Master in Theology and Philosophy

About this programme

The Master in Theology and Philosophy is the advanced graduate stage of the pathway. It brings philosophical inquiry into sustained dialogue with theology and is intended for students prepared to engage questions of faith, reason, truth, authority, human personhood, morality, Church, sacrament, ministry and the meaning of human life at graduate level. The programme develops advanced analytical, synthetic and research competence: you move beyond descriptive study toward critical argument, interdisciplinary integration and independent scholarly research, drawing on philosophical, theological, ecclesiological, sacramental, ethical, canonical, pastoral and Cistercian resources. The programme concludes with a substantial thesis or major research project. The curriculum content is developed together with Sacred Hearts International Seminary, under the academic responsibility of Luis Brion University.

Who is this for?

This programme is intended for:

• Graduates of the Bachelor in Religious Studies or a comparable degree
• Teachers, lecturers and formation staff who need graduate-level competence
• Pastoral and ecclesial leaders engaging advanced questions of theology and ethics
• Students preparing for doctoral-level work or scholarly publication

What you will be able to do

• Construct and defend advanced theological and philosophical arguments
• Critically evaluate primary and secondary sources in theology, philosophy and related fields
• Integrate philosophical reasoning with theological inquiry while respecting the distinct methods of each discipline
• Analyse advanced questions in ecclesiology, authority, ethics, sacramental theology, liturgy and ministry
• Assess the use of tradition, reason, Scripture and ecclesial sources in theological argument
• Conduct independent graduate-level research and produce a substantial scholarly thesis or research project
• Communicate advanced theological and philosophical ideas to academic, ecclesial and public audiences with clarity and intellectual responsibility

Programme content

1. 01Advanced Philosophical Theology
2. 02Metaphysics and Philosophy of Religion
3. 03Epistemology, Faith and Reason
4. 04Philosophical Anthropology
5. 05Advanced Systematic Theology
6. 06Advanced Scriptural Theology
7. 07Ecclesiology, Authority and Apostolic Tradition
8. 08Sacramental and Eucharistic Theology
9. 09Advanced Moral Theology and Applied Ethics
10. 10Authority, Conscience and Ecclesial Discernment
11. 11Advanced Canonical and Ecclesiastical Studies
12. 12Theology of Apostolic Succession and Holy Orders
13. 13Advanced Liturgical Theology
14. 14Theology and Pastoral Practice
15. 15Cistercian Spirituality and Theology
16. 16Graduate Research Methodology and Seminar
17. 17Master's Thesis or Major Research Project

Provisional module outline — the final module breakdown is confirmed before the start of each cohort.

Entry requirements

Placeholder: admission requirements, residency and thesis requirements are still to be determined through LBU's academic approval process. A relevant bachelor-level qualification is expected.

Important conditions

• This programme is presented as a draft academic proposal, submitted for LBU academic approval. Programme duration, credit values, course codes and thesis requirements are not yet final.
• This is an academic degree programme. It does not grant ordination, canonical standing or authorisation for ecclesiastical ministry; any such recognition remains reserved to the competent religious or ecclesiastical authority.
• Curriculum content is developed in collaboration with Sacred Hearts International Seminary, subject to Luis Brion University's academic governance, assessment and degree-awarding requirements.

Luis Brion University reserves the right to change, amend or withdraw the texts on this website, program content, curricula and learning outcomes at any time.