Study Theology in Ireland
Milltown Institute of Theology and Philosophy
Theology can be
described as the critical reflection of a believing community on its
living tradition and on its experience of faith, hope and love. Based on
the inspired Word of God in Scripture and nourished by Christian
spirituality, the study of Theology at the Milltown Institute is a
systematic exploration of the teachings of Jesus Christ, of the moral
implications of his teaching, and to the various pastoral responsibilities
and callings of the people of God. The Milltown
Institute was established in 1968 to promote the study of Theology and
Philosophy. It soon developed its own distinctive theological approach at
undergraduate level, emphasising philosophical rigour, a systematic
approach, and a comprehensive treatment of the main theological
disciplines. In 1978, a renewal course in theological and spiritual
studies was established to cater for the large numbers who wanted to
renew, and update, their theological outlook in the light of the second
Vatican Council. By the late 1970s, Milltown was beginning to broaden its
base of both staff and students to include non-clerical Religious and
laity, both women and men. In 1979 the Milltown Bachelor of Divinity (BD)
programme was approved by the Registration Council for teaching purposes. By the early 1980s,
the Institute had established a reputation for providing a sound and
balanced undergraduate theological training that was systematic,
pluralist, historically grounded and “Catholic in its inspiration and
outlook" while at the same time recognising and valuing the
ecumenical consciousness of its staff and students. In 1984, Milltown
introduced a programme of studies in Spirituality that was, and remains,
the only qualification in this field within Europe outside of Rome. The
Pastoral Department came into being in 1987 and its one-year Diploma in
Pastoral Studies was designed to provide people with the pastoral skills
necessary for ministry in the contemporary Christian community. In
1989, an evening Adult Education programme of introductory theological
studies over two years was introduced and, from the beginning, it has
proved very popular. Also during 1989, Milltown was granted designated
status by the National Council for Education Awards (NCEA). In June 1991,
our BA in Theological and Philosophical Studies was approved by the
Registration Council for teaching at second-level and some of our other
awards were approved “for the purposes of local authority grants.” In
1993, the Milltown Institute joined the Central Applications Office (CAO)
scheme for offering third level places to applicants. The following year,
our BA in Philosophy and Theology became an NCEA approved course
recognised by the Minister of Education for student grants and it was
approved by the Department of Education for the purposes of Higher
Education Grants. In May 1995, the Institute’s NCEA validated courses
were included in the Minister for Education’s Free Fees initiative. The
following year (1996), our BA in Philosophy and Theology was approved by
the Registration Council for Secondary Teachers for the purposes of
teaching in a secondary school. In September 2000,
Milltown launched its Theology Diploma programme making it possible to
study undergraduate Theology at Milltown in the evenings and to gradually
acquire the modules necessary for a degree in Theology. The follow-on
Theology Baccalaureate programme will be launched in September 2003. A
Graduate Diploma in Applied Spirituality was also launched in 2000 and an
MA programme in Applied Spirituality was launched the following year.
These programmes complement the already established Graduate Spirituality
programme and they are organised on the basis of a one-day block release.
An undergraduate Bachelor of Theology programme, in conjunction with the
University of Wales at Lampeter, was launched in September 2003. In the
near future, the Milltown Institute plans to launch a Graduate Programme
in Supervisory Practice, and a Doctor of Ministry programme, in
conjunction with the University of Wales at Lampeter. To find out more
why not contact us:
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The Milltown Institute of Theology and Philosophy Milltown Park Dublin 6 Ireland Tel: (353) 1 269 8388 Fax: (353) 1 269 2528 www.milltown-institute.ie info@milltown-institute.ie
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