St. Angela's College Sligo

Religious Education & Social Justice

Religious Education and Social Justice • Level 9
Master of Arts/Postgraduate Diploma/Postgraduate Certificate
levels

Programme Description
The Education Department at St. Angela's College, Sligo has developed a new MA in Religious Education and Social Justice. This part-time M.A. programme aims to equip students with the skills needed to investigate the challenges and opportunities for the provision of high quality religious education in schools. By analysing the provision of religious education in schools as a social justice issue in its own right, as well as considering the notion of the common good more broadly, students will develop their religious literacy, critical thinking and philosophical skills. Additionally, students will develop their awareness of the impact of social justice issues on religion, education, and religious education.

The programme is aimed at graduates from a wide range of disciplines including, but not limited to: Initial Teacher Education, philosophy, theology, religious studies, politics, equality studies, anthropology, psychology, sociology, and legal studies. The programme may also appeal to those working in areas such as advocacy, the charity sector, youth and community work, pastoral care, parish work. The programme is also suitable for those with a keen interest in the relationship between religion, education, and social justice.

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements
A Level 8 Undergraduate Degree (H2.1) or equivalent in religious education, catechetics, education, theology, religious studies, philosophy, politics, equality studies, anthropology, psychology, sociology, or legal studies. Graduates applying from other related social sciences or arts/humanities disciplines will also be considered. For students without the relevant academic qualification, but with relevant previous experience, recognition for approved prior learning (APL) can be awarded in line with the University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.

Careers or further progression

Career Opportunities
Graduates from the programme may pursue careers in academia, advocacy, parish or pastoral settings, and social justice initiatives. Graduates with a prior ITE qualification may choose to apply for coordinator or other leadership positions in schools.

Subjects taught

Programme Content and Structure

Module Options Stage 1: All modules = 15 ECTs (NFQ, Level 9)
• Readings in Social Justice and the Common Good (Core Module)
• Religion, Education and Society (Core Module)
• The Site of Justice? The Religious Education Teacher and the Classroom (Core Module)
Fourth Optional Module for PG Diploma:
• Inclusion for Learning

Modules Stage 2: Both modules are core modules
• Advanced Research module (Core)
• Dissertation module (Core)

Students successfully completing 45 ECTS of modules (3 core modules) in Stage 1 of the programme continue to Stage 2 where they undertake the Advanced Research Module (core module) and the Dissertation Module (core module) and exit with a Master of Arts (Religious Education and Social Justice). Alternatively, students may exit with a Postgraduate Certificate on successfully completing 30 ECTS (2 core modules) or with a Postgraduate Diploma on successfully completing 60 ECTS (4 modules, including the 3 core modules). Students can also opt to complete the Advanced Research module as the 4th module for the Diploma instead of choosing one of the optional modules listed. Students may also study standalone modules and exit with 15 ECTS (NFQ, Level 9) upon successful completion of a module.

Enrolment and start dates

Next Intake: September 2020 (subject to numbers)

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