Theology

A candidate undertaking the PhD in Theology delineates and investigates a question, a question that fascinates the candidate and captures their imagination. This programme of study can be undertaken on either a full-time or part-time basis.

Admission Requirements A Master’s Degree in Theology of at least Second Class Honours Grade I or its equivalent. The Faculty of Theology may also accept applicants whom it deems to have achieved an equivalent standard. A competence in theological language(s) is a qualifying requirement Doctoral candidates entering the Faculty of Theology shall be required to sit a qualifying examination in at least two of the following: Hebrew, Greek, or Latin. Syllabi for these examinations here: Greek, Latin, Hebrew Grammar/Hebrew Vocabulary. Qualifying examinations will take place during orientation week, which takes place the week before lectures begin. Latin qualifying examination will take place on the Monday of orientation week. Greek qualifying examination will take place on the Friday of orientation week. Candidates who do not pass the above qualifying examination, are required to attend and pass qualifying courses in at least two of the following: Hebrew, Greek, or Latin. In certain circumstances an advanced course in one language may be accepted in lieu of a second. Candidates who have successfully completed a one-year full-time University course in Hebrew, Latin or Greek are exempt, as are candidates who have successfully completed theological language courses in the Pontifical University. The language(s) requirement is merely qualifying and does not form part of the final assessment. Candidates must have or must acquire a good reading knowledge of one modern continental European language. Candidates whose first language is not English will be required to satisfy the English Language Requirements. Postgraduate Degree candidates will normally be expected to register year by year on a continuous basis until they have completed their degree. Candidates wishing to suspend registration may do so only on the express permission of the Faculty. Upon registration, PhD candidates will be assigned a staff mentor to assist them in their choice of courses and thesis director. Progress at doctoral level demands a significant investment of time by the candidate in personal study and research. As such, study and research requires access both to resources that are frequently only available in research libraries, as well as easy access to the candidate’s director or mentor, it is strongly recommended that doctoral candidates, especially at the beginning of their studies, spend at least three days per week on the Maynooth campus, during the semester.