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Theology makes for an excellent discipline – combining research, critical analysis, independent learning and self-development. While a number of theology students currently use their qualification as a foundation for a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) and a career in teaching, people are learning that the skills acquired have a diverse applicability. Students who have studied Religious Studies at A-level, and those who take it as a Leaving Certificate examination subject, will be well-equipped to embark on a Theology degree; having experienced moral questions and philosophies, including secular and humanist accounts of morality at a more basic level.

Maynooth theological courses are, nevertheless, open to all eligible applicants and although the college is associated in people’s minds with the training of priests, you do not have to be Catholic to study Theology there. Our graduates are found in a wide variety of careers, both Church-related and civil. Recent graduates of Theology have entered into careers such as communication, publishing, chaplaincy, finance, business, teaching, journalism, social services including both private and public sectors.

The theology graduate is equipped to take an active role in the intellectual and pastoral life of the Church, while bringing a broader perspective to the civil position or profession which he/she is likely to take up. They are valued for their academic training, their ability to reason clearly and their capacity to take an overview of the problem or situation confronting them. “Theology”, a word invented by the Greek philosophers, is based upon rational reflection on God, the world and human life. It covers a wide range of live issues from politics to business ethics to communications to issues such as truth and justice and unsurprisingly, some answers to the question of who or what God is. It attempts to express, in words, the elements of belief that are contained in faith. Like philosophy, theology is a valuable component of general education and the expertise gained in these disciplines is of value in many different career paths.

The Higher Diploma in Theological Studies is open to graduates who wish to study theology either from personal interest or to widen their career options. It is offered on a part-time basis over one year and involves the study of systematic theology, moral theology, scripture and liturgy as well as elective subjects. The Higher Diploma in Theological Studies is recognised by the Department of Education and Science as entitling teachers holding Department-recognised degrees and teacher training qualifications to teach up to 15 hours' Religious Education per week in a voluntary secondary school. Many applicants will be graduates of disciplines other than theology, though all graduates are eligible to apply.

Students who choose to study theology in Maynooth will come to share the College’s rich heritage and contribute to its evolving traditions.

Undergraduate Degree Programmes

• Baccalaureate in Theology & Arts (BATh)
  CAO code MU001
• Baccalaureate in Theology (BTh)
  CAO code MU002

Both of the above programmes qualify for the Free Fees initiative and the Higher Education Grants Scheme.

Mature students are very welcome to apply to both of the above programmes.

Postgraduate Programmes

• Doctoral Degree in Theology (PhD)
• Master’s Degree in Theology (MTh)
• Master’s Degree in Pastoral Studies (MPS)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Christian Communication & Development
• Higher Diploma in Pastoral Liturgy
• Higher Diploma in Theological Studies*

*The Higher Diploma in Theological Studies is a one-year part-time evening course. While the programme generally caters for graduates of disciplines other than theology, consideration will be given to all applicants. Normal Entry requirements include a primary degree or equivalent. Application forms are available on request from the Admissions Office, Pontifical University, Maynooth.

*The Higher Diploma in Theological Studies is recognised by the Department of Education and Science as entitling teachers holding Department-recognised degrees and teacher training qualifications to teach up to 15 hours' Religious Education per week in a voluntary secondary school.

*All Postgraduate programmes qualify for the Higher Education Grants scheme and tax relief where applicable.