Licentiate in Theology
Awarding Body: Pontifical Athenaeum (Milltown Institute). The Licentiate is the equivalent to a civil Master’s degree (NQFI Level 9).
Duration: The programme for the Licentiate in Theology normally lasts four semesters, i.e. two years of full-time study.
Aims of the programme
The Milltown Institute offers a programme of studies leading to the degree of Sacrae Theologiae Licentiatus (STL), a Licentiate in Theology. The STL is a step on the road of academic formation and scholarship, which leads ultimately to the degree of doctor. The STL degree allows the recipient to teach theology at third level, including at pontifical seminary level.
Programme specialisations
The Milltown Institute offers the following areas of specialisation within theology research: Biblical Studies, Patristics, History of Theology / Spirituality, Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, Ecumenics, Liturgical Theology, Pastoral Theology, Spirituality, Mission Theology, Canon Law.
Access, Transfer and Progression Routes
To be admitted to the STL Programme an applicant must possess a Bachelor of Divinity, Second Class Honours, Grade 1, or its equivalent. Candidates must also have a knowledge of English appropriate to advanced research and writing. A reading knowledge of at least one modern language is also required.Programme Structure
The Programme is characterised by specialisation and provides the student with a fuller introduction to the theory and practice of theological method.
The Programme comprises three constitutive elements:
A. Prescribed Coursework, including a Research Seminar
B. The Preparation and Presentation of a Dissertation
C. A Final Comprehensive Examination
Programme Content
The Licentiate programme consists of Coursework, a Dissertation, and a Final Comprehensive Examination. The required Coursework will comprise the following requirements:
1. The Research Seminar
2. The Graduate Research Colloquium
3. Compulsory Courses in Theological Method and Courses related to the Area of Specialisation.
The Research Seminar comprises research on a topic and an initial bibliography chosen by the candidate and approved by the Director of his/her Research Seminar. The topic should be within the scope of the candidate’s Dissertation. The Graduate Research Colloquium will introduces the candidates to postgraduate research techniques, as will courses in theological method. Other required courses in relation to the candidate’s area of specialisation will be arranged by the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research in conjunction with the relevant Head of Department and the candidate.
Mode of Assessment
Marks are awarded for coursework, dissertation and final comprehensive examination, and together will constitute the final mark on the basis of which the award will be granted. The Dissertation should be between 15,000 and 20,000 words (including footnotes and bibliography) on a topic from the candidate’s field of research, written under the direction of the Dissertation Director, having been chosen in consultation with him/her and approved by the Administrator of the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research. The candidate will present and discuss the Dissertation in a public session lasting not more than one hour with his/her Director and a second Reader. The Final Comprehensive (Oral) Examination before a Board of three Examiners will test the candidate’s ability to communicate orally in theology as well as his/her understanding of the chosen area of specialisation.
For Further Information Contact:
Dr. Anthony White
Administrator of School of Postgraduate Studies and Research
Milltown Institute, Milltown Park
Sandford Road, Ranelagh, Dublin 6, Ireland.
Telephone: + 353-1-277 6377
Fax: + 353-1-269 2528
Email: twhite@milltown-institute.ie