The academic programme of the Licentiate in Spiritual Theology (STL) offers an advanced course of study that combines scientific rigour and spiritual depth. The programme includes core courses, thematic seminars, a final thesis and opportunities for personal specialisation.

Programme Structure

To obtain the academic degree in Spiritual Theology, students must earn 120 ECTS credits. Courses are worth 3 ECTS credits; seminars are worth 4 ECTS credits. Half of the credits (60 ECTS) will be earned by attending and passing the respective exams for 3 seminars (12 ECTS) and 17 courses (48 ECTS) according to the following distribution:

• 2 compulsory courses: Introduction to Spiritual Theology (3 ECTS), Synthesis Course (0 ECTS);
• 12 courses*: 3 in Systematic Spiritual Theology; 1 in Ignatian Spirituality; 3 in Biblical Spirituality; 3 in History of Christian Spirituality; 2 in Christian Life and Praxis
• 2 common courses, one of which is chosen from those offered by other departments of the Faculty of Theology;
• 1 optional course*

*Alternative Ignatian path: 5 courses in Ignatian Spirituality (including the optional course), 2 in Systematic Spiritual Theology, 1 in Biblical Theology.

The other half of the credits (60 ECTS) will be obtained by submitting a Licentiate Thesis (30 ECTS), written under the supervision of a professor from the Department, with the prior consent of the Director, and by passing the Final Licentiate Examination
(30 ECTS).

For more information, please consult the programme and the list of courses for the current year in the Licentiate and Diploma in Spiritual Theology Brochure.