Due to the generous funding of the Peter Coffey Scholarship in philosophy, my doctoral studies at St Patrick’s Pontifical University have surpassed my expectations. For any student interested in studying philosophy or theology abroad in a distinctly Christian atmosphere, St Patrick’s should be at the top of their list.

My time abroad studying in La Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca was one of the most transformative years of my life. Not only did it improve my level of spoken Spanish, I got to experience the University life in one of the oldest universities in the world. Aside from the books I got to soak in the beautiful Spanish culture, visit some of the world's most historic cities, and have made friends for life from my Erasmus experience. 

The minute I heard of the BATh course in St Patrick's, I instantly knew it was for me. I have had my expectations significantly surpassed since I began studying here. Everyone's welcomed with a kind and warm atmosphere that almost feels like a home away from home. I am very content in my decision to choose to spend the next three years here.

When I first heard of this course and seeing the course content, I was excited to pick it as my top choice. I’ve never been happier!

St Patrick’s Pontifical University has much to offer in the academic fields, but it is also filled with welcoming atmosphere. It has never been easier to learn from the best, but also make so many lasting friendships. Anything one needs can be easily found in Maynooth, a special praise should be given to its two packed libraries. Ireland may not have the best weather, but if one gets a break from assignments, it is certainly worth it to travel through its beautiful landscape. 10/10 recommended as an Erasmus destination.

My Erasmus experience at St Patrick's is one of the best academic experiences I have had. The university looks beautiful, and the chapel is stunning which makes studying here even better. The professors are supportive and give you the help you need as an exchange student. The community there is very welcoming and through it I formed deep connections with international peers. My time at SPPU impacted my academic and personal life in the best way possible and I would always choose to go there again if I got the chance.

At St Patrick’s Pontifical University, you never make it to your classroom without having already met a couple of people smiling at you in the hallway. The friendly, caring, welcoming, and thoughtful attitude of both lecturers and students are unique and really make a difference not only in terms of getting settled and feeling at home in the country but also when it comes to the learning atmosphere.

This semester at St Patrick's Pontifical University was a very happy time: excellent academic level, yes, but above all a great human quality, both from the professors and the administrative and cleaning staff. The campus of the University is magical. I will miss Pugin Hall, and its medieval architecture. It was also great to have the possibility to take advantage of other benefits that the University offered, such as the gymnasium

Despite the fact that I didn't understand a word the first few days, I can assure you that being in Erasmus in Maynooth is living a special and extraordinary experience. It's to make beautiful friendships in faith, despite the cultural and linguistic differences, with people from the 4 corners of the world, it's to participate in courses of great depth, it's to blossom in an incredible setting, it's to have every day the opportunity to grow in one's faith, and finally to go back home enriched and grown by a unique experience."

"Looking back, I can say that my stay at St Patrick's Pontifical Univerisity was a very good and important experience for me. I got to know many new friends in Ireland and all over Europe. I was positively surprised at how strong our Erasmus community turned out to be and at the amount of spiritual fatherhood we received from Father John-Paul Sheridan. Regarding the education, I really enjoyed the close and familial relationship between the lecturers and the students."

Going to Salamanca for my Erasmus year proved to be one of the best years of my life. The experience will retain a special place in your heart that will last a lifetime."

My semester at St Patrick's took me on a journey through different philosophical fields and eras and helped me broaden and deepen my knowledge in philosophy.

Throughout my time my years in St Patrick's, I have always been met by such a lovely atmosphere and a community of people always willing to help one another. Whether it's lecturers, other students or even tutors, there is always a friendly smile and encouragement waiting for you. Also, the free tea and biscuits is definitely a bonus.

The ability to study at both St Patrick’s and Maynooth University makes for the best possible experience. My theology lectures and tutorials are small enough to allow me to make connections between both my lecturers and my fellow students. Everyone I have met so far has been kind, approachable and good natured. The lecturers are extremely helpful generous with their students. My Arts subject in Maynooth University is history, and this is in perfect harmony with my study of Theology.

This course really offers the best of both worlds, a wide range of arts subjects to be chosen from allows “wiggle-room” if one isn’t 100% sure on what they would like to study. I believe that St Patrick’s Pontifical University was the right choice for me, and one I am very proud to have made.

Being a BATH student allows you to meet and connect with people from every corner of the globe. I find studying theology rounds you as a person and immerses you into a world you never thought you’d explore. Alongside that in St Patricks you are surrounded by the beauty of the grounds and greenery and always a happy face. Being in such close proximity to Maynooth town, the train station and Dublin are all huge contributing factors as to why studying in SPPU is a great choice for anyone.

My studies have been a fascinating and enriching experience. I thank the staff and my colleagues for the wonderful time we shared together in that journey. I am eternally grateful to my thesis supervisor, Dr Jessie Rogers

My semester at St Patrick's took me on a journey through different philosophical fields and eras and helped me broaden and deepen my knowledge in philosophy.

I love the sense of interconnectedness between students in St Patrick’s Pontifical University. One of my favourite parts of the university is being able to have access to such a beautiful area, with a wealth of academic and technological resources​. The way in which everything is in such close relation to one another from the college, to the town itself, makes attending SPPU even better.

The blended learning model was fantastic. It made the course accessible to me living in the West of Ireland.

I was trying to find a course that would renew my qualifications and something that I would enjoy teaching. I was able to add on Religion with the teaching council as one of my subjects.”

After reviewing all of the options, it soon became clear to me that St. Patrick’s, Maynooth was the best choice.

In the past three years I have had the most fulfilling, exciting and rewarding time of my life.