Theology and Social Justice (M.Phil.)

This programme studies how religious ideas shape and are shaped by the society in which we live. At Trinity, we teach Theology and Social Justice with the goal of resourcing efforts to combat poverty, the climate crisis, racism, homelessness, misogyny, homophobia, sexism, ableism, ageism, and religious discrimination.

You will develop fluency in the deep wisdom of theological tradition by placing it in dialogue with the concrete social realities of modern Ireland and wider Europe. With an innovative approach to both theology and social justice, this programme offers students a unique insight into how creative and rigorous intellectual work is central to the struggle for the common good. It is a space to learn new skills, to stretch your mind, to nourish your soul, and to prepare for a life dedicated to the cause of justice.

A written dissertation is a key part of the M.Phil. This enables participants to engage in advanced study of a particular topic of interest in the field. In the process of writing, participants are offered one-to-one academic supervision and will learn research skills, as well as analytic, written, and verbal communication skills. These are highly valued and effective in a great variety of careers.

Why Study Theology and Social Justice at Trinity College Dublin? 

• 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.

What is the course like?  

Students can come to Trinity to study for a Certificate, Diploma or Masters (MPhil) 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.

The programme is taught primarily by three Trinity professors: 

Professor Siobhán Garrigan directs the course. The Loyola Chair of Theology at Trinity since 2013, she has written extensively on Christianity and Social Justice, with particular attention to sectarianism, homelessness, gender and sexuality. In her modules for this programme, on gender justice and racism/ideas of home, she asks students to engage with art and music as well as words to articulate their emerging analyses.

Professor Kevin Hargaden is Director of the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice, where he is works as a Social Theologian. He is the author of several books and of numerous influential popular publications about housing, economics and public policy. Kevin’s innovative teaching engages students in ethical issues through biblical theology.

Professor Jacob J. Erickson is an award-winning teacher and writer in theology, ethics, and the environmental humanities.  A constructive theologian shaped by theories of relational justice, he writes diversely on theology’s complicated entanglements with the climate crisis, animal and plant studies, and LGBTQIA+ justice. 

What is it like to be a student in Dublin? 

Dublin is a culturally vibrant city, with all the attractions of a European capital while still being manageable and accessible. At its centre is the famous campus of Trinity College, with excellent resources for student life: study space, sports facilities, student support, clubs and societies. Guidance on accommodation, visas, healthcare, and more information for international students is available here. 

What do students do afterwards? 

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

Scholarships 

Information coming soon.