Theology & Religious Studies

If you are interested in architecture, music, literature, or the world of painting you will find that some of humanity’s most magnificent achievements are immediately linked to religion. If you are interested in ethical issues, such as in the field of genetic engineering and bio-ethics, you will find that theologians have an interesting contribution to make. What should we think about stem-cell research? Is it wrong to clone human beings, and if so, why?

Theology is perhaps one of the most exciting subjects one can study in the Arts programme. The study of theology and religion entails an intellectual exploration of the belief systems that have played a vital role in the shaping of our world throughout the centuries. Human beings are in search of meaning, and an engagement with theology allows students to examine critically some of the most profound answers given to the most fundamental questions about life. There is hardly any significant aspect of life or society that has not been affected by religion, for better or worse, and this alone already justifies a study of religion. There are so many different exciting aspects to theology and the study of religion that it is difficult to think of another subject that covers such a diverse range of topics and ideas.

Whether you are interested in the study of different cultures, history, art, ethics, spirituality and mysticism, you will find something that appeals to you in the curriculum of our Department. In the last few years, the number of students taking this subject has grown dramatically, in part due to the realisation that religious belief must be re-examined and re-imagined if it is to be influential in shaping the new Ireland. Religious Education is now offered as a subject for State Examination in many schools, especially those which are faith-based, and increasingly there is a demand for those who are qualified to teach it.

The Department of Theology & Religious Studies offers a wide-ranging perspective on the phenomenon of religion, and Christianity in particular. It does so by drawing on a great number of sub-disciplines, such as philosophy, history, literary criticism, sociology, the study of art, and so forth. Theology & Religious Studies at MIC covers a wide range of topics including world religions, the world of the Bible, Christology, moral theology and critical issues in modern religion.

Theology & Religious Studies graduates find work in a wide range of careers, including:

• Teaching (Professional Master of Education required)
• Further/Higher education
• Law
• Social Care
• Pastoral and Chaplaincy work
• Community work
• Development work
• Voluntary/Charity management and co-ordination
• Guidance and counselling
• Youth work

• MA/PhD Research
• M Ed in Religious Education
• MA in Christian Leadership in Education