Theology and Religious Studies VID Specialized University

Overview

What will you learn?

The Theology and Religious Studies programme at VID Specialized University has two academic traditions at the centre of its academic approach. First, theology, understood as the historical study of the Bible and the Christian tradition, combined with a contextual approach towards how religious faith and practices are lived out locally and globally today. Second, religious studies, which broadens its scope also towards other religious traditions and other religious texts. Common for the approaches is a common methodological interest for the study of texts and contexts, the interest for religious encounters, and a focus on contextual and lived religion.

Specializations

Theology

The programme is based on a Bachelor of theology with Greek (20 ECTS) and New Testament studies based on Greek. The introductory semester focuses on contextual theology and religious encounters, methodology and philosophy of science. The second and third semesters allow the student to go deeper into either biblical studies or other theological subjects through compulsory and elective courses. Hebrew (20 ECTS) is required for one of the OT electives in third semester. The elective course prepares for the Master’s thesis in the fourth semester.

Religious studies

The programme is based on a Bachelor of theology, a Bachelor of religious studies, or a Bachelor of Arts, where theology/religious studies make up a central part of the degree. The introductory semester focuses on contextual theology and religious encounters, methodology and philosophy of science. The second and third semesters allow the student to go deeper into the academic field of religious studies through compulsory and elective courses, thereby preparing for the Master’s thesis in the fourth semester.

Bible translation

The programme is based on a Bachelor of theology with Greek (20 ECTS) and/or Hebrew (20 ECTS), and exegetical studies based on the biblical languages, or a more general Bachelor of Arts which includes—or to which is added—corresponding competence of languages and exegesis. After an introductory semester with contextual theology (including biblical studies) and philosophy of science, the second semester allows the student to specialize in Bible translation from historical, theoretical, hermeneutical and applied perspectives. The third semester focuses on linguistics related to Bible translation, normally through exchange with a partner institution in Europe or North America. The three first semesters eventually prepare for a Master’s thesis in the fourth semester.