Theology and Religious Studies

The continuing decline in church attendances in Ireland and abroad is not having the effect on theology and religious studies that some might think. Academic interest in all things spiritual has never been stronger according to Doctor Eamonn Conway, Head of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies in Limerick’s Mary Immaculate College.

’I think that paradoxically, the interest in theology as an academic discipline is thriving at a time of relative decline in church attendance – for example, we have an adult education programme going now with four outreach centres to keep up with the demand. The interest in, and the willingness and desire to inquire into the phenomenon of religion has not waned.’

Dr Conway feels that although adherence to organised religion may be falling, the post-religious society that many have predicted is a long way from becoming a reality. Europe may even be entering an age of resurgence in religious interest.

‘People talk about European society now being post secular, and that’s a very interesting concept. Clearly, you look at the US and it’s not secularised; I think post 9-11 we realise that religion is not going away, but our relationship with it is changing,’ says Dr Conway. ‘What we’re finding is that religion is in some instances becoming de-traditionalised as culture and society are being de-traditionalised. What we’re seeing is a transformation rather than a disappearance in terms of people’s interest and relationship to religion.’

The fervent academic interest in all things spiritual is reflected by the fact that out of all the postgraduate options listed in this guide, theology and religious studies probably have the highest quotient of students enrolling for the purposes of personal interest rather than for strictly developing a career. And the openness of Mary Immaculate’s postgraduate programmes to people of many different backgrounds encourages this emphasis on intellectual and spiritual inquiry rather than advancement in a specific career.

Whether it’s an MA or Graduate Diploma in Theology & Religious Studies, or an MA in Liturgical Studies, Biblical Studies or Christian Spirituality, according to Dr Conway: ‘The great thing about theology is that it is a highly interdisciplinary subject – a background in a number of methodologies can be relevant. Sociology, philosophy, literature; we really look at applicants on a case-by-case basis. Somebody may have a degree in science even, but may have done a diploma or certificate in theology, and we would certainly take that into account as well.’

The Pontifical University of Maynooth (or St Patrick’s College), which has been involved in religious education for over two centuries, also allows, by way of diploma courses, graduates of other disciplines to enrol in postgraduate education. The Postgraduate Diploma in Christian Communication and Development is a unique course that is facilitated by media professionals. Students are equipped with a theoretical and technical understanding of the mass media, knowledge of the media’s role in international development and an awareness of the Church/media relationship.

The Higher Diploma in Theological Studies is a one-year part time programme that incorporates the following core modules: Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, Sacred Scripture and Foundations of Worship, and a selection of three from the following six fascinating elective subjects: Foundations in Religious Education; Jerusalem through the Eyes of a Fourth Century Pilgrim; The Catholic Church in Ireland 1795-1922; Introduction to Islam; Canon Law & the Running of the Church; and Spirituality, Theology and Daily Life.  Students who earn a first class honours in the course may progress to the MA programme, and as a standalone qualification the Postgraduate Diploma entitles teachers to provide up to 15 hours' religious education per week in a voluntary secondary school.

Religious education is an important strand of postgraduate programmes within theology and religious studies. The Milltown Institute in Dublin provides an interesting option in the form of the one-year full time Higher Diploma in Adult Religious Education. The course presents an overview of a range of theories and approaches to adult religious education, helps students to develop their own philosophy of adult education and enables them to design, plan and asses their own class programmes. The HDip also includes a supervised work placement whereby students plan and teach two courses in a context of their own choosing.

The Mater Dei Institute of Education, a college of DCU, provides a range of interesting postgraduate programmes within religious education. Besides standard courses in primary and post primary religious education, other options include Adult Religious Education, Ethics for Professionals and the MA in Contemporary School Leadership, which is suitable for those situated in positions of leadership in education, such as principals, deputy principals and chairpersons of boards of management.  The course seeks to highlight the role of the school in contributing to full human development, incorporating the whole range of religious, moral, spiritual, social and personal aspects that such an approach entails.

All Hallows College in Dublin is home to a number of MA programmes that provide graduates with the skills to promote fairness and equality in their workplace and society in general. Leadership and Pastoral Care caters for lay and seminarian students who are working in care-giving or leadership roles. Student’s professional skills are developed in an interdisciplinary and holistic style through working on spiritual, psychological, educational and managerial techniques. This course is suitable for chaplaincy and community development work among other professions.

All Hallows’ MA in Management: Community and Voluntary Services provides middle managers with the opportunity to learn best practice in a range of areas in the voluntary sector, from public relations and HR management, to policy design & analysis and spirituality in the workplace. While the MA in Social Justice & Public Policy helps professionals in the areas of public policy development, social exclusion, poverty, discrimination, etc. to develop their professional skills.