Baccalaureate in Divinity
The Baccalaureate in Divinity (BD) or the Bachelor of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.) is a Roman Catholic ecclesiastical degree awarded in accordance with the Educational Standards of the Holy See. It ensures a solid knowledge of theology, a foundation in Catholic doctrine, in an ecclesial and ministerial context. The programme prepares learners for ordained ministry, various forms of other pastoral ministry and further academic study.
Undergraduate - Full Time |
3 Years |
| Fees and Funding | |
Application Deadline: |
31st August 2025
For EU & those living on the island of Ireland (Late applications may be considered). |
|
30th April 2025
For non EU |
|
Course Start Date: |
September 2025 |
| Get info | Apply now |
Introduction
The Baccalaureate in Divinity (BD) or the Bachelor of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.) is a Roman Catholic ecclesiastical degree awarded in accordance with the Educational Standards of the Holy See. It ensures a solid knowledge of theology, a foundation in Catholic doctrine, in an ecclesial and ministerial context. The programme prepares learners for ordained ministry, various forms of other pastoral ministry and further academic study.
Description
The Maynooth BD endeavours to give students a dynamic understanding of the Christian mystery in all its richness, through a deep engagement with Christian Theology in the Western Latin (Roman Catholic) tradition, and to foster a reflective and critical understanding of that tradition. This it achieved by the ordered study of the key sub-disciplines of Theology—Scripture, Fundamental and Systematic Theology, Moral and Pastoral Theology, Sacred Liturgy and Ecclesiastical History. The high number of core elements provides a highly structured and coherent degree. Options can be so selected as to enable students to satisfy the academic requirements for candidates for the Catholic priesthood. The size, location, and research interests of the Faculty of Theology in Maynooth ensure both a truly comprehensive, contemporary programme, and a high level of individual support for students.
All students follow a common programme in First Year. Results in the first-year examinations determine a student’s progress at either Honours or General level.
Fees
Career Outcomes
Fluent in the Catholic intellectual tradition: Having gained an extensive knowledge of the Christian tradition, the graduate can critically engage with theological ideas and insights; dialogue in a credible way within contemporary society; and confidently engage with issues of faith in pastoral situations and in the public square.
Open: Responsive, adaptable and committed to independent lifelong learning and ongoing formation in discipleship, the graduate is attentive to the complexity of the world and the demands of ministry, and willing to engage with diversity.
Integrated: Recognising that everything in the world is interrelated and having appropriated key convictions across the theological disciplines, the self-reflective graduate integrates this intellectual formation with personal and ministerial experiences, and with ongoing human and spiritual growth.
Socially engaged: Committed to the promotion of peace, justice, and the common good, the graduate is critically, pastorally and collaboratively engaged in society and Church as a responsible citizen and minister, in an informed, Christian and intelligent way.
Course Structure
BD Students are required to choose one Biblical Language in Year 1
BD Students are required to choose one Biblical Language in Year 2
Students in Year III of the BD programme are required to take electives to the value of 7.5 credits from the following courses in order to attain the required 60 credits for the year. Please note the Liturgical Irish (EL239) takes place during the second semester and and Lord of the Rings (EL 230) takes place in second semester reading week (25th to 28th March).
A student may also take one of the following Biblical and Theological Language courses as an Elective and Special Course, with the permission of the Registrar in consultation with the Department of Sacred Scripture.
Application Requirements
(Code - MU100)
- In order to register for courses leading to the Degree of Baccalaureate in Divinity (BD), a student:
- shall have completed a secondary school course and obtained a certificate required for admission to an Irish civil university or what in the judgement of the Faculty is its equivalent;
- shall present a testimonial that he/she has successfully completed a two-year course ib Philosophy;
- shall be competent in Latin.
2. Students who do not qualify under 1 (a) may be considered for admission by the Faculty:
- if they are of mature age, i.e. if they have reached the age of 23 on or before 1 January of the year of entry into the First Divinity Class;
or
- if they present a testimonial of particular merit from an appropriate institute of Third Level education, the testimonial to contain full details regarding subjects studied, approximate number of lectures, and level of achievement in each subject.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Candidates who are seminarians with recognised Catholic seminaries or religious congregations are asked to fill out the following form.
Baccalaureate in Divinity Application Form (Seminarian).
A complete form with transcripts of previous academic awards, especially in philosophy, must be sent to registry@spcm.ie as soon as possible.
Students holding a Diploma/Higher in Theology or equivalent may be admitted to the BD programme in Add-On mode, both honours and general.Course Content will be based on the syllabus for the BD programme and will be decided in advance on an individual basis by the Course Director in consultation with the Dean and the Registrar. The minimum duration of these programmes will be one academic year, and must be full-time.
Permission to extend the duration of studies must be sought expressly from the Faculty of Theology. Assessment will be by examination and coursework.
If you live outside Ireland, check out our dedicated area for international students.
Let’s talk
For Undergraduate queries: email admissions@spcm.ie.
For Postgraduate queries: email pgadmissions@spcm.ie.
For The Centre for Mission & Ministries queries, email: cmmadmissions@spcm.ie.