Theology is probably not at the top of a lot of people’s lists when considering what to study at university. After all, not too many people grow up thinking they want to be theologians! But studying theology at St Patrick’s Pontifical University just might be a good choice for you. Let me explain why.
Why study theology?
What kind of student enjoys theology? You do not have to consider yourself religious, but you would need to be open to the bigger questions in life, to thinking about God and meaning and good and evil. Someone who ends up choosing theology will want to make a positive difference, to help others, and to make the world a better and a kinder place. If you are interested in history, in people and society, in what it means to be human, in literature, in culture, in the world as our common home, then theology could be a good fit too.
In the BATh in St Patrick’s Pontifical University, students take theology alongside other subjects from Maynooth University. Most of our students are not setting out to become professional theologians. They could be studying German, Business, Sociology, Criminology, Music, English, Anthropology, Law, Criminology, Geography, or History alongside Theology.
Those combinations open up all kinds of possibilities to grow as a person while being equipped to make a positive difference in the lives of others through a variety of career paths.
Career paths
University is meant to train for life and taking Theology alongside another Arts subject will certainly do that. You would be developing skills such as critical thinking, good communication and the ability to explain and debate issues, clarity of thought and working with complexity.
You would not only be learning things that are useful, but also exploring what is beautiful and what is good. St Patrick’s students become alert to ethical issues and have a greater understanding of the viewpoints of others. Our hope is that they become committed to the common good and reflect on how they can contribute to that wherever their future takes them.
A degree from St Patrick’s Pontifical University lays the groundwork for a wide range of careers. Our graduates become teachers, journalists, chaplains, pastoral workers, academics and entrepreneurs. They are engaged in community development, administration, business, research, postgraduate study, parish and youth work.
A special place
St Patrick’s Pontifical University is a wonderful place to study for so many reasons. Our campus is gorgeous – steeped in tradition but with state-of-the-art facilities. We are right in the middle of Maynooth, Ireland’s only university town. It is not as hectic or intimidating as Dublin can be, yet the capital is only 40 minutes away by public transport.
Classes are small and the lecturers are friendly and approachable. They are genuinely interested and engaged in the progress of each individual student. Because we share a campus and facilities with Maynooth University, our students are ‘dual citizens’ and can enjoy the buzz of a large campus too; it really is the best of both worlds.
You could think of studying theology as an education in wisdom. It will equip you to experience the true fulfilment that serving others can bring.
