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Why choose St Patrick's Pontifical University?

Discover enriching programmes and a supportive community at St Patrick's.

Undergraduate

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An engaging learning environment in a historic campus. Small class sizes and friendly lecturers giv...

Postgraduate

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Join the largest Catholic Theological Postgraduate Community in Ireland and UK

Centre for Mission & Ministries

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A variety of courses at all levels.

Our Students

Due to the generous funding of the Peter Coffey Scholarship in philosophy, my doctoral studies at St Patrick’s Pontifical University have surpassed my expectations. Accommodation and study reside upon the beautiful grounds of their eighteenth-century campus, wherein there exists a small but amiable atmosphere of students and staff. It is a welcoming place for any student of theology and philosophy, with a sizeable and hospitable theology faculty and an exciting and growing philosophy faculty that can accommodate a wide range of interests and studies. For any student interested in studying philosophy or theology abroad in a distinctly Christian atmosphere, St Patrick’s should be at the top of their list.

Joseph McMeans Doctorate in Philosophy

My time abroad studying in La Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca was one of the most transformative years of my life. Not only did it improve my level of spoken Spanish, I got to experience the University life in one of the oldest universities in the world. Aside from the books I got to soak in the beautiful Spanish culture, visit some of the world's most historic cities, and have made friends for life from my Erasmus experience. 

Amy Lynch SPPU Student

The minute I heard of the BATh course in St Patrick's, I instantly knew it was for me. I have had my expectations significantly surpassed since I began studying here. Everyone's welcomed with a kind and warm atmosphere that almost feels like a home away from home. I am very content in my decision to choose to spend the next three years here.

Collette Sherlock BATh Student

When I first heard of this course and seeing the course content, I was excited to pick it as my top choice. I’ve never been happier!

Patrick Doyle BATh Student

St Patrick’s Pontifical University has much to offer in the academic fields, but it is also filled with welcoming atmosphere. It has never been easier to learn from the best, but also make so many lasting friendships. Anything one needs can be easily found in Maynooth, a special praise should be given to its two packed libraries. Ireland may not have the best weather, but if one gets a break from assignments, it is certainly worth it to travel through its beautiful landscape. 10/10 recommended as an Erasmus destination.

David Stehlik - Erasmus+ Student

My Erasmus experience at St Patrick's is one of the best academic experiences I have had. The university looks beautiful, and the chapel is stunning which makes studying here even better. The professors are supportive and give you the help you need as an exchange student. The community there is very welcoming and through it I formed deep connections with international peers. Especially the daily tea/coffee + biscuits break in Pugin Hall where the whole faculty, lecturers and students, gathers together to chat in-between classes I will hold dear to my heart. St Patrick's feels like one community where everyone is accepted and included. My time at SPPU impacted my academic and personal life in the best way possible and I would always choose to go there again if I got the chance.

Anika Decker - Erasmus+ Student

At St Patrick’s Pontifical University, you never make it to your classroom without having already met a couple of people smiling at you in the hallway. The friendly, caring, welcoming, and thoughtful attitude of both lecturers and students are unique and really make a difference not only in terms of getting settled and feeling at home in the country but also when it comes to the learning atmosphere. As far as the lectures are concerned, you will encounter a broad range of theologies, positionings, Catholic cultures, and Christian self-understandings, some of which can be challenging at times. I appreciated and tried to embrace this as an opportunity of self-reflection and an invitation to develop my stance on things and mature personally and spiritually.

Johanna Graß - Erasmus+ Student

This semester at St Patrick's Pontifical University was a very happy time: excellent academic level, yes, but above all a great human quality, both from the professors and the administrative and cleaning staff. The campus of the University is magical. I will miss Pugin Hall, and its medieval architecture. It was also great to have the possibility to take advantage of other benefits that the University offered, such as the gymnasium

Juan Manuel Yaryez - Erasmus+ Student

"It was the first time I left my beautiful France alone to integrate for 3 months into another culture, to speak a new language, to live in a new environment. Despite the fact that I didn't understand a word the first few days, I can assure you that being in Erasmus in Maynooth is living a special and extraordinary experience. It's to make beautiful friendships in faith, despite the cultural and linguistic differences, with people from the 4 corners of the world, it's to participate in courses of great depth, it's to blossom in an incredible setting, it's to have every day the opportunity to grow in one's faith (all of this accompanied by a Guinness of course!), and finally to go back home enriched and grown by a unique experience."

Laure de Fleurieu - French Erasmus+ Student

"Looking back, I can say that my stay at St Patrick's Pontifical Univerisity was a very good and important experience for me. I got to know many new friends in Ireland and all over Europe. I was positively surprised at how strong our Erasmus community turned out to be and at the amount of spiritual fatherhood we received from Father John-Paul Sheridan. Regarding the education, I really enjoyed the close and familial relationship between the lecturers and the students."

