Theology & World Religions

This programme offers a foundational basis in the Christian traditions, exploring key historical, thematic, and textual aspects of both the Catholic and Protestant traditions. But the course go beyond this, bringing these into conversation with other traditions and fields of study. In this programme students engage with the traditions of Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and more. Modules on this course also cover interdisciplinary topics such as comparative theology, literature and religion, Christian-Buddhist dialogue, and the study of sacred texts across religious traditions, including the Bible, Qur’an, and the Sutras.

Taught by staff with internationally distinguished records in research and teaching, the MA in Theology and World Religions welcomes students from varied religious and secular backgrounds. Many students arrive from years of involvement in religious and faith communities, from undergraduate programmes in the humanities, and from the education sector, to name just a few.

The programme will equip you with key cultural, political, historical and ethical insights, as well as tools for reasoning, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary research in an increasingly globalized world.

Why Do This Programme?
You’ll have access to DCU’s widely recognised expertise in the fields of Christian theology, comparative theology and world religions, theological ethics, biblical studies, philosophy of religion, public dialogue, and to the resources of our Institute of Ethics and the Centre for Interreligious Dialogue.

Upon completion of this programme, you’ll:
-Demonstrate and apply an understanding of a broad range of theological perspectives in comparative perspective and the contribution of world religions and interfaith dialogue to the contemporary search for meaning and values, justice and peace;
-Display a critical awareness of current scholarship in specific areas of comparative theology, and of key issues in ecumenism and interreligious dialogue;
-Know how to analyse and critique historical and contemporary theological and religious texts, with particular emphasis on primary sources;
-Be able to undertake theological research, present written research and engage in theological dialogue in a variety of contexts in the academy, in church and faith communities, and in society.

Programme Aims and Objectives
The MA in Theology and World Religions focusses on research in Comparative Theology, Theological Ethics, Philosophy of Religion, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Sacred Texts, Interreligious Theology, and Public Theology. Research in these thematic areas is blended with interdisciplinary teaching, sensitive to both local and global contexts. Balancing theoretical and practical elements, in light of ancient, medieval and modern contexts, the programme addresses religion in its many forms across diverse cultures.

Programme Academic Structure for 2023 - 2024, MA in Theology & World Religions
This information is provisional & subject to change.

Full-time Programme Structure
Year 1 Core Modules:
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
TP500 Research Module 30 Autumn Semester 0 100 2

Year 1 Optional Modules -
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
TP201 Introduction to Biblical Hebrew 10 Semester 2 0 100 1
TP222 Introduction to Koine Greek 10 Semester 2 0 100 1
TP521 History of Biblical Interpretation 10 Semester 2 0 100 1
TP522 Islam: A Literary & Historical Survey 10 Semester 1 0 100 1
TP523 Themes in Modern Theology 10 Semester 1 0 100 1
TP524 Philosophy and God: Selected Readings 10 Semester 1 0 100 1
TP525 Karl Rahner and 20th Century Theology 10 Semester 1 0 100 1
TP528 Natural Law Theory 10 Semester 1 0 100 1
TP534 Jewish and Christian Dialogue 10 Semester 2 0 100 1
TP538 Gender and Religion in Late Antiquity 10 Semester 2 0 100 1

Part-time Programme Structure
Year 1 Optional Modules,
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
TP201 Introduction to Biblical Hebrew 10 Semester 2 0 100 1
TP222 Introduction to Koine Greek 10 Semester 2 0 100 1
TP521 History of Biblical Interpretation 10 Semester 2 0 100 1
TP522 Islam: A Literary & Historical Survey 10 Semester 1 0 100 1
TP523 Themes in Modern Theology 10 Semester 1 0 100 1
TP524 Philosophy and God: Selected Readings 10 Semester 1 0 100 1
TP525 Karl Rahner and 20th Century Theology 10 Semester 1 0 100 1
TP528 Natural Law Theory 10 Semester 1 0 100 1
TP534 Jewish and Christian Dialogue 10 Semester 2 0 100 1
TP538 Gender and Religion in Late Antiquity 10 Semester 2 0 100 1

Requirements
For admission to the MA in Theology and World Religions, successful applicants will have:

• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent, in the area of Theology, Religious Studies, Religious Education, Philosophy or a related degree in Humanities and Social Sciences.

• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.

• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.

Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:

• Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2024.
• Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2024.

Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.

All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.

Queries
Queries from EU applicants should be directed to postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie

Queries from non EU applicants should be directed to internationalapplications@dcu.ie

To apply for this programme:

• All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal - view Application Weblink above.
• Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.
• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml.

Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

The programme commences in September 2024

Careers
Whether you’re interested in progressing to doctoral research, pursuing a theology-grounded career, or engaging in theological studies in the context of life-long learning, the MA in Theology and World Religions course can accommodate your goals.

Potential Careers
• Religious Educator
• Social Worker
• Charity Officer
• Pastoral Worker
• Clergy Member
• Chaplain