Carlow College Graduate Awarded Prestigious Newman MA Scholarship by UCD

Carlow College, St. Patrick’s is proud to announce that recent graduate, Susan Hanly, has been awarded the highly prestigious Newman MA Scholarship by University College Dublin (UCD). This scholarship supports postgraduate research at MA and PhD levels, focusing on the life, work, and legacy of St. John Henry Newman, particularly in philosophy and education.

Graduating with a BA (Hons) in Arts & Humanities majoring in Philosophy and Theology from Carlow College in 2025, Susan is now pursuing an MA in Philosophy at UCD. Her academic journey at Carlow College was marked by outstanding achievement: she received the Mature Student Entrance Scholarship in her first year and went on to earn multiple Academic Achievement Scholarships throughout her four years of study.

Reflecting on her experience, Susan shared: “When I completed my Leaving Certificate in 1976, university was not financially viable for me. Returning to education in 2021 was a life-changing decision. Studying Philosophy and Theology prompted me to examine my life, defend my views, and enriched me with valuable lessons.”

During her time at Carlow College, Susan developed a strong interest in epistemology and ethics, honing her skills in constructing arguments and critical analysis. Her undergraduate dissertation on Assisted Dying drew on Cardinal Newman’s notion of conscience as the “vicar of Christ,” which she says “lent weight to my argument in favour of personal autonomy.”

Dr Amelia Fleming, Lecturer in Theology and Biblical Studies and Dissertation Supervisor for Susan’s undergraduate thesis said: “This award reflects the calibre of Susan’s undergraduate dissertation research: clear thinking, strong writing, and a steady commitment from start to finish. She distinguished herself as a student capable of operating at postgraduate level even in her final year. It was a genuine pleasure to supervise her project.”

Susan expressed her excitement about the opportunity to deepen her engagement with Newman’s thought: “I am particularly interested in Newman’s ideas of conscience and assent, and how they contrast with today’s concepts of ‘post-truth’ and self-will. I hope to explore how Newman’s moral theology can inform or challenge contemporary moral philosophy.”

The timing of Susan’s award is especially significant. On November 1st, Pope Leo XIV declared Saint John Henry Newman a Doctor of the Church and Co-patron of Education with Thomas Aquinas, underscoring his role in shaping modern Catholic thought on learning and faith. Susan noted: “Newman’s vision of a liberal education—fostering the development of the whole person—is more relevant than ever, as education increasingly becomes viewed through a utilitarian lens. I am grateful to UCD and the Newman Foundation for this incredible opportunity.”

Carlow College congratulates Susan on this outstanding achievement and wishes her every success in her postgraduate studies at UCD.