Samuel Büchele - German Erasmus+ Student

Going to Salamanca for my Erasmus year proved to be one of the best years of my life. The experience will retain a special place in your heart that will last a lifetime."

Yvonne Myles (Graduate BATh, International) who studied at the University of Salamanca, Spain

My semester at St Patrick's took me on a journey through different philosophical fields and eras and helped me broaden and deepen my knowledge in philosophy.

Sophie Wax, Philosophy Student, Germany

Throughout my time my years in St Patrick's, I have always been met by such a lovely atmosphere and a community of people always willing to help one another. Whether it's lecturers, other students or even tutors, there is always a friendly smile and encouragement waiting for you. Also, the free tea and biscuits is definitely a bonus.

Isobel Tinkler Theology & Arts student from Offaly

The ability to study at both St Patrick’s and Maynooth University makes for the best possible experience. My theology lectures and tutorials are small enough to allow me to make connections between both my lecturers and my fellow students. Everyone I have met so far has been kind, approachable and good natured. The lecturers are extremely helpful generous with their students. My Arts subject in Maynooth University is history, and this is in perfect harmony with my study of Theology.

Christopher Lynn Theology & Arts student from Westmeath

This course really offers the best of both worlds, a wide range of arts subjects to be chosen from allows “wiggle-room” if one isn’t 100% sure on what they would like to study. I believe that St Patrick’s Pontifical University was the right choice for me, and one I am very proud to have made.

Marysia Lenkiewicz Theology & Arts student from Meath

Having the opportunity to study in St. Patricks Pontifical University opens a number of doors for each person who roams the halls. Being a BATH student allows you to meet and connect with people from every corner of the globe. I find studying theology rounds you as a person and immerses you into a world you never thought you’d explore. Alongside that in St. Patricks you are surrounded by the beauty of the grounds and greenery and always a happy face. Being in such close proximity to Maynooth town, the train station and Dublin are all huge contributing factors as to why studying in SPPU is a great choice for anyone.

Ruth Kelly Theology & Arts student from Westmeath

My studies have been a fascinating and enriching experience. I thank the staff and my colleagues for the wonderful time we shared together in that journey. I am eternally grateful to my thesis supervisor, Dr Jessie Rogers

Timothy Mejida, Doctorate in Theology

My semester at St Patrick's took me on a journey through different philosophical fields and eras and helped me broaden and deepen my knowledge in philosophy.

Sophie Wax, Philosophy Student, Germany

I love the sense of interconnectedness between students in St Patrick’s Pontifical University. One of my favourite parts of the university is being able to have access to such a beautiful area, with a wealth of academic and technological resources​. The way in which everything is in such close relation to one another from the college, to the town itself, makes attending SPPU even better.

Niall Carey Theology & Arts student from Meath

My journey to St Patrick's was fuelled by a passion for sacred music, the pursuit of a high-quality postgraduate education, and a life-long love of Ireland.

Cassandra Bailey Langjahr Masters in Liturgical Music Student

Higher Diploma in Theological Studies (Blended Learning) / 2021
The blended learning model was fantastic. It made the course accessible to me living in the West of Ireland.

Trish Gallagher Higher Diploma in Theological Studies

Higher Diploma in Theological Studies (Blended Learning) / 2021
”I was trying to find a course that would renew my qualifications and something that I would enjoy teaching. I was able to add on Religion with the teaching council as one of my subjects.”

Seamus Gannon Higher Diploma in Theological Studies

After reviewing all of the options, it soon became clear to me that St. Patrick’s, Maynooth was the best choice.

Terry Judge

In the past three years I have had the most fulfilling, exciting and rewarding time of my life.

Michael Ormonde

Undergraduate Prospectus

Postgraduate Prospectus

Centre for Mission & Ministries Prospectus

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Find out all the information you need here, including a Step-by-Step Guide to our application process. If you have any questions, contact us.

Undergraduate

Icon Undergraduate

An engaging learning environment in a historic campus. Small class sizes and friendly lecturers giv...

Postgraduate

Icon Postgraduate

Join the largest Catholic Theological Postgraduate Community in Ireland and UK

Centre for Mission & Ministries

Icon Lifelong Learning

A variety of courses at all levels.

Rachel McHugh

Rachel McHugh

Student Recruitment Officer

Ruth Daly

Ruth Daly

School Liaison Officer

Explore our Faculties

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Centre for Mission & Ministries

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Canon Law

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

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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.