Master’s in Theology (Bible and Spirituality)
As Scripture, the Bible is a collection of writings that reflects the dynamic experiences of ancient Israel and of the early Christian Church, and which continues to nourish and make sense of people’s lives. This Masters has a two-fold focus: biblical interpretation and biblical spirituality. For the latter, it explores both spiritualities within the Bible and spiritualities shaped by engagement with the Bible. The programme approaches biblical spirituality from the perspectives of biblical studies, Christian spirituality and liturgy, understands spirituality incarnationally as communal and personal expressions of lived faith, and includes a strong practical dimension. The programme equips learners to employ a range of methods in biblical interpretation, with a strong focus on literary and narrative approaches. It aims to form learners as competent theologians and to situate the study of sacred scripture within the broader theological enterprise.
Postgraduate - Part Time |
2 Years |
| Fees and Funding | |
Application Deadline: |
30th June 2025
For EU & those living on the island of Ireland (Late applications may be considered). |
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31st May 2025
For non EU |
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Course Start Date: |
September 2025 |
| Get info | Apply now |
Introduction
As Scripture, the Bible is a collection of writings that reflects the dynamic experiences of ancient Israel and of the early Christian Church, and which continues to nourish and make sense of people’s lives. This Masters has a two-fold focus: biblical interpretation and biblical spirituality. For the latter, it explores both spiritualities within the Bible and spiritualities shaped by engagement with the Bible. The programme approaches biblical spirituality from the perspectives of biblical studies, Christian spirituality and liturgy, understands spirituality incarnationally as communal and personal expressions of lived faith, and includes a strong practical dimension. The programme equips learners to employ a range of methods in biblical interpretation, with a strong focus on literary and narrative approaches. It aims to form learners as competent theologians and to situate the study of sacred scripture within the broader theological enterprise.
Description
Non-EU students should contact pgadmissions@spcm.ie for guidance on their application.
Programme Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the MTh in Bible and Spirituality, learners will be able to:
1. Demonstrate procifiency in employing the methods and theoretical frameworks of biblical studies.
2. Engage critically with sources and methods in the academic study of spirituality.
3. Apply a range of hermeneutical methods to interpret biblical texts.
4. Identify various spiritualities implicit in the biblical canon and critically evaluate the potential for their actualisation today.
5. Communicate complex ideas effectively, orally and in writing, to diverse audiences including academic and faith communities.
6. Make a constructive contribution to the study of how the biblical canon functions as Scripture.
7. Contextualise the study of the biblical canon and of spirituality within the broader theological landscape, critically analysing its intersections with current trends in theology.
Duration: 2 years, part-time
Lectures: Wednesdays
Fees
See the fees page for more details
Timetable
The course consists of six taught modules (10 credits each) delivered over two years, and the submission of a thesis of 15,000 words. Modules will be delivered on Wednesdays, with some blended learning (online and a week on campus ). Assessment of modules is predominantly by essay (c. 3 500 to 7,000 words).
In addition to the following programme of study, candidates must successfully complete the Postgraduate Induction Week.
Taught Modules
Participants take six modules, two modules per semester in semesters 1 and 2, and 2 modules in year 2. Modules are divided into three groups: A. Interdisciplinary; B. Biblical Studies; C. Spirituality. Participants select two modules from each group.
NOTE: Only some modules are offered in a given year.
Group A. Interdisciplinary | Group B. Biblical Studies | Group C. Spirituality |
PG09302 The History of Christian Thought | PG09467 Exploring Ways of Reading Genesis | PG09483 Scripture and the Spirituality of Childhood |
PG09709. Theology and Renewal in the 20th Century Century | PG09477 Come and See: John and Method | PG09486 Word and Lection |
PG09710 Re-imagining the Human | PG09481 Liberation and Law: Approaches to Exodus | PG09658 Pathways in Biblical Spirituality |
| PG09495 Exploring Biblical Narratives | PG09724 Synodality: Scriptural and Spirituality Perspectives |
| PG09496 The David Story |
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Minor Dissertation (15,000 words)
The dissertation is to be written under the direction of a member of the Faculty of Theology, and submitted by candidates in their second year by 3.00pm on the last Friday in July, in Year 2. A grace period of two weeks will apply.
Note: progression to the PhD from this programme requires the successful completion of a doctoral qualifying year, the parameters of which are established by the Faculty of Theology.
Career Outcomes
Possible career routes include:
• Second Level teaching (following the successful completion of the undergraduate degree in Theology followed by the Professional Master of Education (PME))
• Journalism.
• Parish Pastoral work, Retreat work, Parish catechesis
• Public/Private Sectors
• School/ Hospital Chaplaincy (For professional qualifications in chaplaincy additional courses are also a requirement).
Course Structure
The course runs over a two-year cycle and consists of six taught modules delivered over three semesters, two modules per semester in semesters 1 and 2, two modules in year 2, and a minor dissertation of 15,000 words to be submitted at the end of year 2. Classes will be held on Wednesdays.
Those in year 2 take Word and Lection. Students in year 1 take Word and Lection and one other module.
Application Requirements
(Code - MU513)
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.
Admission Requirements
The minimum entry requirement is a primary degree in which Theology comprises at least an equal joint honours component. Candidates should have obtained at least Second Class Honours, Grade I overall, and Second Class Honours, Grade I in Theology. An interview will be part of the selection procedure.The Faculty of Theology may also accept applicants whom it deems to have achieved an equivalent standard. Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to satisfy the English language requirements.
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.