Theology and Religious Studies
This honours degree is an exciting programme for mature students (aged 23 or over) wishing to pursue the academic study of religion.
The BA in Theology and Religious Studies offers the opportunity to reflect on the significance of religion in a complex world. In this programme you’ll explore the origins and development of the world’s major religions, along with the beliefs and practices that are central to these traditions. You will also have the opportunity to study the Bible and other sacred texts, explore the importance of ethics in our personal, social and political lives, and reflect on the place of ecumenical and interreligious dialogue in the contemporary world.
The programme is intended for people from a broad range of backgrounds who wish to study theology and religion for personal enrichment as well as those who would like to study theology with a view to being more active in their local community. This programme suits mature students interested in areas like community work, parish ministry and liturgy, youth and young adult ministry, social justice engagement, ecumenical projects, dialogue with other faith communities, and education and school boards. This degree also serves as a qualification for those wishing to pursue postgraduate study or research. To qualify, you must be aged 23 or over on the 1st January in the year of application.
“Through the lectures and wide range of modules I learned how to think, research, analyse, critically reflect, write, structure an argument, communicate effectively and develop and use personal and interpersonal skills for the service of community development, all of which are fundamental skills and essential to all walks of life.”
For the 2020/21 academic year, the course will feature blended learning, with online and in-person learning opportunities.
With close attention to particular religious traditions, ethical issues, and interreligious dialogue, students will engage with the sources, beliefs, and practices that have shaped the societies and cultures in which we live.
Throughout the course you will take modules on systematic theology, church history, scripture, ethics, world religions, as well as optional ancient languages (Hebrew, Greek, Arabic). In your final year of study you will have the opportunity for individual guided research, working on a topic of your choice with a supervisor on an extended research paper.
You will be expected to complete the programme in 4-5 years. Each module carries 7.5 ECTS credits. You may exit the programme with a Certificate (after successfully completing 8 modules), a Diploma (after successfully completing 16 modules), or the BA degree (after successfully completing 24 modules).
The programme follows a five-year cycle, with students entering the programme in any of the years of the cycle. Normally a student will study between five and six modules per year.
View the current course structure
We have a unique and vibrant culture on our modern campus close to Dublin city centre. We provide state-of-the-art study facilities for all our courses and everything else you need for a healthy, fun and active student life.
Exceptional Facilities
DCU students enjoy exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our 3 academic campuses. These include modern learning theatres, research centres, television and sound studios, classrooms, computer suites and advanced laboratories in the areas of languages, engineering, physics, chemistry and biotechnology, as well as a sports performance centre and a virtual hospital ward.
A Vibrant, Dynamic Social Environment
Student facilities include a superb sports complex with a 25 metre pool, two libraries and The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre. In 2016 we announced plans to invest over €230m in developing new, world-class facilities across our three academic campuses. Already building has begun on an exciting, new €14m Student Centre that will be home to the more than one hundred and twenty student clubs and societies. This commitment to student facilities means that our world-class learning experiences are complemented by a vibrant, dynamic social environment.
“Through the lectures and wide range of modules I learned how to think, research, analyse, critically reflect, write, structure an argument, communicate effectively and develop and use personal and interpersonal skills for the service of community development, all of which are fundamental skills and essential to all walks of life.”
This course is a good match for you if you want to begin or continue studying theology for personal enrichment or with a view to being more active in the community.
You may be looking to further a career in:
- Teaching
- Adult Education
- Diocesan Youth Work
- Pastoral Work
- Church Ministry
- Chaplaincy
The degree also serves those wishing to pursue Postgraduate Study or research in Theology or a professional Teaching qualification.
Requirements
Application to this programme is based upon maturity of years. In order to be eligible for this course applicants must be aged 23 or over on the 1st January in the year of application. As part of the application process, the relevant life/work experience of the applicants and previous studies undertaken will be reviewed to determine eligibility for the course. Applicants must include with their application a short personal statement indicating why they are applying for this programme.
See under General Entry Requirements
See under General Entry Requirements
No Entry Path
Where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.