MA (Research) in Theology

 

Awarding Body:  National University of Ireland (NUI)
Duration:            Two years

This award is designed to meet the needs of graduates who wish to work in the area of Theology as facilitators, lecturers, researchers, adult educators, publishers, chaplains, and catechists. This programme provides graduates in any field of theology / religion / religious education with the rigorous theoretical grounding that they require to undertake applied and classical research within Theology in a competent and responsible manner. The programme of studies provides a comprehensive formation in historical, scriptural, social, cultural and applied aspects of Theology.

Duration

The MA may not be normally awarded until at least two years have elapsed from the time of registration for the degree.

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 Studies, Pastoral Ministry, Contemporary / Applied Spirituality, Mission Theology, Faith and Culture, Canon Law.

Access, Transfer and Progression Routes

Applicants entering the programme should normally have:
• a primary degree in the relevant discipline
• attained at least Upper Second Class Honours, in the relevant discipline, with at least a Lower Second Class Honours in any other degree subject or equivalent.
Applicants who obtain more than 65% in their dissertation may progress to doctoral studies.

Mode of Delivery of Programme

The candidate will spend the first six months with a research advisor preparing a comprehensive research proposal. In consultation with the advisor and relevant Head of Department a programme of relevant taught modules and reading seminars is identified at this time for completion within in the first year of registration. The second year of the programme is devoted to research and writing under supervision.

Modes of Assessment

The award of Degree of Masters (Research) is awarded in accordance with the following criteria:
• The thesis should show evidence of independent thought and research and must demonstrate a mastery of their chosen subject.
• The thesis should be 35,000 – 50,000 words in length.
• The candidate should demonstrate an understanding of methodologies appropriate to the chosen field and show adequate knowledge of the literature of the subject and of the work of other scholars in the field.
• The thesis must contain an acceptable amount of original work by the candidate, which is considered by the examiners to be of publishable standard.

Some Previous Research Undertaken in the Programme
• Catechetics and Inculturation - a Kisumu experience
• The Role of Conversion in Coming to Christian Faith
• The History of Salvation: An Examination of the Soteriology of Karl Rahner
• God’s Providence, with Special Reference to the Work of Langdon Gilkey
• Authenticity in the Life and Work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945)

Grants and Tax Relief

This programme is covered by the Higher Education Grants Scheme, and information regarding application procedures, eligibility and related matters may be obtained from the student’s Local Authority (or of the local Education and Library Board for students from Northern Ireland).

This course is eligible for tax relief under Section 473A, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 by the Department of Education and Science.

For further information contact

Dr. Anthony White
Head of School of Postgraduate Studies and Research
Milltown Institute
Milltown Park,Sandford Road, Dublin 6, IRELAND
Telephone: + 353-1-277 6 377  Fax:+ 353-1-269 2528
Email: twhite@milltown-institute.ie