Program Overview

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Theology and Social Justice (M.Phil. / P.Grad.Dip.)

NFQ Level 9

Overview

Theology and Social Justice offers students a unique insight into how religious ideas shape and are shaped by the concrete social realities of the modern world. It aims to further efforts to combat poverty, the climate crisis, racism, homelessness, misogyny, homophobia, sexism, ableism, ageism, and religious discrimination. Our premise is that where theology meets justice, hope meets action.

Is This Course For Me?

If you are looking for an innovative approach to both theology and social justice, and to how they relate to each other, then yes. This programme blends creative and rigorous intellectual work with the struggle for the common good. It is a space to learn new skills, to stretch your mind, to nourish your soul, and to resource a life dedicated to the cause of justice.

Career Opportunities

Students go on to work in:

• Non-Governmental Organisations
• Government - Civil Service
• Churches and other faith-based organisations
• Journalism and Broadcasting
• Education
• The Arts and Creative Industries
• Advocacy Groups, Campaigns and Law
• Research
• Non Profit Organisations/Charities

Course Structure

Students can come to Trinity to study for a Certificate, Diploma or Masters (M.Phil.) in Theology and Social Justice. Students can also progress from one qualification to the next over a number of years.

The full-time programme takes one year and the part-time programme takes two years.

Most of the modules offered on each programme will run from 5-7pm, so as to include learners from as diverse a range of backgrounds as possible.

Course Content

Three core modules form the basis of all three postgraduate awards:

• Theologies for the Climate Crisis
• Power and Empowerment
• Theological Ideas of Home/lessness and Race.

Students taking the Diploma and Masters routes also choose three elective modules from a range of options, including:

• Economic Justice and Theological Reflection
• Politics and Mysticism
• Critical Social Analysis for Theologians
• Gender and Sexuality Justice.

Masters students must also undertake a significant piece of research and present it as a Dissertation, a process which is supported by a Research Methods module.

Course Details

Awards

NFQ Level 9

Number of Places

15 Places

Next Intake

Sept 2025

Course Director

Prof Siobhán Garrigan

Closing Date

31st July 2025

Admission Requirements

Admission to this course is at graduate level. Applicants will normally hold a good honours degree (minimum 2.1 or equivalent) in theology from a recognized university.

Applicants who have a primary degree in other disciplines will be considered.

Exceptional cases, where applicants do not fully meet the above criteria, but make a reasonable case for admissions otherwise, will be considered by the Dean of Graduate Studies.

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Fees

For a full list of postgraduate fees, the information is available upon request.