Cathal BarryThe required entry points for studying theology at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth have soared this year.
Points for students applying for the Baccalaureate in Theology (BTh) through the CAO rose 100 points to 425 this year from 325 in 2014.
Acknowledging that although the points surge may not signify an increase in demand for the three-year, full-time degree course, Maynooth President Msrg Hugh Connolly said it was “gratifying to see that a significant number of high achievers” choosing to study theology at third level.
“Despite the marked turn in recent years toward ‘economy driven’ subjects and away from the humanities including theology it is gratifying to see that a significant number of high achievers among this year’s school leavers have chosen theology as their first option,” he told The Irish Catholic.
The Baccalaureate in Theology (BTh) offered by Maynooth is a three-year, level 8, full-time honours degree course aimed at those who wish to broaden and deepen their knowledge of the Christian Faith.
Meanwhile, points for the popular Baccalaureate in Theology and Arts (BATh) course at the Pontifical University remained at 300 this year.
The theology courses as part of this degree are taught in the faculty of theology of the Pontifical University, while the arts subjects are taught in Maynooth University (National University of Ireland, Maynooth).