Professional Programmes - Full Time |
1 Year |
| Fees and Funding | |
Application Deadline: |
30th April 2025
For EU & those living on the island of Ireland (Late applications may be considered). |
|
01st March 2025
For non EU |
|
Course Start Date: |
September 2025 |
| Get info | Apply now |
Introduction
This is a level 7, introductory programme for someone preparing for ministry leadership in the Church.
Description
The Diploma in Pastoral Theology (Parish/Community-Based) programme offers initial formation for ministry leadership in the Church. It prepares learners to minister effectively in a peer relationship with other pastoral ministers and for exercising the responsibilities of ministry, especially leadership in public prayer, pastoral care and spiritual accompaniment, and building and strengthening community. This includes acquiring specialised skills to teach in diverse settings, provide effective catechetical and faith formation, and exercise responsible stewardship of parish personnel and resources. This level allows learners to develop a specialised knowledge of theological principles as these relate to ministry practice.
The programme further prepares learners to:
- be reflective in their future ministry practice;
- express an internalised personal worldview, achieving self-awareness as this relates to pastoral ministry; x interact effectively in a peer-support group setting;
- identify and analyse different ministerial approaches and pastoral responses;
- exercise appropriate ministry practice in a variety of contexts.
This Diploma follows the same academic and placement schedules as the Higher Diploma in Pastoral Theology, and is awarded on the successful completion of one year’s full-time or two year’s part-time engagement.
Programme Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this programme, learners will be able to:
1) minister and offer pastoral care to persons and groups in various life and crisis situations as an experienced and skilled minister within one’s strengths, limitations, and competencies
2) work collaboratively with professional colleagues and exercise leadership as servants within church and society
3) reflect critically and theologically on the experience of Christian life and on pastoral care, mission, and ministry
4) explore how to further the mission of God in contemporary society and plan for the development of ministry in specific pastoral contexts
5) recognise and identify the connection between their academic study for, and practice of, ministry and relate biblical texts and ecclesial documents to human experience and to wider cultural, social, and religious contexts
6) engage in self-reflective practice, with capacity for self-understanding, as person and minister; recognise the attitudes, values, assumptions that influence ministry, and understand how ministerial approaches affect others.
Career Outcomes
Pastoral Work
Chaplaincy
Catechesis & Faith Development
Sacramental Preparation Coordination
Course Structure
Application Requirements
Admission Requirements
DIPLOMA IN PASTORAL THEOLOGY
Candidates who have experience in parish-based or other pastoral ministry but do not hold a primary degree may be considered for entry.
They may be required to take courses in theology to qualify for admission.
(Code - MU519)
If you have any queries please contact admissions@spcm.ie.
PLEASE NOTE: Application forms must be completed in full, and all documentation must be provided BEFORE an application can be considered. Applicants will not be called for interview if an application is incomplete.
Candidates whose first language is not English will be required to satisfy the English language requirement.
Successful individual and group interviews are an essential part of the selection process.
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.