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Courses

Master of Divinity (MDiv)

On campus

Part time 3 years

This programme is orientated towards the practice of Christian ministry. Students build on the competencies and skills of relevant previous study and experience through a programme focused on the advanced study of the disciplines normally required for Christian ministry.  

This programme aims develop an appreciation of the vocation of Christian ministry, and to equip you to deal with complex theological and pastoral issues, as well as engage in life-long ministerial development. This programme will undergo a review in Summer of 2022.

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Programme Structure and Modules

This programme consists of seven core modules as well as a dissertation/research project. You will study one module per semester over three years, and classes are limited to one day each week. In either semester of your final year, you will write a short dissertation or conduct a short research project on a topic of your choice.

module 1

Reformation Theology: Past, Present & Future
(30 credits)
This module enables students to gain familiarity with the Reformed tradition from its roots in medieval scholasticism to current trends in Reformed theology, via the main developments of the Reformation and Post–Reformation eras. With Book 1 of Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion as a primary text, Reformation Theology: A Systematic Summary (Wheaton, 2017) as a textbook, and lectures by Martyn Cowan on the history of the Reformation as a guide, students undertake written work based on these primary and secondary texts and write a 3,000–word essay in the area.

module 2

New Testament: Synoptic Gospels and Acts
(20 credits)
In this module, students draw on their mastery of core video material and selected additional written resources – by Mark Strauss and others – for close reading of passages from Matthew, Mark and Luke and from Luke’s second volume, Acts, and for engaging with key interpretative issues and actively reflecting on ministry outcomes. Students present a ministry-focussed topic to peers and tutors (10%), write an interpretative essay on a parable of Jesus (40%) and direct their cumulative knowledge of the four texts at selected ministry scenarios in an end-of-module examination (50%). 

module 3 & 4

Westminster Confession of Faith & Presbyterian Polity
(20 credits & 10 credits)
WCF: This module requires students to reflect critically on the text of the Westminster Confession of Faith with an awareness of the historical, theological, and polemical contexts that shaped its development. The assessment elements for this module require students to reflect critically on the text of the confession and draw lines of connection to ministry in contemporary Ireland.

PP: In this accompanying module, students reflect critically on Presbyterian Church polity in its historical, theological and polemical development, exploring some foundational ideas of Reformed church polity in given situations and their application to contemporary Christian ministry in Ireland. Credit is earned via a 3,000-word essay.

module 5

Reformed Catholic Dogmatics
(30 credits)
In this module, students examine the two great foundational doctrines of catholic theology. Students learn to think clearly about the scriptural basis and creedal expression of the doctrines of the Trinity and Christology. Special attention is given to the exegetical basis of the doctrines, the technical philosophical and theological language of the Reformation and Reformed orthodoxy, and the early modern and contemporary contexts in which the doctrines have been confessed. Students demonstrate core knowledge of the Christian doctrinal tradition through Cerego adaptive learning software study sets (10%), four 1,500-word pieces on both primary and secondary texts (40%) and a research essay on the work of a major Reformed theologian (50%).

module 6

New Testament: Pauline Theology
(20 credits)
In this module, the goal is to equip students for principled practical use of Paul’s letters in ministry. Helped by Cerego, students acquire a mastery of core material by Bruce Longenecker and Todd Still on Paul’s life, theology and mission, enriched by selected wider reading. Their knowledge is then applied to exploration of two key Pauline topics, through 1,500-word assignments (25% each). Building on regular hands-on practice in interpreting texts from Paul’s correspondence, students also write a 3,000-word exegetical assignment on a passage from one of Paul’s major letters (50%).

module 7

Old Testament: Prophetic Texts
(20 credits)
In this module, students bring historical, literary and theological perspectives to bear on a selection of texts drawn from various prophetic books, exploring a range of related interpretative issues. For the meaning of each prophetic word, both the presumed historical context of origin and the current literary and canonical context are taken into account. In addition to a seminar presentation on a Minor Prophet (10%), students write a 3,000-word topical essay on either Isaiah or Jeremiah (60%) and sit a short questions class test on the Prophets generally (40%). Throughout the module, active consideration is given to using prophetic texts in ministry today.

module 8

Dissertation OR Research Project
(30 credits)
For their dissertation or research project, students identify an area of Theology or Biblical Studies that they particularly wish to investigate. With support from Faculty, a proposal is drawn up and feedback given on how best to approach the project. Research and writing are then self-directed, with the support of a supervisor.

Programme Fee

Tuition fees are subject to annual revision and are typically increased by approximately 4% per annum for programmes longer than one year. For part–time intermittent study, the schedule for the payment of fees is arranged by the College office.

£6,120 (UK/ROI)

180 CATS points - £34.00 per CATS

Annual Registration - £190

£16,440 (International/EU)

180 CATS points - £91.33 per CATS 

Annual registration - £190

Fee information is subject to change and is for guidance only.

Entry Requirements

Please check you meet all the entry requirements for this programme before you submit an application.

  • Curriculum vitae
  • Sample of academic work
  • Letter of intent
  • Two signed letters of reference in support of your application
  • Academic transcript(s) and a copy (or copies) of degree certificates
  • English language requirement certificate (if applicable)
  • A document to confirm your identity, name and date of birth
  • Application fee

Master of Divinity (MDiv)

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