Overview
This programme is situated within a diverse, secular and interdisciplinary university context, emphasising comparative and dialogical approaches.
While the programme provides a solid foundation in the Christian traditions, encompassing both Catholic and Protestant perspectives, it goes further by fostering dialogue with other religious traditions and diverse fields of study. Students engage with Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and more.
The programme includes modules on comparative theology, literature and religion, Christian-Buddhist dialogue and the study of sacred texts across various religious traditions, including the Bible, Qur'an, and the Sutras.
The MA in Theology and World Religions is taught by faculty with internationally recognised expertise in research and teaching. It is open to students from diverse religious and secular backgrounds, including those with experience in religious and faith communities, humanities backgrounds, and education sectors.
Upon completion of the programme, students will gain significant cultural, political, historical and ethical insights, along with essential skills for critical thinking, interdisciplinary research, and reasoning. This prepares graduates for an increasingly interconnected and globalised world where understanding and dialogue among different religious and cultural traditions are essential.
DCU People
I undertook the MA in Theology and World Religions at Dublin City University during the 2018 academic year following retirement from a career as both a mental health nurse manager and aca
Read more about Pádraig Bennett
Careers & Further Options
Careers
The MA in Theology and World Religions programme offers flexibility for students with various career aspirations. Whether you aim to advance to doctoral research, pursue a career rooted in theology or engage in lifelong learning, this course can accommodate your goals.
Potential career paths that graduates of this programme may consider include:
- Religious Educator: With a deep understanding of theology and world religions, you can pursue a career in religious education, either within academic institutions or faith-based organisations.
- Social Worker: Theological and ethical insights can be valuable in the field of social work, helping you address complex social issues with a strong ethical foundation.
- Charity Officer: With a strong background in ethics and theology, you may find fulfilling roles in charitable organisations, focusing on the ethical aspects of philanthropy and community support.
- Pastoral Worker: If you are interested in providing spiritual guidance and support to individuals and communities, this programme equips you with the knowledge and skills for pastoral roles.
- Clergy Member: For those pursuing a religious vocation, the programme can provide a strong foundation for clergy roles in various religious traditions.
- Chaplain: Theological and interfaith understanding is essential for chaplaincy roles in hospitals, prisons, the military and other settings where spiritual support is needed.
This programme offers a versatile skill set and knowledge base that can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities in fields where theology, ethics, and interfaith dialogue are relevant and impactful.
"DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.
DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path."
Entry Requirements
For admission to the MA in Theology and World Religions, successful applicants will have:
• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent, in the area of Theology, Religious Studies, Religious Education, Philosophy or a related degree in Humanities and Social Sciences.
• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here.
• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.
Programme Structure
This programme offers both full-time and part-time study options to suit your schedule and preferences.
Full-Time Option (One Year):
- As a full-time student, you can complete the programme in one academic year.
- You will take six taught modules throughout the year.
- The programme includes a research module with seminars on research methodologies and a minor thesis.
- You may opt to take an additional language module.
- Classes are typically scheduled in the evening, usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Part-Time Option (Two Years):
- The part-time plan follows a similar structure to the full-time programme but is spread over two years.
- You will complete your six taught modules and the research module over this extended period.
- The part-time programme also features evening classes to accommodate working professionals.
Both options provide flexibility to accommodate your schedule and allow you to tailor your studies to your needs. Whether you prefer an intensive one-year programme or a more extended two-year plan, this programme can align with your academic and personal commitments.
Upon completing this programme, you will achieve the following outcomes:
- Understanding of Theological Perspectives: You will demonstrate and apply your understanding of a wide range of theological perspectives in a comparative context. You'll gain insights into the contributions of world religions and interfaith dialogue to the contemporary quest for meaning, values, justice and peace.
- Critical Awareness: You will display a critical awareness of current scholarship in specific areas of comparative theology. Additionally, you'll be well-informed about key issues in ecumenism (the promotion of unity among different Christian traditions) and interreligious dialogue, facilitating constructive discussions and cooperation among various faith communities.
- Analytical and Critical Skills: You will develop the ability to analyse and critically evaluate both historical and contemporary theological and religious texts, particularly focusing on primary sources. This skill enables you to engage in meaningful discussions and research within the theological and religious spheres.
- Research and Communication: You will be proficient in theological research, capable of conducting in-depth studies, and presenting your findings through written research and meaningful dialogues in various contexts, including academic, religious, and societal settings.
In summary, the MA in Theology and World Religions equips you with a deep understanding of theological perspectives, critical awareness of current theological scholarship, strong analytical and research skills, and effective communication capabilities. This prepares you to engage in theological dialogue and contribute to academic, religious, and societal discussions in a globalised world.
View the current course structure
Fees and Funding
Fees
How To Apply
To apply for this programme:
All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application:
- Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.
- If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml.
Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:
- Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2025
- Closing date for EU applicants is 30th August 2025
Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.
All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.
Application Queries
For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie
For non EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/international-admissions-undergraduate-and-postgraduate or email internationaladmissions@dcu.ie
Commencement of Programme
The programme commences in September 2025
Life On Campus
At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.
DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.
Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.
DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.
These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.
We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.
Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.
There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.
For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.
The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.
On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
Student Advice Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.
Careers work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.
Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.
DCU Glasnevin Campus
FAQs
Is DCU all one campus?
DCU is a multi campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses. The St Patrick's campus is where the Education courses are taught and some of the subjects from the BA Joint Honours degree. There is a 20-25 minute walk between the campuses but there are buses and bikes available to go between them also.
Click here to see maps of all of our campuses
If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?
Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.
Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?
We have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers.
Does DCU provide accommodation?
DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can find out more and apply via the Accommodation Office webpage.
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