What is Divinity?
Divinity is the study of religion, belief systems and deities. Divinity or the divine are things that are either related to, devoted to, or proceeding from a deity.
The root of the word divine is literally “godly,” but the use varies significantly depending on which deity is being discussed.
What 3rd level courses are available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in Divinity in the following subject areas:
- Divinity – The study of Christian theology and theological training and research.
- Doctoral Degree in Divinity (DD) – Work towards a Doctorate in Divinity research.
- Introducing Religions – This course introduces six major religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism; exploring beliefs, practices, concepts and principles and their influence on world affairs.
- MA In Theology and World Religions – An introduction to comparative and constructive dialogue on the world’s major religious traditions.
- An Introduction to Theology Course – This Theology course is suitable for those interested in world religions, their origin and their place in contemporary society.
- Religion and Society 1095-1517 – A focus on the practice and impact of religion in medieval society, on social structures and on relations with other cultures.
- Religion Today: Tradition, Modernity and Change – This study of religious beliefs, ideas and practices around the world explores their wider contexts and considers whether secularism will be the death of religion.
Studying Intercultural Divinity
There are many courses in Divinity that may take place over a few days, weeks or even 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses and night courses available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like.
Courses will cover theory work through lectures, assignments, tutorials and taught modules. Assessments will take place on a continuous basis with written examinations and practical assignments combined in order to achieve a qualification.
You could also consider work experience or a work shadow in the industry. It’s important to get relevant work experience to boost your employability prospects. Talk to professionals in the field you’re interested in, and consider the different types of placements and work available. Relevant work experience is a good way of demonstrating a genuine interest in the field and is regarded favorably by employers.
If you’re thinking about working in religious ministry, talk to local spiritual leaders and get involved in the life of your religious community to find out more about what’s involved.
If you want to get into teaching, you will need to have a minimum of two weeks’ experience working in a school with children of the age you want to teach. This will show you have the skills and motivation required.
Try to become involved with your local community if you’d like a role that involves working with people or look for work with charity and volunteer organizations.
Work Experience will not only give you the opportunity to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the industry, it will also give you a chance to do some essential networking with other industry professionals and gain valuable contacts for the future.
Career options
After completing a Divinity course you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of theology and religious beliefs.
The study of Divinity allows you to explore how religious beliefs and practices shape and influence the world we live in
You could work in a variety of different roles in a range of employment sectors. Typical employers include national and local government, schools, colleges and universities (for teaching and research positions), charities, voluntary and not-for-profit organizations, social services and other caring professions and the church and other religious organizations.
You may choose to increase your knowledge of religion and theology through a postgraduate qualification such as a Masters or PhD. Areas of research include theology, religion and culture, ethics and religious conflict.
Or depending on the career you want, you may need to take a vocational postgraduate course in an area such as teaching, journalism, librarianship or law.
Working hours will depend on whether you are self-employed, employed by a company with set business hours or if you are contracted to various businesses or companies.
Related jobs include:
- Chaplain
- Higher education lecturer
- Primary school teacher
- Secondary school teacher
- Advice worker
- Archivist
- Charity fundraiser
- Counsellor
- Civil Service administrator
- Community development worker
- International aid/development worker
- Mediator
- Newspaper journalist
- Police officer
- Youth worker
Further study
After completing a course in Divinity you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skill set. Postgraduate study can also be used as a means to change career focus or to gain professional qualifications required to practise in certain career areas such as Social services management, Voluntary sector studies, Education, Environment, Health sector, Social work and Youth work.
FAQ
What skills will I learn?
Studying theology and religious studies gives you a thorough understanding of the major world religions, their historical development and their relationship with the world we live in. You’ll gain insight into the theological, ethical, cultural, political and philosophical issues of religion.
You also develop skills that are valued by employers in a range of sectors. These include:
- Research, analysis and presentation skills
- Critical thinking skills and the ability to interpret information, formulate questions and solve problems
- Organizational and time management skills
- Team working and communication skills
- Writing skills, including accurate referencing and the ability to construct a reasoned argument
- Empathy and the ability to understand people and take on board others’ views
- The ability to work methodically and accurately
- Independence of mind and the ability to think for yourself
Where can I study Divinity?
Explore your options here
Did You Know?
- The word “God,” in whatever language it is uttered, picks out a concept or being that is arguably more existentially important to individual human beings, and more historically momentous, than any other single word.
- “God” can mean many different things. The term can be used to describe beings of mere might and power, such as the ancient Greek gods Zeus, Hera, and Apollo, or it can denote a qualitatively different sort of being, an eternal, uncreated Divinity, through which all else exists and has its being, such as the Judeo-Christian God, or Hinduism’s Brahman
- Not all religions believe in a god or gods. Buddhism, for instance, contains no concept that strictly parallels the Western notion of “God.” Nature religions, such as Japanese Shinto, likewise lack such a concept.
- Even though Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are vastly different, they worship the same historical deity: the God of Abraham.
- Belief in a single, unique deity is called monotheism, while polytheism is the belief in multiple gods
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