Theology & World Religions

Course Overview

This programme is situated within a diverse, secular and interdisciplinary university context, emphasising comparative and dialogical approaches.



While the programme provides a solid foundation in the Christian traditions, encompassing both Catholic and Protestant perspectives, it goes further by fostering dialogue with other religious traditions and diverse fields of study. Students engage with Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and more.



The programme includes modules on comparative theology, literature and religion, Christian-Buddhist dialogue and the study of sacred texts across various religious traditions, including the Bible, Qur'an, and the Sutras.



The MA in Theology and World Religions is taught by a faculty with internationally recognised expertise in research and teaching. It is open to students from diverse religious and secular backgrounds, including those with experience in religious and faith communities, humanities backgrounds, and education sectors.



Upon completion of the programme, students will gain significant cultural, political, historical and ethical insights, along with essential skills for critical thinking, interdisciplinary research, and reasoning. This prepares graduates for an increasingly interconnected and globalised world where understanding and dialogue among different religious and cultural traditions are essential.

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.



• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here.



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

1 year full-time

2 years part-time

The MA in Theology and World Religions programme offers flexibility for students with various career aspirations. Whether you aim to advance to doctoral research, pursue a career rooted in theology or engage in lifelong learning, this course can accommodate your goals.



Career Areas

Potential career paths that graduates of this programme may consider include:



Religious Educator: With a deep understanding of theology and world religions, you can pursue a career in religious education, either within academic institutions or faith-based organisations.



Social Worker: Theological and ethical insights can be valuable in the field of social work, helping you address complex social issues with a strong ethical foundation.



Charity Officer: With a strong background in ethics and theology, you may find fulfilling roles in charitable organisations, focusing on the ethical aspects of philanthropy and community support.



Pastoral Worker: If you are interested in providing spiritual guidance and support to individuals and communities, this programme equips you with the knowledge and skills for pastoral roles.



Clergy Member: For those pursuing a religious vocation, the programme can provide a strong foundation for clergy roles in various religious traditions.



Chaplain: Theological and interfaith understanding is essential for chaplaincy roles in hospitals, prisons, the military and other settings where spiritual support is needed.



This programme offers a versatile skill set and knowledge base that can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities in fields where theology, ethics, and interfaith dialogue are relevant and impactful.