Doctorate in Theology - Pontifical
(By Research & Thesis)

Awarding Body:   Ecclisiastical Faculty (Milltown Institute)
Duration:               2–6 years

Aims of Programme
The Pontifical Doctorate in Theology degree is open to those who have completed the second cycle of theological studies and have been awarded a Licentiate in Theology with a Second Class Honours grade.  The Doctorate  testifies that the holder has achieved scholarly status in a specialised field, having made a public contribution to the progress of knowledge.

Duration
The doctorate may not be normally awarded until at least three 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 Theology, Pastoral Ministry, Spirituality, Mission Theology, Faith and Culture.

Access, Transfer and Progression Routes
Applicants for this programme will have successfully completed post-graduate studies for a Licentiate degree in Theology. They must have a working knowledge of English appropriate to advanced research and writing and they shall also have or acquire the appropriate information technology skills necessary for research and writing. Candidates shall normally have the ability to read an author who is the theme of the thesis in that author’s original language. They shall have or acquire a reading knowledge of French or German or Italian or Spanish and, possibly, of other languages depending on their particular field of study. Candidates for whom English is not a first language should be able to produce certification indicating that their proficiency is at IELTS Level 7 (or equivilent).

Mode of Delivery of Programme
This programme comprises two constitutive elements: prescribed coursework and a thesis of between 250 and 500 pages excluding bibliographies and index. The assigned coursework includes a methodology component, participation in a Postgraduate Research Colloquium, and at least three other postgraduate courses, two of which shall be in the area of specialisation. The degree is awarded without further classification.

Modes of Assessment
The dissertation should:
• constitute a contribution to knowledge
• show the candidate’s familiarity with the most recent and best methods and techniques of research in the subject and also ability to apply them
• demonstrate knowledge of the contributions of previous researchers in regard to the subject of the dissertation
• demonstrate maturity, based on advanced graduate study, in classifying and analysing data and discovering and formulating the broader and more generic aspects of such data
• give evidence of the ability of the candidate in independent and constructive interpretation of the data gathered
• give evidence of balance, objective and critical judgement.

Some Previous Research Undertaken
• Towards the Functioning of a Contemporary Theodicy : “Relatiocentric” Response to Kenneth Surin
• Seeing the Face of God: A Thematic Exploration of the Vision of God in the Spirituality of St Augustine
• Does God Change? The Immutability of God in the Theology of Hans Urs Von Balthasar
• Towards a Theology of Art - Images of Transcendence in Modern Irish Painting

For further information contact

Dr. Tom Whelan
Dean of Theology
Milltown Institute
Milltown Park
Sandford Road
Dublin 6
Ireland

Telephone: + 353-1-277 6376
Fax: + 353-1-269 2528
Email: twhelan@milltown-institute.ie