UG Prospectus 2025

172 WhyDCU? − Learnwith a dedicated teamof highly qualified, committed lecturers with strong research expertise − Study in a School of Theology, Philosophy andMusic that is international and interdisciplinary − Be part of an age-friendly university which values the contribution of mature students, see dcu.ie/agefriendly.ie − Develop transferable skills, including oral andwritten communication skills, research skills and the ability to think critically and analytically − Expand your knowledge and skills to pursue an interesting career, whether in community and social justice work, pastoral ministry, teaching or a broad range of other areas About You Are you curious about investigating the significance of religion in a complex world? Do youwish to find out more about the origins and development of the Christian faith? Are you interested in learningmore about other religious traditions such as Judaismand Islam? Do youwant to explore theHebrewandChristian Scriptures? Are you interested in intercultural and interreligious dialogue? Or are you involved in any of the following areas, andwould like to understand themmore deeply: pastoral and community work; adult religious education or parish catechesis; youth and young adult ministry; biblical studies; social justice groups; ecumenical projects; inter-faith dialogue; parish councils; school governance and leadership? What is the role of religion and faith in theworld today? What is right andwrong, and how can we know? How canwe formwelcoming, just and sustainable communities? How canwemake sense of suffering and failure? Howdowe read ancient sacred texts in the twenty-first century? Additional Requirements Youmust be aged 23 or over on 1 January in the year of application. As part of the application process, your relevant life/ work experience and previous studies undertaken, and your interest in studying theology and religion, will be reviewed to determine your eligibility for the course. Understanding: Theology andReligious Studies in theContext of Lifelong Education Theology and Religious Studies help us explore such questions in a reflective and systematic way. This course studies the philosophical and religious traditions that have helped to shape our culture and history in Ireland, and exposes students to the global diversity of the academic study of religion in the contemporary world. It offers in-depth investigation of Christianity and other religious traditions, emphasises the importance of ecumenical and interfaith study, and engages with the pluralistic and secular culture of theWest. This course is intended for people froma broad range of backgrounds, – whether from faith communities or of secular conviction – whowish to study theology and religion for personal enrichment, for continuing professional development or with a view to beingmore active in their local community. The course also serves as a qualification if youwish to pursue postgraduate study or research in theology and religious studies. By the end of this unique course, youwill have learned how to appreciate and critique the intellectual foundations of the academic study of religion, and have developed new insights into cultural and religious diversity. Youwill have engaged in a dialogue between contemporary ethical issues and a range of classical and contemporary texts and thinkers. You will also have hadmany opportunities to acquire key transferable skills, such as assimilating new knowledge; the close analysis of ancient andmodern texts; research andwriting skills; time management; and teamwork skills. Course Structure This unique course is available on Thursday evenings from6.00 pm to 9.30 pmand on 4 Saturdays throughout the academic year. With close attention to particular religious traditions, intercultural dialogue and interreligious encounter, youwill engage with the sources, beliefs and practices which have shapedChristianity and other religious traditions. Youwill make guided use of primary and secondary documentation, adult learning styles and associated learningmethodologies. Youwill learn how to critically engage with and evaluate a range of theological and religious viewpoints. Building on theological and ethical foundations, respectfully and in solidarity with others, youwill learn how to contribute to personal and social transformation. Each year, modules drawn from theology, biblical studies, religious studies, philosophy, ethics, and ancient languages will be offered for study. In your final year of study, youwill have the opportunity for individual guided research, working on a topic of your choicewith a supervisor on a research paper of 6,000words. Youwill be expected to complete the course in 4 to 5 years. Eachmodule is worth 7.5 ECTS credits. Youmay exit the coursewith aCertificate (after successfully completing 8modules), aDiploma (after successfully completing 16modules), or the BADegree (after successfully completing 24modules). The course follows a 5 year cycle, with students entering the course in any of the years of the cycle. Normally a student will study between 5 and 6modules per year. BA in Theology and Religious Studies Enduring questions, global issues, big ideas