Master of Theology, biblical studies
Summary
The master’s programme in Theology offers a well-rounded and advanced education with two specializations: biblical studies and systematic theology. If you specialize in biblical studies, you will develop skills in hermeneutics and interpretation as you focus on Jewish-Christian relations in the study of biblical and related texts, their historical and literary contexts, and their past reception and contemporary use. You will study in close contact with internationally recognized teachers active in research and leaders in their field.
Other specializations
About
Studying ancient and biblical texts not just in terms of their original contexts, but also with a view to how they have been used and interpreted, provides a deeper understanding of their character and meaning. Central to all inquiry into the origins and uses of the biblical texts is an awareness of historical conditions and their impact on the shaping and reception of the texts, specifically in the relations between Jews and Christians. Another aspect to consider is gender issues and scripture and how this is translated into the Jewish and Christian traditions.
Regular contact with teachers in an international learning environment
We stand out from other theological programmes by providing regular contact with teachers throughout your courses and thesis work. Our teachers are leaders in their fields with international connections and broad experience in research from different parts of the world, such as Stellenbosch, North Carolina, Cambridge, Manchester, Rome, and Jerusalem. Seminars and active discussions with your fellow students and teachers characterize our academic environment. You will also benefit from our exchange programme with the Theological Faculty at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, enriching your education with visiting teachers and South African students. The exchange programme allows us to send one student each term from Sweden to South Africa.
Create a unique profile for yourself
We offer a large number of courses, ensuring a well-rounded theological education while also providing space to follow your own particular research interests. The programme includes a mandatory course—Hermeneutics, Theology, and the Uses of the Bible—that students of both specializations take together. You will then choose elective courses, from our recommendations or according to your motivations. You will write your master’s thesis throughout the second year in parallel to course work, allowing you to hone your writing and research skills and produce a more competent thesis. This provides an excellent foundation for further advanced work in theology, such as doctoral work.
Note regarding course literature: articles and shorter texts are usually provided by the university. Some longer books will be available digitally, but others will have to be bought or borrowed from a library. If students choose to purchase course texts, the total cost may come to approximately €300 per semester. Note that it is important that students obtain course literature in time for each course introduction.
Programme structure and content
The programme includes a mandatory methods course, common for students of both specializations, and a series of elective courses influenced by your specialization. We recommend course packages for each specialization, but you may supplement with other courses from our large offering.
The second year is dedicated to your master’s thesis, which you develop with support from teachers and fellow students. You will choose your topic in dialogue with a supervisor who has expert knowledge and will guide you through the process. Taking courses and participating in seminars while you write your thesis results in a more competent and research-oriented thesis, which provides a stepping stone into further research, and also for writing and discussing texts at a high level in non-academic careers.
Who should apply?
- Are you interested in the historical and literary context of the Bible and related texts?
- Do you want to know more about the past reception and contemporary use of these texts?
- Do you want to deepen your knowledge about Jewish-Christian relations and the period in which Judaism and Christianity parted ways and became distinct religions?
- Do you want to study how Jewish and Christian writings emerged historically and gain knowledge of how they have been used and interpreted differently?
If this sounds like you, then apply for our master’s programme in Theology specializing in biblical studies.
Prerequisites and selection
Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited university. The applicant's university education must include a thesis, dissertation, degree project or substantial term paper, or equivalent proof of proficiency in academic writing. In order to specialize in biblical studies, applicants need, in addition, at least 15 credits of either biblical Greek or Hebrew. Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 5/English A from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS. Applicants must submit their degree diploma, transcript and their thesis, dissertation, degree project, term paper or equivalent.
Selection
The admission selection criteria will be based on a Letter of Intent/CV. Submit the Letter of Intent/CV on www.universityadmissions.se or www.antagning.se no later than 1 February (if you apply in the first admission round) or 2 May (if you apply in the second admission round).To apply for the program, you need to submit a Letter of intent / CV.
After graduation
Graduates of the programme receive the degree Master of Arts in Theology.
While our programme emphasizes preparing you for further research, the skills you develop throughout the programme are also applicable in non-academic careers, such as church ministry, policy making, and nongovernmental organizations. You will be equipped with the understanding and ability to provide intellectual leadership in a variety of contexts.
Facilities
https://gu.se/en/humanities/about-us/our-facilities-humanisten
