Mater Dei Institute - Student Perspectives

ShortDamo

I've got Mater Dei on my CAO, specifically the Education, Religion and History course. I would like to hear some student's opinions of the course and of the college in general e.g. Modules, workload, lecturers, clubs and societies etc. I am not set on a career in teaching, but I am interested in chaplaincy, youth work and pastoral ministry, is the course suitable ? Finally, would you say the theology and history courses are high quality, or would I be better off doing an arts course? Thanks.

Christopher Fitzsimons

I saw your Post Damo and thought I'd reply,

I'm a first year student here in Mater Dei and I'm just finishing up my first year of BRelEd History. I highy reccommend you coming to Mater Dei. The workload isn't that bad and most of the modules are interesting. We are lucky to have some of the best and most renowned lecturers especially in the religious and historical fields. We also have plenty of sports and clubs such as tag rugby, The Gaelic Football team which reached the Corn Na Mac Leinn final this year, The hurlers who participate in the Fitzgibbon cup with St. Pats also the soccer team which has had many sucess' in recent years. There are also clubs and societies for people interested in other things such as the drama soc, choir, trad soc, the American football soc and team and the misfits soc etc. Mater Dei students are also welcomed to join all DCU Societies.


Teaching is only one of the steps that this course can offer you, Mater dei also offer many post grad courses in pastoral care, ministry and chaplaincy! As I said before the History and Religious factions of this college are some of the most respected in the country, I know many people that have done Arts this year that found it daunting and got lost in it.

Also it is a small enough college so it is a lot easier to make friends and the nightlife is up there with the best.

Hope this helps

kaner90

Hi Damo,

I am currently in my 3rd year of the Bachelor of Religious Education and History course in Mater Dei and I would highly recommend it. The subjects are really interesting and quite diverse. My course has 3 components History, RE and Education (teaching practice). The workload isn't too bad, most of the assessment is continuous so you have an opportunity to build up a lot of marks before your final exams. The lecturers are pretty sound too and always willing to give you help and advice.

If your into working in the area of chaplaincy etc. you can specialise in chaplaincy at postgraduate level. I know some of the students in their final year are going to do that this year.

The college is a nice size not too big and not too small. There are loads of clubs and societies and it is very easy to get to know everyone.

In terms of course choices, you could do an Arts degree, I know some of my friends are doing it here and really enjoy it. But it really depends on what you want. The History course will give you a professional qualification, you will be qualified to teach at the end, whereas if you complete the arts course you would usually spend a year afterwards to specialise in your area of interest. Both courses in mater dei are have small class sizes which is really handy if you like to have loads of interaction.

Hope this info helps you out!

ClionaIrene

Hi guys,
Does anyone know what date first years start in Mater Dei and what the timetable would be like?
Thanks

PTO

I think it was something like 22hrs a week and a few 9am's for the first semester! 2nd semester was less hrs and later starts if I remember!

ClionaIrene

Ok thanks a mill

cathy01

Start Date is September 19.

racheldxxx

Hi, I'm starting 1st yr in mater dei this yr. I'm just wondering what the time table will be like for the first few weeks as i'm trying to arrange it with work. I'll be studying history and religion. If anyone could help out that would be great.