Back in 2005 the Department of Theology and Religious Studies in Mary Immaculate College launched a very exciting initiative in the area of Adult Education. Recognising the desire among adult learners to pursue an accredited, certified course of study which is flexible and adaptable to their lifestyle, they have responded by creating a novel course in the area of theology.
Through the NOSTRA programme Mary Immaculate College is now offering a Certificate in Theology and Religious Studies which allows participants to choose, from a variety of modules, the ones that best meet their interests and specifications. Through this innovative method of Adult Education participants can gain credits for modules completed at a time and pace that best suits their lifestyle. Modules are offered in a variety of ways and can be completed over a series of week-nights, or week-ends or summer schools.
Each completed module earns the student a number of credits which they can then put towards the final certificate. There is no time limit or deadline towards achieving the final award. By adopting a credit/modular system, the programme will achieve maximum accessibility and allow a phased and varied way of achieving an award, which recognizes all learning and makes progression to further levels possible. The Certificate in Theology and Religious Studies is achieved by accumulating 30 Credits. From the wide variety of modules available one gets to choose the subject-matter, the location, the dates and times that most appeal. (A 6 Credit Foundation module is mandatory for all students).
The Mid-West is in the extraordinary position of having a great deal of expertise in the area of theology and Limerick is quite unique in that the city and environs has an abundance of talent available in this area. This includes Glenstal Abbey, Limerick Redemptorist Congregration, the Dominican Biblical Centre, St. Patrick’s College, Thurles, Presentation Brothers, Cork, the World Music Centre, the Limerick Diocesan Pastoral Centre and of course Mary Immaculate College itself. This Programme brings together much of the finest theological resources and talent in the Mid-West region as the various centres provide and host various modules within the certificate.
