Universität Fribourg Course offerings

Profile of the study programme

Theology also differs from other areas of science because it has a guiding perspective of its own: it is fundamentally concerned with God and creatures, to the extent that it refers to God as their origin and goal. It reflects its own position and that of the church in society. Theologians share responsibility for sustainable development with a human face on our planet. In view of the deregulation in the religious and ethical area (fundamentalist and esoteric movements) and in search of a peaceful co-existence of religions and cultures, the critical work of theology has a valuable contribution to make in keeping the public discourse about values and truth alive.
In this broad context, the Faculty of Theology works in the service of the church as a community as well as its individual parts, and in the service of society. The questioning and research, which characterise theology and which operate using different scientific methods, have a critical constructive function.

The Faculty of Theology of the University of Fribourg is the largest theological Faculty in Switzerland and very cosmopolitan in spirit. It is integrated into a state university. It is subject to state law, as are the other Faculties of the University, but at the same time is recognised by the Church authorities and supported by the Dominican Order and the Swiss Conference of Bishops.
The Faculty is unique in Europe in being completely bilingual. The courses can be attended in German or French, or in both languages (distinction «Bilingual curriculum, French/German»). More than half of the professors and almost half of the students are from abroad. The Faculty and University life are characterised by the spirit of cosmopolitan Catholicism, giving prominence and recognition to Fribourg as a place of study.

In principle, students have the possibility of completing a part of their studies at a partner university or continuing them at a university that is a part of a network to which the University of Fribourg belongs.

Specialisation
A specialisation can be chosen from 17 different areas (see http://studies.unifr.ch/go/jHR9L; http://studies.unifr.ch/go/K5qaJ, French/German only). The professor who is responsible for specialisation develops a programme together with the student. The choice of specialisation is especially meaningful for students who already know the direction of their career and can thus better take it into consideration.

Career openings
The core of the theological education consists of the courses of study for training future priests and pastoral assistants as well as teachers (see «Teacher Education for Secondary Level»). However, the study of theology also opens up career perspectives within public social and cultural facilities, the publishing industry, human resources, social work and psychological counselling, counselling centres for religion and worldview issues, adult education and journalism.
The theological education consists of the courses of study for training future priests and pastoral assistants as well as teachers (see «Teacher Education for Secondary Level»).
For those students who are preparing for service within the church, the Swiss dioceses offer a mandatory academic advice programme. It encompasses spiritual orientation, practice of living in community and specific elements of preparation for pastoral service. The regents of the seminaries of the dioceses act as contacts.