Background and profile of the study programme
The Stavanger campus of VID Specialized University (VID) goes back to the School of Mission and Theology, founded by the Norwegian Missionary Society in 1843. It has since then developed and maintained an international profile, preparing students for different positions in church and society in Norway and abroad, with a particular focus on multicultural and multi-religious contexts.
The Master’s programme in theology and religious studies at the Faculty of Theology, Diaconia and Leadership Studies (FTDL) is a two-year intensive academic course of study (120 ECTS credits). The programme prepares the candidate for advanced reflection on the roles of theology and religious studies in contemporary society. A candidate from the master’s program in theology from VID should have good knowledge of the Bible, the church's history and teaching tradition, and an interdisciplinary understanding of the religious and cultural context in which the worldwide church operates. The candidate should also have a good understanding of the missional and diaconal nature of the church and be able to apply theological insight and cultural understanding in a way that is relevant both in an ecclesial and a social context.
There are three different specializations in the study programme: specialization in theology, specialization in religious studies, and specialization in Bible translation. The first and the fourth semester is common for all tracks. During the first semester, all students study common introductory subjects including a common VID Profile Course: Worldview, values, relations and professional practice.
The last semester, all students write their master’s thesis. The second and third semesters offer different courses of specialization relating to the specific track the student has chosen and the planned subject of the thesis.
Lectures and reading lists are in English. Exams and thesis can be written in either English or Norwegian. The students are encouraged to use the third semester for studying abroad. The faculty has a foreign exchange programme that facilitates exchanges with several internationally recognised academic institutions.
Academic subjects
The study programme 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. The two approaches share a common methodological interest for the study of texts and contexts, the interest for religious encounters, and a focus on contextual and lived religion.
Access to Further Studies after Completing the Study Programme
Students who have accomplished a Master’s degree in theology and religious studies are qualified to apply for a PhD in theology and religious studies at VID Specialized University.
Target Group
The target group for the study programme in theology and religious studies is bachelor candidates with a background from theology, religious studies or Bachelor of Arts programmes with a specialization within theology and/or religious studies. Given the global approach of the programme, students from all over the world are invited to join the programme in order to create an international environment for discussions about contextual theology and religious encounters.