Maryvale Institute

Ecclesiastical Licence in Catechetics

Ecclesiastical Licence in Catechetics

The Ecclesiastical Licence in Catechetics is a qualification of the Holy See, distinct from an S.T.L., and has been offered by the Maryvale Institute since 2012.

Who is the programme aimed at?

It is intended for those in leadership positions in catechetics and in other positions of responsibility. For example, the Licence is especially suited to:

• those in diocesan positions of catechetics or adult faith formation,
• those involved in the creation, or oversight, of catechetical resources,
• those involved in work related to the new evangelization,
• those in Catholic chaplaincy or Catholic school leadership positions.

What are the entry requirements?

Admission to the Licence programme is available for all those who have the Ecclesiastical B.Divinity, or an equivalent qualification. To gain the Licence, students first complete a Master of Arts in Catholic Applied Theology (Religious Education and Catechesis) at the Institute.

How long is the programme?

The Master's programme will take 30 months to complete, the Licence will take an additional 12 months.

When is the next enrolment?

The programme enrols new students each January.

Programme Information

Aims:

• Growth in wisdom and understanding through the systematic and comprehensive study of the science of pastoral theology and, in particular, the study of Catechesis and Religious Education.
• Helping to discover and realise, through in-depth study and reflection on the Catholic faith, each person’s vocation in the Church, whether as a lay person or a religious.
• Development of skills to be able to communicate and to share the faith by increasing knowledge and understanding.
• Nourishment for one’s spiritual life through reading and working with others of a similar faith commitment.

Structure and Content

Admission to the Licence programme is available for all those who have the Ecclesiastical B.Divinity, or an equivalent qualification. To gain the Licence, students first complete a Master of Arts in Catholic Applied Theology (Religious Education and Catechesis) at the Institute. They then spend a year studying three specialist modules.

These focus on:

• A classic text in the area of catechetics taken from a selection offered.
• A key figure in the area of catechetics.
• Contemporary debate in catechetics.

Three residential weekends at the Institute support these three modules of study and prepare the students for an oral defence of their MA dissertation which occurs at the end of the Licence year.

Assessment

Each module in the Licence year is assessed through a written assignment of 6,000-8,000 words. The final piece of work undertaken for the Licence is an oral defence of the MA dissertation. This consists of a presentation and evaluation of the potential relevance and impact of their dissertation.

Award

The Licence is a postgraduate ecclesiastical degree, distinct from an S.T.L., which is awarded through Maryvale’s Higher Institute of Religious Sciences (H.I.R.S.) and validated by the theology faculty of the Ecole Cathedrale of Paris (Faculté Notre Dame de Paris) on behalf of the Congregation for Catholic Education in Rome.

How do I apply?

• Applications are welcome up to the first week of January.
• To apply, download the Application Form and Reference Request Form (for sending to referees via email).
• A non-returnable application fee of £50 is required when making an application for this course.

Accessibility

If you have a disability or any long-term condition that impacts on your day-to-day life, please download the Accessibility Form, open and edit it in Acrobat Reader, and email or post the completed document to the Accessibility Coordinator (address included on the form), to ensure we can give you the best possible support during your course of study. Disclosing a disability will not be a factor in the Institute’s decision as to whether or not to offer you a place on the course. However, it is important that the Institute knows if you have any special needs in order to provide you with appropriate support and facilities. This information will remain strictly confidential.

Student Feedback

• "[I found the course] very beneficial, it gave me a greater insight to other aspects of the faith including the contribution which catechesis provides."

Licence Student - 2018

• "Many thanks for offering this superb course."

Licence Student - 2018

• "I derived a sense of achievement after completing the course."

Licence Student - 2018

• "I would recommend the Licence to MA students … I reflect upon the spiritual, theological, practical journey here at Maryvale and I know that it has enriched my life."

Licence Student - 2016-2017

• "Detailed, encouraging, challenging, practical and enjoyable."

Licence Student - 2016-2017

• "There is no substitute for this kind of experience, with the insight, encouragement and helpful criticism of colleagues and professors."

Licence Student - 2016-2017

• "It is always a blessing to come together to share, discuss, challenge and support each other. Thank you for designing our programme of study so thoughtfully and thoroughly."

Licence Student - 2016-2017