The Priory Institute offers new Masters of Arts (Biblical Studies)
Posted By: Frances O'Loughlin
Posted On: Apr 12, 2017
Enrol for a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies in autumn 2017 with the Priory Institute.
MA (Biblical Studies)
Taught Masters by blended learning
• A Master of Arts degree – Level 9 (NFQ)
• Modular course combining seven obligatory modules and one elective module
• 90 credits (60 credits for modules and 30 credits for dissertation)
• Designed for students, having completed a Level 8 degree in which theology or religious studies is a major component and wish to deepen their engagement with biblical studies
• Delivered by blended learning (distance learning and onsite classes)
• Validated by the Institute of Technology, Tallaght
The MA (Biblical Studies) is a taught Masters qualification offered by the Priory Institute. It provides students with the skills to engage in an in-depth exegesis of the Bible with reference to its historical, cultural and linguistic contexts as Sacred Scripture and as a foundation for theological reflection. The course provides an in-depth exploration of one Old Testament book and one New Testament book in addition to a choice of electives and an opportunity to engage in supervised research at postgraduate level. It is delivered by blended learning through a combination of online and onsite teaching and is validated by the Institute of Technology, Tallaght (ITT).
Will the course suit me?
The MA (Biblical Studies) is suitable for students with a Level 8 (honours) degree in which theology or religious studies is a major component. Candidates must have obtained at least a second class honours degree award.** The course provides an excellent foundation for further studies, teaching, pastoral and retreat work.
How is the course delivered?
The course consists of eight taught modules (60 credits in total) delivered over three 15-week semesters and the completion of a dissertation of 15,000 words (30 credits) in the fourth semester. Lectures will be video recorded and will be available online. Attendance in person at two compulsory weekends per semester (Friday evening to Sunday lunchtime) will be required of all students. Students will also have weekly online contact with their academic tutor.
Each student will have scheduled meetings with their dissertation supervisor in semesters three and four.
To see the course schedule and to download our current prospectus please click here.
Modules for 2017-2019 |
All students will complete the following modules: |
1. Research Methods in Biblical Studies (5 credits) |
2. History and Cultures of the Biblical World (10 credits) |
3. Biblical Greek for Exegesis (5 credits) |
4. Biblical Hebrew for Exegesis (5 credits) |
5. The Book of Genesis: Interweaving Themes (10 credits) |
6. Elective: Students will choose ONE elective* module from the following: |
6.1. Women in Scripture (5 credits) |
6.2. The Bible and Ecology (5 credits) |
6.3. Lectio Divina: A Way of Praying and Doing Theology (5 credits) |
*Each one of these electives will be offered subject to student numbers and interest. |
7. The Bible and Its Interpretation (10 credits) |
8. The Gospel of John: Encountering Jesus Again at the End of the First Century (10 credits) |
In the second year of the course, students will begin research for a minor dissertation (15,000 words) on a topic selected in agreement with the course leader and the dissertation supervisor. |
9. Minor dissertation (30 credits) |
How will my work be assessed?
Module assessment for the obligatory modules will be by short papers or presentations (worth 30% of each module) as well as a 3,000 word final essay (worth 70% of each module). The modules in biblical languages will be assessed by weekly online quizzes (40%) and a final translation examination (60%).
In order to proceed to the dissertation stage, students must obtain an overall honours mark in the taught modules.
Students who do not complete the dissertation stage may be eligible for the Graduate Diploma in Arts (Biblical Studies).
Current Fee Schedule:
Application Fee: €40
Year 1: €3,170
Year 2: €1,785
Total fee for the complete course: € 4,995.
** Please note that not all students with these minimum requirements will be automatically accepted.
Any more questions?
For further details, please contact:
Mary McCaughey, The Priory Institute, Tallaght at:
[email protected] or 01-4048132.