Theology and Social Justice (M.Phil. / P.Grad.Dip.)

Overview

Course Overview

Studying social justice in tandem with theology offers students a unique insight into how religious ideas shape and are shaped by the concrete social realities of the modern world. This course aims to combat poverty, climate change, racism, homelessness, misogyny, homophobia, sexism, ableism, ageism, and religious discrimination. Our premise is that where theology meets justice, hope meets action.

Is This Course For Me?

Students don't need to have studied theology previously. If you are looking for an innovative approach to both social justice and theology, and to how they relate to each other, then this course is for you. The programme blends creative and rigorous intellectual work with the struggle for the common good. It is a space to learn new skills, to stretch your mind, to nourish your soul, and to resource a life dedicated to the cause of justice.

Theology and Social Justice at Trinity

• To inform and encourage activism for social justice.
• To learn about social justice in relation to both global systems and the Irish context.
• To understand the historical relationships between theology and social justice, such as colonisation, slavery, or ecological exploitation.
• To explore multiple ways in which theology can challenge or maintain structures and practices that constitute social injustice.
• To critically engage the role of churches, governments, NGOs and faith-based community groups in the articulation and promotion of social justice.
• To examine how theology has influenced the development of legal systems and political thought.

Career Opportunities

Students go on to work in: Non-Governmental Organisations, government - civil service, churches and other faith-based organisations, journalism and broadcasting, education, the arts and creative industries, advocacy groups and campaigns, research, non-profit organisations/charities.

For further information about career opportunities, watch the video here. 

Course Structure

Students can come to Trinity to study for a Certificate, Diploma or Masters (M.Phil.) in Theology and Social Justice. Students can also progress from one qualification to the next over a number of years. 

The full-time programme takes one year and the part-time programme takes two years. 

Most of the modules offered on each programme will run from 5-7pm, so as to include learners from as diverse a range of backgrounds as possible.

Three core modules form the basis of all three postgraduate awards: Theologies for the Climate Crisis; Power and Empowerment; Theological Ideas of Home/lessness and Race.

Students taking the Diploma and Masters routes also choose three elective modules from a range of options, including: Economic Justice and Theological Reflection; Politics and Mysticism; Critical Social Analysis for Theologians; Gender and Sexuality Justice. 

Masters students must also undertake a significant piece of research and present it as a Dissertation, a process which is supported by a Research Methods module.