) is a qualifying requirement
• Masters Mode A and B candidates entering the Faculty of Theology shall be required to sit a qualifying examination in at least two of the following: Hebrew, Greek, or Latin.
• Qualifying examinations will take place during orientation week.
o Latin qualifying examination will take place on the Monday of orientation week.
o Greek qualifying examination will take place on the Friday of orientation week.
• Candidates who do not pass the above qualifying examination, are required to attend and pass qualifying courses in at least two of the following: Hebrew, Greek, or Latin. In certain circumstances an advanced course in one language may be accepted in lieu of a second.

• Candidates who have successfully completed a one-year full-time University course in Hebrew, Latin or Greek are exempt, as are candidates who have successfully completed theological language courses in the Pontifical University.

• The language(s) requirement is merely qualifying and does not form part of the final assessment.

Application Deadline: 12th June 2020
Late applications may be considered from those living on the island of Ireland and from the EU.

2 years full-time.

Course Start Date: September 2020

Career Outcomes
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).