The Student Experience

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Because Students Matter

Students at St Patrick’s Pontifical University have the best of both worlds. On one hand, they have the attention of a small learning College and, on the other, they have all the resources and excitement of a large university. We support and challenge our students to achieve their potential. Our graduates develop a set of skills necessary to succeed in the world.

The wisdom you acquire during your time with us equips you to experience the true fulfilment that serving others can bring

Students at St Patrick’s Pontifical University will be intellectually challenged while being well supported. On graduation our students are admired for their confidence and ability to think critically, to tease out important matters, to reason and debate in a thoughtful, intelligent, and authentic manner. If you are seeking a third level education that places an emphasis on this stimulating approach to broadening your mind and self-development more so than cramming in facts, then you should consider St Patrick’s Pontifical University

An engaging learning environment in a historic campus

St Patrick’s Pontifical University is a wonderful place to study for so many reasons. Our campus is steeped in tradition but with state-of-the-art facilities. We are located in the centre of Maynooth, Ireland’s only university town. Because we share a campus and facilities with Maynooth University, our students are ‘dual citizens’ meaning you can enjoy the buzz of a large campus while reaping the advantages of smaller class sizes. Maynooth offers an alternative to the busyness of larger cities but with excellent transport links by road, rail and bus, Dublin is only 30 minutes away.

Small class sizes and friendly lecturers giving individual attention

Making the transition to third level can often be daunting. Leaving behind structures and friendships built up in school to start again in an unfamiliar environment with new people. At St Patrick’s Pontifical University, our class sizes are small. Our students tell us this is a great benefit as they quickly get to know their lecturers and form new friendships with their new classmates. Smaller class sizes also allow room for more individual attention and deeper exploration of topics in the class. Our lecturers are interested in your success and are truly engaged as part of your overall learning experience. Consequently, our students become part of a learning community and start on a journey leading to lifelong friendships.

You will graduate as a well‑grounded, confident individual ready to tackle a variety of careers

Studying at St Patrick’s Pontifical University, you will be encouraged to engage critically, so that you can form your own ideas and conclusions. You will become more skilled at expressing yourself and gain the confidence to communicate powerfully and eloquently. You will graduate as a confident, informed, and well-grounded person, capable of making real change in your own life and in wider society.

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.

Niall Carey Theology & Arts student from Meath

My time in St Patrick’s has helped to mould the person I am today. With classmates and staff from every corner of the globe I became more aware of the world around me. I've learned invaluable skills from my time at St Patrick's, skills I will use in every aspect of my life in the future. SPPU aims to prepare their students for whatever situation they find themselves in after their studies.

Jack Yore Theology & Arts student from Monaghan

As I hope to have a career with An Garda Síochána, the BATh was the perfect degree to choose. In first year, I studied criminology and Irish alongside theology, then majoring in Irish and theology. I think this degree will really aid me in my future career as not only does theology teach you about varying faiths, and beliefs. It also teaches you morality, and ethics, why people think what they do and how to appreciate that.

Eimear Faulkner Theology & Arts student from Drogheda

Not only do you have the chance to get a great education in St Patrick’s, you also can become involved in student life. There is a great support network for student representatives, so it is easy to take part while also keeping up with your studies. I was able to set up and sit on the Students Representatives Council, and also become a student ambassador.​ This gave me the chance to help out on student issues and arrange college events.

Jessica Lennon Theology & Arts student from Offaly

Every day there are events going on. A great benefit about St Patrick's Pontifical University is that if you want an event to happen just ask, and the staff or fellow students will always try to facilitate it. There are many clubs and societies to join, this allows you to meet so many new people.

Luka Pranciliauskas Theology & Arts student from Wexford

Being a BATh student allowed me to study Irish, which is an essential subject for Primary Teaching in Ireland, along with Theology. I am very grateful for this course as I wasn’t able to achieve the high points needed for a degree in education. Looking back, I believe this degree has in fact served me better as I am gaining a more in-depth knowledge into both Irish and Theology, before embarking on my Professional master’s in education

Aoife Ryan Theology & Arts student from Westmeath

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

Terry Judge

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

Michael Ormonde

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.