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Licence in Theology (STL), Dogmatic Theology
Curriculum Overview
The STL in Dogmatic Theology awarded by Mater Ecclesiae College will run as a dual award, linked to the Master of Theology (MTh) awarded by St Mary’s University.
Veritatis Gaudium (VG) states that the STL is a two-year, full-time programme (Art. 74 b). Translated into the English credit-system this means that candidates for the STL must study for two years and attain a total of 240 UK credits / 120 ECTS. To achieve this the six modules taught on the MTh programme as 20 UK credit / 10 ECTS options will also run as 30 UK credit / 15 ECTS options, with an additional learning outcome and a corresponding additional assessment for each. STL students thus take six taught modules, each worth 30 UK credits / 15 ECTS; four modules are taken in the first year, and two in the second year, as shown.
| Year One | Year Two | |
|---|---|---|
| Semester One | Semester One | |
| Systematic Theology and Contemporary Themes (30 UK credits / 15 ECTS) | Spiritual Theology (30 UK credits/ 15 ECTS) | |
| Biblical Interpretation (30 UK credits / 15 ECTS) | ||
| Semester Two | Semester Two | |
| Ecclesiology in Contemporary Perspective (30 UK credits/ 15 ECTS) | Theological Anthropology (30 UK credits / 15 ECTS) | |
| Liturgy and Sacramental Theology (30 UK credits / 15 ECTS) |
For module descriptions, please see the MTh.
Upon successful completion of the modules listed above, totalling 180 UK credits/ 90 ECTs, STL students will be awarded a civil Masters of Theology (MTh) by St Mary’s University.
In addition to these modules, in order to complete the STL, students in year two must also:
undertake a 30,000-word dissertation (including footnotes, excluding bibliography), worth 60 UK credits / 30 ECTS; and
sit comprehensive examinations.
The full STL therefore comprises 240 UK credits (120 ECTS) in total.
In addition to four modules dealing directly with dogmatic theology (Systematic Theology and Contemporary Themes, Ecclesiology, Liturgy and Sacramental Theology, and Theological Anthropology), the programme contains two modules on closely related topics. Mindful that the “study of the sacred page” should be “the very soul of sacred theology” (Second Vatican Council, Dei Verbum, 1965, n.24), there is a module on Biblical Interpretation. Mindful, also, that “theology is closely bound to spiritual experience” (International Theological Commission, Theology Today: Perspectives, Principles and Criteria, 2011, n.60, also, 86, 92, 93), there is a module on Spiritual Theology.
Delivery
In accord with the practice of St Mary’s University, each module is taught over a period of twelve sessions of two and a half hours at the University. STL Candidates study alongside St Mary’s MTh students, replicating the successful STB/BA model established at Mater Ecclesiae College for the first cycle of studies. Teaching related to the additional learning outcome is given in three seminars (VG, Art. 42, 74(b)) of two hours each. The primary mode of delivery is in person. Online attendance at classes is permitted on occasion if there is a good reason, but examinations must be taken in person at St Mary’s (VG, Norms, 33§2).
Assessments
Each module is assessed through two written assignments and an oral exam. The two written papers are usually essays of 2,000 and 4,000 words, respectively, including footnotes but not the bibliography. The additional learning outcome is assessed by an oral exam based upon a selection of texts chosen by the lecturer; students are expected to be able to summarise the main points of each text and respond to further questions from the lecturer. They prepare to answer questions on all texts, and the examiner selects one on which the student will be examined.
Dissertation
The dissertation is an important element of the STL programme (VG, Norms, 55.2). Students are allocated a supervisor from within the theology faculty of Mater Ecclesiae by the end of their first year in the programme, so they can begin guided work on their research project. Students should have regular meetings with their supervisor as they work on their dissertation. The 30,000 word count enables students to produce a serious piece of extended research and thus develop a specialised knowledge of a particular area of theology, alongside and beyond that attained through the six modules.
Further details of the programme
Comprehensive Examinations
Students are also assessed by final comprehensive exams, both written and oral. The written comprehensive exam contains six questions, based on he six modules studied and encouraging an integrative understanding of them (VG, Norms, 58). The exam lasts three hours and students are expected to answer three of the six questions during this time. The oral comprehensive exam lasts one hour, and students are examined on the remaining three questions from the written comprehensive exam.
Languages
Candidates are expected to possess a reading knowledge of Latin (VG, Norms, 26§2) and also of either a biblical or a modern language other than their native language, as appropriate to their field of specialisation. Competence in these language will be tested by examination during the first year of the programme. Language exams do not form part of the final mark.
Entry requirements
The normal requirement for enrolment upon the course would be that applicants have already completed an STB.
However, as per VG, Arts. 31, 32§§1&2, and Norms, 59, and also in accord with the Statutes of Mater Ecclesiae College 9.3.6, the Dean of Theology can accept students who do not have an STB if they possess equivalent philosophical and theological qualifications.
All students must also fulfil the Entry Requirements for Mater Ecclesiae College.
Part-time option
The STL is primarily intended as a two-year full-time programme. However, especially to enable those in active ministry to access the programme, the Dean of Theology may accept students who will complete the programme on a part-time basis, normally within four years.
Distinctiveness of the STL
Though there is some commonality with the programme for St Mary’s MTh, the STL programme of Mater Ecclesiae College is distinctive in several ways:
180 UK credits/90 ECTS are required for an MTh, 240/120 for the STL. Students studying solely for the MTh take six 20 UK credits/10 ECTS courses and complete a dissertation of 15,000 words (for 60 UK credits/30 ECTS).
STL students take the same six courses but for 30 UK credits/15 ECS, with an additional learning outcome and corresponding additional assessment. As the STL enables someone to teach ‘in a major seminary or equivalent institution’ (VG, Art. 50§1), it is appropriate that the additional learning outcome should focus on a critical awareness of magisterial teaching on that subject. The additional learning outcome is taught by means of additional seminars purely for the STL cohort, which will help to give them a sense of their collective identity and purpose. On the basis of those six 30 UK credit/15 ECTS courses alone, students in the STL programme gain the 180 UK credits/ 90 ECTS needed in order to be awarded the civil MTh degree by St Mary’s University.
Furthermore, students in the STL programme take comprehensive examinations, and research and write a major dissertation of 30,000 words.
Fees and Further Information
September 2026
Home: £9,990
International: £9,990 for clerical/religious students.
Please contact the Dean of Theology for information on fees for international lay students.
For further information in general, please contact materecclesiae@stmarys.ac.uk.
Applications
Please write to the Dean of the Faculty of Theology, Rev Dr Javier Ruiz-Ortiz, at materecclesiae@stmarys.ac.uk, giving details of your academic record and saying why you wish to follow the STL programme of studies at Mater Ecclesiae College.