Bachelor's in Theology and Arts

This course provides a solid intellectual foundation in Theology in conjunction with one or two other Arts subjects. A scholarly discipline in the liberal arts, Theology offers the space and skills necessary for asking about, exploring and reflecting on the ultimate questions of existence and life. As Pope Francis observes, 'the fragmentation of knowledge and the isolation of bits of information can actually become a form of ignorance, unless they are integrated into a broader vision of reality' (Laudato Si’, §138). This multidisciplinary course, with its base in Theology, aims to foster for learners the recognition of how 'everything is closely interrelated' (§137) and the ability to integrate insights and convictions in personal, interpersonal, and professional life experience.

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Introduction

This course provides a solid intellectual foundation in Theology in conjunction with one or two other Arts subjects. A scholarly discipline in the liberal arts, Theology offers the space and skills necessary for asking about, exploring and reflecting on the ultimate questions of existence and life. As Pope Francis observes, 'the fragmentation of knowledge and the isolation of bits of information can actually become a form of ignorance, unless they are integrated into a broader vision of reality' (Laudato Si’, §138). This multidisciplinary course, with its base in Theology, aims to foster for learners the recognition of how 'everything is closely interrelated' (§137) and the ability to integrate insights and convictions in personal, interpersonal, and professional life experience.

Description

The Bachelor's in Theology and Arts (BATh) is a three-year, level 8, full-time, honours degree course comprising Theology and Arts subjects. The Theology modules are taught in the Faculty of Theology of St Patrick's Pontifical University (SPPU), while the Arts subjects are taught in Maynooth University (MU).

BATh CAO Info Hub

Testimonial: Maria O'Keefe

Testimonial: Patrick Wilson


International Option -

Bachelor’s in Theology & Arts International (BATh - Int) (MU003)

This degree is awarded to students who spend one year abroad on an Erasmus+ mobility resulting in their BATh International Degree becoming a four year programme. SPPU has a wide range of partner universities in Europe to which our students are able to apply. Students who take a language as their second subject in their BATh may be required to spend a year or a semester abroad, however the Erasmus+ programme is open to all BATh students and there are a number of universities who teach through the medium of English. All of the BATh International course aims, structure and subject choices mirror those of the BATh MU001 programme in all other respects. Apply here. EU Applications close 1st June 2024. Non-EU closes 31st May 2024.

Career Outcomes

Students graduating Bachelor's in Theology and Arts have opportunities in the following fields ..

Teaching, Business, Communications, Journalism, Finance, Civil Service, Administration, Religious Education Co-ordinator, School Chaplaincy, Third Level Chaplaincy, Marketing, Pastoral Work, Publishing, Public Relations, Social Services, Public / Private Sectors, Community Development, Research Administrator, Healthcare Chaplaincy, Parish Administration, Non-Governmental Organisations, Further Professional or Postgraduate Studies.

Course Structure

The Bachelor's in Theology and Arts (BATh) is a three-year, level 8, full-time, honours degree course comprising Theology and Arts subjects. The Theology modules are taught in the Faculty of Theology of the Pontifical University (SPPU), while the Arts subjects are taught in the Maynooth University (MU). In the first year students are required to take two or three subjects: Theology, which amounts to about half the year's programme, and one or two Arts subjects (e.g., Anthropology, Business, Computer Science, Criminology, Economics, English, Finance, Geography, German, History, International Development, Law, Mathematics - Pure, Mathematical Studies, Music, Music Technology, Nua-Ghaeilig, Philosophy, Sociology, or Spanish). In second year, students are required to take modules in Theology and in one of their first year Arts subjects. During third year, students continue to take modules in Theology and in the Arts subject from their first and second years. The Arts courses are described in the syllabus of the National University of Ireland, Maynooth.

Arts Courses

Arts Courses

In First Year, two Arts subjects must be taken from the following, with not more than one subject being taken from the same group:

Group 1

Geography, German, Law*, Mathematics (Pure), Philosophy

Group 2


Business (Management), Business (Marketing), Business (International), Criminology, History, Music

Group 3


English, International Development, Mathematical Studies (O3/H6 Maths required).

Group 4


Anthropology, Economics, Finance, Music Technology, Nua-Ghaeilge, (H5 Irish required).

Group 5


Computer Science (O3/H6 Maths required), Music (H5 required), Sociology, Spanish.

*Students taking Law as an Arts subject must achieve a minimum of 40% in the Law examinations in first year to progress into second year.

Since subjects in a given group coincide in the timetable, a student can take at most one subject from each group.

Circumstances may demand that a limit be placed on the number of students taking a particular subject. For the courses in these subjects see the Syllabus of the Maynooth University

Optional 1st year only Critical Skills (15 credits) available to take with all subject combinations.

Students must choose 1 module from the each of the following options

Option A

Arts Course

Students are required to take 30 credits from one of their first year Arts subjects. The BATh is only available at Honours Level. For details of Arts subjects see the syllabus of Maynooth University

Biblical and Theological Languages

A student may also take one of the following Biblical and Theological Language courses as an Elective and Special Course, with the permission of the Registrar in consultation with the Department of Sacred Scripture.

Arts Course

Students are required to take 30 credits from one of their first year Arts subjects. The BATh is only available at Honours Level. For details of Arts subjects see the syllabus of Maynooth University.

Application Requirements

Applicants under 23 years of age on 1st of January of the year of proposed entry must meet the matriculation requirements.

Full details of entry requirements may be found on our website: http://sppu.ie/appl...

A points system will operate when the number of applicants exceeds the places available.

Application Procedure: (Code - MU001)

International applications are made through PAC; Click here

OR

Application for Irish applicants are made through the Central Applications Office, CAO course code: MU001. (CAO, Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway. Tel: (091) 509 800 Fax: (091) 562-344. ).

Applications may be made on-line: www.cao.ie. Applications should be received by the CAO on or before 1st February. Late applications will be accepted up to and including 1st May on payment of an additional fee to the CAO. This degree qualifies for Higher Education grants and for Fee Remission Programmes. Under certain circumstances a student may defer entry for one year.

Mature applicants: Applicants 23 years of age or over on 1st January of the year of intended entry who do not fulfil the normal matriculation requirements may apply for matriculation on the basis of mature years. Before 1st February, mature applicants must:

  1. Submit their applications to the CAO.
  2. Late applications will be considered up to the late CAO closing date of 1st May. Please contact the Admissions Office if you wish to either make a late application or if you wish to enter our courses on your CAO application using the Change of Mind facility.

Maynooth provides a mentoring service designed as a support for first year students as they make their transition to university life. The mentoring service is coordinated by the Registrar of the Pontifical University. Students are encouraged to avail themselves of this service, although it is not obligatory.

Further information may be obtained from the Theology Office.

If you live outside Ireland, check out our dedicated area for international students.

Let’s talk

For Undergraduate queries: email admissions@spcm.ie.

For Postgraduate queries: email pgadmissions@spcm.ie.

For The Centre for Mission & Ministries queries, email: cmmadmissions@spcm.ie.