Programs

The academic degrees awarded by the Faculty of Theology of the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas (PUST), in which the ISSR Mater Ecclesiae is inserted, are:

– Baccalaureate in Religious Sciences (Bachelor’s Degree) after a three-year course.
– Licentiate in Religious Sciences (Master’s Degree) after a two-year course with three possible specializations:

• Pedagogical-Didactical
• Liturgical-Pastoral-Catechetical
• Ecumenical Theology and Interreligious Dialogue
• Theology and practice of care and health

The Institute also offers a Course for Formators. Please see the Handbook of Studies and/or the dedicated leaflet.

YEAR I

• Introduction to the Study of Theology
• Philosophy of Knowledge and Logic
• Moral Philosophy
• History of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
• Introduction to the World’s Great Religions
• Introduction to Sacred Scripture
• Pentateuch and Historical Books
• Introduction to the Fathers of the Church and History of the Church I
• Introduction to Theology and Theological Method
• Fundamental Theology
• Fundamental Moral Theology
• Spiritual Theology
• Introduction to Canon Law
• General Didactics

Optional Courses:

• Biblical Hebrew
• Italian Language
• Computer Ability

II YEAR 

• Metaphysics
• History of Modern and Contemporary Philosophy
• The Synoptic Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles
• The Epistles of St Paul and the Catholic Epistles
• The Mystery of the Living God
• Theological Anthropology
• Theological and Cardinal Virtues
• Ecclesiology
• Mariology
• Church History II
• General Sociology
• General Didactics
• Theology of the Laity
• Interdisciplinary Seminar

III YEAR 

• Philosophical Anthropology
• The Prophetic Books and the Psalms and Wisdom Books
• The Johannine Writings
• Christology
• Eschatology
• Sacraments I/II
• Church History III
• Bioethics
• General Psychology
• Social Doctrine of the Church
• Ecumenism
• Pastoral Theology
• Introduction to Christian Worship
• Church and Media
• Interdisciplinary Seminar

Comprehensive Final Exam/Final Paper

The students of the two-year course of the Licentiate will have customized plans of study that will be defined at the time of registration.

The Course for Formators prepares future Formators. The Course includes three areas of study: Spirituality, Human Sciences, Psychology. Seminars, workshops and practical exercises will complete the preparation of those registered. The Course may last one year (two semesters) or two years (four semesters).

Enrolment requires possession of the necessary prerequisite for university admission, or the approval of a special commission of the Institute. In each academic year, students are expected to participate in 11 courses and a seminar.