Program Overview

Diploma in Religious Studies

The Diploma in Religious Studies will enable students to situate themselves within the Christian tradition in relation to other monotheistic religions. The programme aims to introduce students to philosophical discussions about the human person, the morality of human actions, and one's relationship with God.

Programme Details

• MQF Level: 5
• Duration and Credits: 2 Years, 60 ECTS
• Mode of Study: Part-time Evening

Study Programme

The study programme is divided into two years, with compulsory units in each semester.

Year 1

• Semester 1:
  • FDT1010: Christian Thought and Practice (4 ECTS)
  • HPA2230: Fundamental Patrology (4 ECTS)
  • PHI1006: History of Philosophy: (a) Modern Philosophy and (b) Contemporary Philosophy (4 ECTS)
  • SHG1000: Foundations of Theology (6 ECTS)
• Semester 2:
  • PHI1017: Ethics (4 ECTS)
  • PHI1024: Epistemology (4 ECTS)
• Requirement for regular progression to Year Two: 26 ECTS credits

Year 2

• Long Essay (starts in Semester 1 and continues in Semester 2):
  • THL1020: Long Essay (8 ECTS)
• Semester 1:
  • FDT1100: Philosophical Foundations of Theology (4 ECTS)
  • HPA1511: Church History: Ancient and Medieval (4 ECTS)
  • MRT1050: Perspectives in Moral Theology (4 ECTS)
  • PHI1001: History of Philosophy: (a) Ancient Philosophy and (b) Medieval Philosophy (4 ECTS)
• Semester 2:
  • MRT1662: Aspects of Spiritual Life (4 ECTS)
  • PLC1100: Liturgy and Liturgical Celebration (4 ECTS)
  • THL1560: Introduction to Judaism (2 ECTS)
• Requirement for successful completion of Year Two: 34 ECTS credits
• Requirement for the award of Diploma in Religious Studies: 60 ECTS credits

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the basic principles that guide the church in its actions as a community and as a body of individual disciples.
• Examine Christian beliefs about the Trinitarian God, the Incarnation, and the History of Salvation.
• Communicate and adapt the Christian message according to the context.
• Respond to basic queries related to faith and belief.
• Be aware of the richness and diversity in Catholic readings and Tradition.
• Reflect theologically on the Bible.

Knowledge Understanding

• Understands the basic principles that guide the Church in its actions as a community and as a body of individual disciples.
• Possesses a measure of understanding of Sacred Scripture as God's revelation throughout the history of the Jewish people in the Old Testament right up to the culmination of revelation in Jesus Christ.
• Understands the relationship between philosophical and theological reflection, spiritual growth, and witnessing to faith.

Application Understanding

• Examines Christian beliefs about the Trinitarian God, the Incarnation, and the History of Salvation.
• Explores the revelation inherent in the Christian religion.
• Investigates the interplay between faith, reason, and revelation.

Communication Skills

• Communicates and adapts the Christian message according to the context.
• Communicates theologically based responses on the Bible and the Teachings of the Church.

Judgemental Skills

• Responds to basic queries related to faith and belief.
• Examines and questions one's own spiritual life.

Learning Skills

• Is aware of the richness and diversity in Catholic teachings and Tradition.
• Values personal ongoing formation.

Autonomy and Responsibility

• Reflects theologically on the Bible.
• Possesses a measure of insight in matters of faith.

Fees

• Non EU Applicants: Fee per academic year: Eur 4,250

Career Opportunities

As a holder of this diploma, students will be eligible to register for the completion of the first cycle degree programme BA (Hons) in Theology. Indeed, the Diploma comprises the first two years of the five-year part-time Degree course in Theology, on completion of which students would be eligible to register for second cycle programmes leading to Master's Degrees. With a diploma in Theology, students would be able to work as an assistant to either a chaplain or a pastoral leader. If students would like to work as a chaplain or a higher education lecturer, or teacher, then further studies at first cycle level and, possibly, postgraduate studies are encouraged.