St Patrick's Pontifical University, Maynooth

29/05/2026

📚The very best of luck to all Leaving Certificate students next week! Go n-éirí an t-ádh libh!

27/05/2026

Hear from Prof Séamus O'Connell, Director of the Higher Diploma in Theological Studies, who explains what you can expect from the course.

Our Higher Diploma in Theological Studies is ideal for those seeking to enhance teaching qualifications, as a gateway to further study in areas like Chaplaincy, Pastoral Ministry or academia or pursue formal theological education.

Applications for 2026 are now open: sppu.ie/hdip-in-theological-studies

26/05/2026

Interested in Philosophy? Learn more about our Master's in Philosophy options and apply now for 2026 at sppu.ie/postgraduate

Develop critical thinking, clear communication, and confident decision-making.

Our programmes equip the learner with the skills to make a real difference and to leave the world a better place.

25/05/2026

Dr John-Paul Sheridan attended the Passau Network Meeting on Religious Identities at the University of Passau. He was one of twenty academics from Europe to take part in this collaboration.

He presented a paper on Memory and Identity in the Irish Religious and Educational Landscape, in consideration of Student Teacher Formation.

While he is hoping to return for the Network Meeting next year at Passau, there are plans for a more focused collaboration with three other academics from the three-day meeting.

22/05/2026

Interested in studying Theology?

Our programmes equip the learner with the skills to make a real difference and to leave the world a better place.

Learn more about our Master's in Theology options and apply now for 2026 at sppu.ie/postgraduate.

22/05/2026

Our president Michael Shortall is in Zagreb, Croatia, at the yearly assembly of FUCE - the European Federation of Catholic Universities.

At the young Catholic University of Croatia, much was shared in a rich exchange of ideas. Already from the start some very strong topics to consider for the tasks and responsibilities of catholic universities

✅ demographic evolutions show the rapid decline of young people in Europe, while exactly this group is rapidly and strongly growing in Africa. A strong solidarity is needed with this continent of the future.

✅ service-learning as a pedagogy has a huge potential to connect young students with society and vice versa. Learning is not confined to what happens within university walls, on the contrary.

SPPU wants to be part of this exciting future.

21/05/2026

Dr Luke Macnamara OSB, Dean of Theology at St Patrick's Pontifical University, recently spoke to the Irish Catholic about Theology and Scripture.

Read the article here:

Maynooth theology students are finding new wisdom for the big questions in today's world, says Fr Luke Macnamara OSB.

19/05/2026

Learn in your own time. Grow in understanding.

Our Pastoral Liturgy programme offers an accredited foundation for those serving, or preparing to serve, at parish and diocesan level.

Deepen your appreciation of the Church’s liturgical life and strengthen your formation in the heart of Catholic theology.

Apply now for 2026.
🔗 https://sppu.ie/about/faculties-centres/pastoral-liturgy

18/05/2026

Watch this space!

We were delighted to welcome RTÉ on campus last Friday.

Pictured in St Joseph’s Square, is the President, Rev Dr Michael Shortall, being interviewed by Richard Downes assisted by Janet and Paul from the RTÉ Nationwide team. This will form part of a programme to go to air on National TV later this summer, as part of the Maynooth 850 wider celebrations.

14/05/2026

🎶Develop your Church and Liturgical Music skills with our music programmes at St Patrick's!

Find out more info at sppu.ie/courses or get in touch with us - we are always happy to help.

Applications close 31st of May for non-EU and 30th June for EU.