This certificate will give students a thorough introduction at an advanced level to the principles, history and application of Catholic Social Teaching.
Why study Catholic Social Teaching?
Catholic Social Teaching is an increasingly important element in Christian moral teaching, valued across different churches. This course will be the first whole programme devoted to this subject taught face-to-face in any university in the UK and Ireland.
Why St Mary's?
St Mary's University has a Catholic ethos. Moreover since its foundation in the 19th century it has had a consistent vocation to serve the Church in its poorest communities: Catholic Social teaching witnesses to what is called 'the preferential option for the poor' so St Mary's is the obvious place to study the subject.
Teaching methods
The certificate will be taught by means of weekly lectures or seminars, together with online support.
Assessment methods
There will be two modules in this programme. In each case students will be assessed by means of a 5,000 word essay assignment. In the first module there will also be a shorter piece of written work; in the second students will give presentations which will be assessed.
Key facts
- This is the only complete programme in Catholic Social Teaching taught face to face in the UK and Ireland.
- World events, the increasing importance of social teaching in the churches and the public profile of Pope Francis make this a good time to study this subject.
- The ethos and history of St Mary's make it the best possible place to study this programme.