Course Summary
The STD (DD) is a canonical doctorate in Theology. In contrast to the PhD in Theology, the DD demands that candidates develop the deep theological synthesis necessary for the teaching of theology in Catholic seminaries and centres of formation.
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Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
In order to register for courses leading to the Doctoral Degree in Divinity (DD/STD), a candidate must hold at least a Licentiate in Divinity (STL) second class honours, Grade I (magna cum laude) or what, in the judgement of the Faculty, is regarded as an equivalent standard of theological study.
A basic knowledge of Greek and Hebrew is required, and an appropriate knowledge of two modern languages.
Doctoral candidates entering the Faculty of Theology shall be required to sit a qualifying examination in at least two of the following: Hebrew, Greek, or Latin. Syllabi for these examinations here: Greek, Latin, Hebrew Grammar/Hebrew Vocabulary.
Qualifying examinations will take place during orientation week,
Latin qualifying examination will take place on the Monday of orientation week.
Greek qualifying examination will take place on the Friday of orientation week.
Candidates who do not pass the above qualifying examination, are required to attend and pass qualifying courses in at least two of the following: Hebrew, Greek, or Latin. In certain circumstances an advanced course in one language may be accepted in lieu of a second.
Candidates who have successfully completed a one-year full-time University course in Hebrew, Latin or Greek are exempt, as are candidates who have successfully completed theological language courses in the Pontifical University.
The language(s) requirement is merely qualifying and does not form part of the final assessment.
Candidates whose first language is not English will be required to satisfy the English language requirements
Candidates must successfully complete the Postgraduate Induction Week.
Application Details
Application Deadline:
30th June 2025
For EU & those living on the island of Ireland (Late applications may be considered).
31st May 2025
For non EU
If you have any queries please contact [email protected].
PLEASE NOTE: Application forms must be completed in full, and all documentation must be provided BEFORE an application can be considered. Applicants will not be called for interview if an application is incomplete.
Course Start Date: September 2025
Fees
Application Deadline:
24th June 2023 For EU & those living on the island of Ireland (Late applications may be considered). 20th May 2023 For non EU.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Career Progression
- demonstrate that they are endowed with a systematic understanding in the domain of theological studies they have chosen [Veritatis Gaudium, art. 74.];
- develop the full capability to use the specialist knowledge they have acquired to devise, design, and implement original research projects, in order to contribute to the progress of theological knowledge [Veritatis Gaudium, art. 49, § 1];
- developed both analysis and synthesis capabilities to evaluate complex theological research questions, that are determined by a variety of interrelated factors;
- systematically convey the knowledge they have acquired through teaching at academic level [Veritatis Gaudium, art. 50, § 1];
- acquire the intellectual skills and the specific human and relational abilities to fulfil special ecclesiastical posts [Veritatis Gaudium, art. 50, § 2];
- communicate with academic and professional experts, in the various domains, in order to contribute to human civilization through the evangelizing mission of the Church [Veritatis Gaudium, art. 3, § 1. Cf Giovanni Paolo II, «Proemio», Cost. Apostol. Sapientia Christiana, I, II.