Theology for
Doubters and
Seekers
I. Masters of Arts in Spirituality II. Masters of Arts in Spiritual Companionship
University of Malta Faculty of Theology
More than 400 years of Theological Studies
POSTGRADUATE COURSES
MA in Spirituality • 3-year evening course • mainly taught, partly by research • final year exclusively dedicated to dissertation. In today’s society there is a growing interest for a deeper understanding of spirituality. In trying to respond to the needs of individuals, the Faculty of Theology is offering a course that helps students to acquire a holistic perception of life and of the human person, and to value the contribution of spirituality to the individual and human society. In the second year of study, students will be able to choose whether to pursue their interests in General Spirituality (Stream A) or Carmelite Spirituality (Stream B). This course intends to offer students: • a solid grounding in the theology and tradition of Christian spirituality; • the skills needed to become animators of other persons and communities in their process of Christian development; • the ability to discern the signs of the time.
Target Audience This course is being offered to any person holding an undergraduate degree who is: • involved in formation within different religious orders and Christian communities; • committed in ministry and catechesis; or • intending to continue ongoing personal formation.
Core Areas of Study
• The Spiritual Quest of Humanity • Dynamics of Growth and Maturity in Spiritual Life • Foundations of Spirituality, Prayer and Discernment • Christian Spirituality through the Ages • Biblical Spirituality: Discovering God’s Face in Human Experience
Elective Areas of Study • • • •
Spirituality of Consecrated Life Mystical Texts Selected Carmelite Mystical Writers Paths to Holiness in St Augustine marriage and consecrated life • The Contribution of St Francis of Assisi and the Franciscans to the Human Spiritual Heritage • Basic Themes of Ignatian Spirituality • Finding Strength in Weakness. A Journey Towards wholeness
STREAM A: General Spirituality • • • • •
Liturgy as a Source of Spirituality Spirituality and Life Stages Trends in Maltese Spiritual Tradition Spirituality and Social Commitment The Universal Call to Holiness
STREAM B: Carmelite Spirituality • Foundations of Carmelite Spirituality • Saint John of the Cross • The Development of Carmelite Tradition • Saint Teresa of Jesus • Major Themes in Carmelite Spirituality
MA in Spiritual Companionship • 3-year evening course • mainly taught, partly by research • final year exclusively dedicated to dissertation. In response to the growing need for spiritual guidance and companionship, the Faculty of Theology is offering a programme of studies to committed members of the Christian community to empower those interested in discovering and practising the art and profes-sion of Spiritual Companionship. This course also intends to respond to the need of ongoing formation of School Religious Counsellors. The content and structure of this programme of studies satisfy the requirements established by Modes of Regulation on Catholic Religious Instruction and Education in State Schools (16 November 1989).
Areas of Study
Target Audience
• The Spiritual Quest of Humanity • Dynamics of Growth and Maturity in Spiritual Life • Foundations of Spirituality, Prayer and Discernment • Christian Spirituality through the Ages • Biblical Spirituality: Discovering God’s Face in Human Experience • Foundations of Spiritual Companionship/ Pastoral Care in Schools • Helping Skills in Spiritual Companionship • Foundations of Spiritual Companionship • Personal Skills in Spiritual Companionship • Supervision in Spiritual Companionship • Ethical Issues of Spiritual Companionship • Child and Adolescent Spirituality • Practicum in Spiritual Companionship
This course is addressed to any person holding an undergraduate degree who, after an aptitude assessment, demonstrates the background and attitudes necessary for the profession. It is aimed in particular at those interested in discovering and practising the art and profession of Spiritual Companionship. In particular: • those involved in Religious Counselling in Schools; and/or • persons committed in ministry; • formators and leaders of groups and ecclesial movements.
Exit Awards Those who opt not to continue for an MA will be awarded: • after one year of study, a postgraduate Certificate in Spirituality; • after two years of study, a postgraduate Diploma in (General or Carmelite) Spirituality, or a postgraduate Diploma in Spiritual Companionship.
Cooperating Partners This programme of studies is being offered with the cooperation of: • Pastoral Formation Institute • Carmelite Institute • Various international lecturers
www.um.edu.mt/theology/spirituality
Applications are being received online at: www.um.edu.mt/online_applications
Telephone: 2340 2767 Email: theology@um.edu.mt
University of Malta Faculty of Theology