A new four-year BA course in Theological Studies and Business Practice will begin at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) in September.
The course has been designed for GMIT in co-operation with the Western Theological Institute. The original course proposal to the National Council for Education Awards read: "There is a need to bring these two disciplines (Theology and Business Studies) into dialogue at a time when the public is becoming conscious of the need for business practices to be sensitised to wider social and ethical concerns.
"Graduates with such a background, whether in the world of business or ministry, will make an important contribution to the social and moral fabric of the country.
"There is an urgent need for people who are informed with a value system, with an appreciation for the spiritual, social and economic dimensions of life to be available as mediators, facilitating the articulation and implementation of a much broader, holistic approach to human life and living," it said.
Serious academic study of the Christian and other faiths would also support greater understanding and co-operation among all those who live on the island of Ireland, it continued.
The course aims to help students acquire analytical skills in exploring religious belief and practice; provide them with a good knowledge of business practice; and give them the skills to be able to work at a management level in any public, private or voluntary organisation.
A further hope is that it will help students form a vision of society and business which reflects human values that recognise and integrate more than the material dimension, and which takes account of the wider cultural and spiritual aspects of human life and living.
Students with the degree will be able to teach accountancy, economics, business studies and religious studies to Leaving Certificate level once they have taken the Higher Diploma in Education.
They would also be eligible to work in administration, pastoral care, research, the civil services, publishing, journalism, broadcasting, financial institutions, development agencies, tourism and church agencies.
Further details from Mary McCague at 091-753161
