Degree programmes and admissions

At the University of Helsinki, education is organised into degree programmes, three of which are based at the Faculty of Theology: the three-year Bachelor’s Programme in Theology and Religious Studies, the two-year Master’s Programme in Theology and Religious Studies and the international Master’s Programme in Intercultural Encounters.

• The Master’s Programme in Intercultural Encounters is an English-language programme, whose Study Track in Religion and Diversity offers the opportunity to complete a Master of Theology degree.
• The Bachelor’s Programme in Theology and Religious Studies educates broad-based specialists in religion. Students familiarise themselves with religious studies through the different disciplines of theology, observing religion as a phenomenon that affects history, society, values and global challenges. Graduates of the programme receive a Bachelor of Theology degree.
• The mission of the Master’s Programme in Theology and Religious Studies is to engage in high-quality academic research and teaching in historical, conceptual and cultural questions involving religion and theology. The degree programme conducts research on the individual, cultural and social significance of religions from the past to the present. In-depth research-based knowledge helps us understand the momentous changes taking place in Europe and worldwide, including multiculturalism, religious extremism, interreligious relations, diversity and the future of people’s welfare. Graduates of the programme receive a Master of Theology degree.

The Faculty also coordinates the Doctoral Programme in Theology and Religious Studies.

The Master’s Programme in Intercultural Encounters (ICE) is an English-language programme, whose the thematic module Religion and Diversity offers the opportunity to complete a Master of Theology degree.

ICE is a genuinely interdisciplinary programme where you can enhance your thinking and grow your expertise in cultural understanding. It offers insights into multidisciplinary approaches to intercultural issues, drawing from perspectives offered by Communication, Indigenous Studies, the Study of Religions, Theology, and Area and Cultural Studies. ICE also gives you the tools to succeed in internationally-oriented professional life. In addition, you will learn theoretical thinking and practical research skills.

The degree programme website provides all the information relevant to applying.

• The Master’s Programme in Intercultural Encounters
• The Bachelor’s Programme in Theology and Religious Studies
• The Master’s Programme in Theology and Religious Studies
• The Faculty also coordinates the Doctoral Programme in Theology and Religious Studies.

Some of the studies in the bachelor's program in theology and religious studies are offered as open university studies to anyone interested in the subject.

The studies are mainly in Finnish. However, the study program includes some courses in Islamic theology in English.