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The PhD programme is open for projects in the fields of theology and religion. Theology and Religious Studies are two distinct scholarly fields, which historically represented rather different research perspectives on religious faith. The programme aims to enable PhD candidates to generate new knowledge in these two research traditions and to critically reflect on the traditions and the spectrum of methods they represent.
The field of theology traditionally consisted of the four disciplines Old Testament, New Testament, Church History and Systematic Theology. Later, other disciplines were added, and for VID, this concerns in particular Missiology and Practical Theology. The theological research tradition has been discipline-oriented, and historically and textually focused, but has gradually become more interdisciplinary and empirically focused. This development is also reflected within VID, which has a particular focus on global issues and questions.
The field of religious studies has traditionally been based on the historically oriented Science of Religion/History of Religion where text and/or linguistic based studies and hermeneutics were essential. Gradually, approaches from anthropology, sociology and gender studies have broadened the focus on religious studies, and more attention on everyday religion and meaning-making, individual and institutional practices and roles have been implemented. At VID, the focus is primarily on empirical studies of current religious trends, globally and locally.
There are important material and methodological parallels between VID’s focus in theology and religion. First, there is an overlap in methodology, in the programme’s focus on interdisciplinary and empirical methods. Second, there is a global focus and an interest in the interaction between the global and the local, in particular encounters of religions and cultures. The programme offers an interdisciplinary context for one's specialized concentration, whether it is authoritative texts and their interpretation and reception, systematic theology, ethics, historical and/or cultural studies of religion, or empirical research on religious beliefs and practice.
The programme is emphasizing World Christianity studies as a bridge between Theology and Religious Studies as these disciplines are practiced at VID. This recently emerged field of study is on the one hand a development out of missiology and therefore easily locatable within theology. On the other hand, studies in World Christianity are usually conducted by utilising either historical or empirical methodologies. This means that World Christianity may be studied either by using insider, text-based, theological approaches, or by using empirical methodologies such as by scholars situated within religious studies. VID offers resources for both these two broad approaches.
Occupational profiles of graduates
The programme in theology and religion is intended to prepare candidates for professional careers in teaching and research, as well as for leadership opportunities within churches, religious organizations, social service agencies, NGOs, public sector, publishing, and in educational institutions.
The learning outcome descriptions are placed at the 3rd cycle in accordance with the national qualifications framework for higher education. Upon completion of the program, the candidate should have the following learning outcomes, divided into knowledge, skills, and general competence:
Knowledge
The candidate
is in the forefront of knowledge within their respective discipline in either theology or religious studies
can reflect critically on the historical differences between the scholarly traditions and inter-disciplinary meeting points
is in the forefront of knowledge concerning global perspectives and issues in the study of theology and religion
masters these fields' philosophies of science and methodologies
can evaluate the expediency and application of the various methods within the fields of theology and religious studies
has a thorough understanding of the various processes within research and scholarly projects
Skills
The candidate
can formulate problems, plan and carry out research and scholarly work of a high international standard within their respective field
can choose and apply appropriate methods for their research
can contribute to the development of new knowledge, new theories, methods, interpretations and forms of documentation in the fields of theology and religion
can apply global and intercultural perspectives on contemporary issues in theology and religion
can handle complex academic issues and challenge established knowledge and practice in the field
can engage in popular dissemination of research within their field
General Competence
The candidate
can identify relevant ethical issues and carry out their research with scholarly integrity
can manage complex interdisciplinary assignments and projects
can communicate research and development work through recognized Norwegian and international channels
can participate in academic debates in international forums
can assess the need for innovation, initiate and practice it
The PhD education normally consists of three years full-time study or six years half-time study (180 ECTS). It includes:
A formalized training (PhD courses) of 30 ECTS that covers general introduction to research/academic work as well as to the discipline and topic in which the thesis is to be written.
An independent research project that is carried out under academic supervision; this research project is expected to have a workload of 150 ECTS, and it is presented either as a monograph or as an article based thesis. For more details see the course description PhD thesis in Theology and Religion.
PhD courses: The courses are arranged as intensive course weeks. They consist of lectures, group-work and discussion, a variety of pre-course and post-course assignments, and individual reading. For more details, see the course description for each individual course.
PhD student forum which encourages peer learning.
Supervision: Each student is assigned two supervisors and is allocated 210 hours formal supervision. For more, see §7 in Regulations for the PhD Degree at VID Specialized University.
Paper presentation seminars and research groups: The students are required to present and respond to at least one paper per year, either in the programme’s regular paper presentation seminars, or in a research group. The students are expected to be active participants in their respective research groups and are required to participate in at least one paper presentation seminar in the PhD programme each semester.
The students are expected to participate in international research conferences, and encouraged to be involved in international research cooperation.
They are also expected to spend some time as visitors/students at a relevant international research institution. The students are required to plan such activities from the start of their PhD period, and they are offered information about exchange institutions and funding possibilities.
Admission to the PhD programme normally requires a Master's Degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent in Theology, Religious studies or related academic disciplines. The University may after specific individual assessment approve other equivalent education as a basis for admission. Applicants may be required to take certain courses and/or special tests prior to admission in order to ensure that the entrance requirements are fulfilled.
The application should include a completed application form, a project description according to VID's template and relevant documentation of education and research experience.