NFQ Level 9

Available on the following Levels
MASTER OF ARTS
GRADUATE DIPLOMA
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE
AUDITING STUDENTS may apply for single or several Modules

All Hallows College is a college of  Dublin City University.
All degrees are validated and accredited by DCU

This is a two-year, part-time programme. Next programme commences September 2013.

The Programme
There is growing awareness of the magnitude of current ecological problems.  At local level major changes in the health of our environment can be evidenced from the deteriorating quality of our water, the reduced level of fertility of the soil and the destruction of biodiversity. On a global level, our western lifestyle and our over-use of natural resources has had serious consequences for the Majority World. The most obvious example of this is climate change, where the energy consumption of rich nations has had a devastating effect on the lives and habitats of poorer nations.It is clear that these issues must be addressed with great urgency if we are to hand on a sustainable and fruitful planet to future generations. These concerns are central to this  programme.

The programme is designed to explore how religious philosophies and traditions can make vital connections between the health of the planet and the well-being of all creatures, including humans.  In the past science and religion have tended to operate in parallel worlds. This course aims to promote and encourage a unity of purpose between them.  To achieve this end it is consciously inter-disciplinary in its structure and assessment processes.

Module Titles

• Science and Religion
• Ecological Crisis at Global and Local Level
• The New Cosmology: Insights and Challenges
• Ecology and the Bible
• Ecology and Ethics
• Ecology and Economics
• Ecology and Theology
• Ecofeminist Theology
• Research Training
• The Burren Study Week
(Summer School)
• Ecology and Earth / Biological sciences
(Summer School)
• Dissertation

Programme Aim:
The programme aims to provide students with the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to engage in the study of the origin and development of the current ecological crisis and to consider the role of religion and ecology in the development of a critically informed and constructive response.

Programme Outcomes:
On successful completion students will be able to:

• Explain the nature of scientific enquiry and of theories of cosmic and biological evolution.
• Develop a viable creation theology capable of evaluating the positive and negative influences of religion in shaping human interaction with the natural world.
• Evaluate theories of economic sustainability
• Articulate the relationship between science and religion from an interdisciplinary perspective
• Critique the centrality of modern science in terms of industry, energy, transport, medicine etc. and the effect of these factors on the environment
• Engage in public debate on cosmological / religious platforms
• Critique ecological issues at an interdisciplinary level
• Use microscopes and tools for the identification, dissecting and sampling of flora and fauna.
 

Mode of Delivery and Exit Routes
This two-year part-time MA Programme is awarded by Dublin City University and is mainly delivered at All Hallows College.  Students attend on Friday evening and all day Saturday about six times per semester.

11 Modules are offered.  This allows for some choice:
For successful completion of an MA Degree 8 Modules [60 credits] and a Dissertation  [30 credits] are required.
To exit with a Graduate Diploma students require 8 Modules [60 credits]
To exit with a Graduate Certificate 4  Modules [30 credits] are required.

Core Modules are obligatory at each stage.

COST OF PROGRAMME – 2011/2012*
Masters Part-time programme
Tuition·····························€2,940
College Fee·····················€615
Selection Fee (once off)···€100

*Fees increase annually

Entry Requirements

Bachelor degree (minimum level: 2^ndclass honours) in a field of study related to the subject matter of the Masters degree.  As formal education in the context of ecological and environmental subjects is very new a broad field of academic background has been identified for entry onto the programme e.g. religious studies,  theology, science,  archaeology,  geography,  economics, sociology, pastoral studies, spirituality, humanities or other appropriate undergraduate degrees.  Appropriate prior experiential learning may also be considered for entry to the programme.

Language Proficiency

Students whose first language is not English are required to prove their ability to understand and express themselves in English at an acceptable level. This will be assessed by the administration of a standard test for language competence in English for foreign students in accordance with DCU requirements.

Application Procedure

The Application procedure involves completion of  the Application Form and the successful outcome of an interview process.

Download Application Form

Download Additional Required Form for MA in Ecology & Religion

For further information contact:

Postgraduate Office:
E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
T: +353 1 852 0756

Postal Address:
All Hallows College
Drumcondra
Dublin 9, Ireland.

T: +353 1 837 3745
F: (01) 837-7642
E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it