MA Theology

The MA in Theology is designed to be completed within one year, though many students finish in approximately 15 months. Flexible pacing allows participants to extend their studies up to two years, depending on individual circumstances and research timelines.

The GCAS MA in Theology rethinks theology beyond confessional boundaries. Rather than a traditional seminary or doctrinal programme, it draws on political theology, continental philosophy, psychoanalysis, ecology, cultural critique, and radical ethics. Theology is treated as a living, contested practice rather than a closed system — making it one of the most intellectually adventurous theology programs in the world.

You complete 10 courses (3 ECTS credits each, totalling 30 ECTS). Each course meets four times for discussion. Students write weekly reflections, deliver a 10-minute presentation, and submit a 1,500-word research paper per course. After completing coursework, you move on to the thesis and comprehensive examination (60 ECTS).

Yes. The MA in Theology is 100% online, including live seminars, coursework, supervision, and thesis development. The programme is designed for global participation without any on-campus requirements. However, we do offer occasional residential intensives in cities like Paris, Berlin, Belfast, and Florence — these are optional and also available online. GCAS does not issue or sponsor student visas to study in the EU.

No. The MA in Theology welcomes applicants from all academic and professional backgrounds — including pastors, priests, artists, activists, philosophers, and cultural workers. Intellectual curiosity, commitment, and research motivation matter most. Admission requires an accredited Bachelor's degree.

Yes. After completing the 10 required courses, students work closely with a supervisor to develop a 20,000-word Master's thesis. Supervision is matched to each student's research focus. Students meet with their academic supervisor monthly to ensure writing and research targets are accomplished.

Yes. The MA in Theology is research-driven and designed to prepare students for doctoral-level (PhD) study in theology, religious studies, philosophy, and related fields. GCAS also offers an accredited PhD program in the Humanities and Social Sciences to which graduates of the MA in Theology are often invited to pursue.

No. The program is non-confessional and welcomes students of all faiths and none. The curriculum engages theology as a critical and intellectual practice — exploring questions of meaning, ethics, politics, and belief without requiring adherence to any particular religious tradition.

Tuition fees are €6,000 for national and international students, but if you apply by 1 June and are accepted the tuition is €3,500. Every accepted student receives an additional tuition reduction scholarship. Tuition can be paid in installments. To help us accomplish our goal of truly accessible education, the application does not have a fee. Once you graduate, you will become a co-owner of GCAS College Dublin.

Yes. The program is accredited by the European Union through Woolf - a higher education institution. Once completed, the degree can be used to continue into post-graduate education and apply for academic, ministerial, policy, and professional positions worldwide.

The program is taught by internationally recognized scholars and authors including Chris Hedges (Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist), John D. Caputo (radical theology), Catherine Keller (process theology and ecology), Barry Taylor (programme director), Jamieson Webster (psychoanalysis and theorist), Todd McGowan, Simon Critchley and others. Past teachers and lecturers have included Alain Badiou, Richard Kearney, Luce Irigaray, and William Desmond.