Doctorate in Divinity
The STD (DD) is a canonical doctorate in Theology. In contrast to the PhD in Theology, the DD demands that candidates develop the deep theological synthesis necessary for the teaching of theology in Catholic seminaries and centres of formation.
Home / Courses / Doctoral-degree-in-theology-phd / Doctoral-degree-in-divinity-dd

Postgraduate - Full Time |
3 Years |
Fees and Funding | |
Application Deadline: |
30th June 2025
For EU & those living on the island of Ireland (Late applications may be considered). |
31st May 2025
For non EU |
|
Course Start Date: |
September 2025 |
Get info | Apply now |
Introduction
The STD (DD) is a canonical doctorate in Theology. In contrast to the PhD in Theology, the DD demands that candidates develop the deep theological synthesis necessary for the teaching of theology in Catholic seminaries and centres of formation.
Description
Non-EU students should contact pgadmissions@spcm.ie for guidance on their application.
Like the PhD in Theology, the DD is completed under the supervision of a member of the Faculty of Theology who guides the candidate to delineate and investigate a research question in a way that permits her or him to acquire an overarching mastery and competence in their chosen theological discipline, write a dissertation thereon, and thus contribute to the development of theological understanding.
Currently the DD may be undertaken in Fundamental Theology, Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, Sacred Liturgy, and Sacred Scripture.
Duration: A Doctoral Foundation Year, generally followed by 3 years full time research and writing.
Admissions requirements: Licentiate in any theological discipline (STL, SSL, LCL, SLL) with a 2:1 (magna cum laude) award or what in the judgement of the Faculty is regarded as an equivalent standard of theological study.
A basic knowledge of Greek and Hebrew is required, and an appropriate knowledge of two modern languages.
Career Outcomes
On completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:
- demonstrate that they are endowed with a systematic understanding in the domain of theological studies they have chosen [Veritatis Gaudium, art. 74.];
- develop the full capability to use the specialist knowledge they have acquired to devise, design, and implement original research projects, in order to contribute to the progress of theological knowledge [Veritatis Gaudium, art. 49, § 1];
- developed both analysis and synthesis capabilities to evaluate complex theological research questions, that are determined by a variety of interrelated factors;
- systematically convey the knowledge they have acquired through teaching at academic level [Veritatis Gaudium, art. 50, § 1];
- acquire the intellectual skills and the specific human and relational abilities to fulfil special ecclesiastical posts [Veritatis Gaudium, art. 50, § 2];
- communicate with academic and professional experts, in the various domains, in order to contribute to human civilization through the evangelizing mission of the Church [Veritatis Gaudium, art. 3, § 1. Cf Giovanni Paolo II, «Proemio», Cost. Apostol. Sapientia Christiana, I, II.
Course Structure
The public examination—termed the Doctoral Defence—shall be held in accordance with the code of practice for viva voce examinations in the Pontifical University (see following pages), and comprise the following elements:
- A lecture, of 30 minutes duration, by the candidate on the topic, arguments and conclusions of the dissertation
- A defence of the dissertation for an hour against objections.
- An examination, of 30 minutes duration, on nine propositions chosen by the candidate and approved by the Council of the Faculty. Three propositions will be chosen from each subject area, Systematic Theology, Moral Theology and Sacred Scripture.
- At the end of the Defence, the Faculty shall vote firstly on whether the degree of doctor is to be awarded and secondly on what mark shall be given. Separate marks are given for the dissertation and the propositions; the minimum mark is 65%. The marks are counted, and an aggregate mark is awarded. This is not communicated to the candidate. The number of examiners from the Faculty at the examination shall be at least five
Before the Doctorate in Divinity can be conferred, the dissertation, or at least a substantial part thereof, must be published. Publication may take any of the following forms:
- Appearance as a book, or as an article in a recognised theological journal.
- Circulation of copies of the dissertation, or of a major excerpt, in printed form, or electronically, to the main ecclesiastical Faculties of Theology.
- Deposition of a copy of the dissertation in the John Paul II Library at St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth, together with notification of the fact through appropriate means of inter-library exchange.
Application Requirements
(Code - MU504)
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.
In order to register for courses leading to the Doctoral Degree in Divinity (DD/STD), a candidate must hold at least a Licentiate in Divinity (STL) second class honours, Grade I (magna cum laude) or what, in the judgement of the Faculty, is regarded as an equivalent standard of theological study.
- A basic knowledge of Greek and Hebrew is required, and an appropriate knowledge of two modern languages.
- Doctoral candidates entering the Faculty of Theology shall be required to sit a qualifying examination in at least two of the following: Hebrew, Greek, or Latin. Syllabi for these examinations here: Greek, Latin, Hebrew Grammar/Hebrew Vocabulary.
Qualifying examinations will take place during orientation week,
- Latin qualifying examination will take place on the Monday of orientation week.
- Greek qualifying examination will take place on the Friday of orientation week.
- Candidates who do not pass the above qualifying examination, are required to attend and pass qualifying courses in at least two of the following: Hebrew, Greek, or Latin. In certain circumstances an advanced course in one language may be accepted in lieu of a second.
- Candidates who have successfully completed a one-year full-time University course in Hebrew, Latin or Greek are exempt, as are candidates who have successfully completed theological language courses in the Pontifical University.
- The language(s) requirement is merely qualifying and does not form part of the final assessment.
Candidates whose first language is not English will be required to satisfy the English language requirements
Candidates must successfully complete the Postgraduate Induction Week.

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.