Bachelor Master Doctorate

Theology

Abstract

There are many good reasons to study theology: working for a church community, participating in the public debate on religion, deepening one's understanding of one's faith, or exploring the fascination of Christianity's rich history and intellectual tradition. Theological studies are a diverse programme combining several disciplines, each with methods unique to it: biblical theology, historical theology, systematic theology and practical theology. In addition to these, related domains such as the sociology of religions or the science of religions are also taught. Theology can be studied as a discipline in itself: in this case, the programme comprises three years leading to the Bachelor of Theology, followed by another two years to obtain the Master of Theology. Studies are taught entirely in French or German, with the option of studying bilingually.
Students wishing to combine theology with other subjects or place greater emphasis on social or interreligious dimensions can apply for the bachelor programme «Theological Studies» or «Interreligious Studies».

  • Show the study programme profile

    Profile of the study programme

    This bachelor programme is an introduction to all disciplines of theology. Students learn about the Bible and its interpretation, the history of Christianity and current pastoral challenges. They receive an introduction to philosophical questions and ways of thinking and learn to argue about questions of faith. They study liturgy and canon law. In addition to this, they learn Latin, Greek and Hebrew to be able to read the Bible and its historical sources in their original languages. Studies usually last three years, but can be adapted to suit individual needs.
    The master programme in Theology provides more advanced theological knowledge and strengthens students' ability to form their own opinions. Different specialisations are also available which enable students to study certain areas of theology in greater depth according to their own personal interest.

    Fribourg profile
    Studying Theology in Fribourg means studying in a family and community atmosphere with a high standard of teaching. Students from different cultures and confessions come together and their different perspectives are mutually enriching. Teaching is geared toward information, personal reflection and discussion. The degree course is recognised both by the state and the church. Students have the possibility of pursuing part of the studies in German and spending a semester or year in another Faculty of Theology.

    Career openings
    This bachelor programme followed by the master programme constitutes the theological training of future priests, pastoral assistants and teachers (see Teacher Education for Primary and Secondary Level). It also provides career prospects in public-sector social and cultural institutions, adult education and journalism, publishing, human resources, social work and psychological support, counselling centres on social and religious issues (interreligious dialogue), ethics counselling or mediation.
    For students preparing for service within the church, the Swiss bishoprics provide mandatory support during their studies. Their interlocutors are the diocesan heads.

Studies organisation

Structure of studies

180 ECTS credits, 6 semesters

Curriculum

https://studies.unifr.ch/go/1X (French)
https://studies.unifr.ch/go/1Y (German)

Admission

The following Swiss school-leaving certificates grant admission to bachelor programmes at the University of Fribourg:

  • Swiss academic Maturity Certificate
  • Federal vocational or specialised Baccalaureate + supplementary examination of the Swiss Maturity Commission (passerelle)
  • Bachelor Degree from a Swiss university, from an accredited Swiss university of applied sciences (HES/FH) or from a Swiss university of teacher education (HEP/PH)

A complete list of all further recognised Swiss school-leaving certificates is to be found on the webpages of swissuniversities (in French and German only): https://studies.unifr.ch/go/fr-admission-swisscertificates; https://studies.unifr.ch/go/de-admission-swisscertificates
Foreign upper secondary school-leaving certificates are recognised only if they correspond substantially to the Swiss Maturity Certificate. They must qualify as general education. Foreign school-leaving certificates are considered to be general education if, among other things, the last three years of schooling include at least six general education subjects, independent from each other, in accordance with the following list:

  1. Language of instruction (at the school)
  2. Second language (a foreign language)
  3. Mathematics
  4. Natural sciences (biology or chemistry or physics)
  5. Humanities and social sciences (geography or history or economics/law)
  6. Elective (computer sciences or philosophy or an additional language or an additional subject from category 4 or 5)

The general admission requirements to the bachelor programmes at the University of Fribourg for holders of foreign school-leaving certificates as well as the admission requirements for individual countries are to be found on the webpages of swissuniversities: https://studies.unifr.ch/go/en-admission-countries
In addition, applicants with foreign school-leaving certificates must present proof of sufficient language skills in French or German.
All guidelines are available at (only in French and German): https://studies.unifr.ch/go/adm-guidelines

The assessment of foreign school-leaving certificates is based on the «Recommendations for the Assessment of Foreign Upper Secondary School-Leaving Certificates» adopted by the Chamber of universities of swissuniversities on 21.11.2024 (https://studies.unifr.ch/go/swissuniversities24fr; https://studies.unifr.ch/go/swissuniversities24de). The admission requirements are valid for the respective academic year. The Rectorat of the University of Fribourg reserves the right to change these requirements at any time.

Alternatives

Also offered as a minor study programme (60/30 ECTS credits).

Key points

Degree conferred

Bachelor of Theology

Languages of study

Possibility to study in French, in German or in French and German. Some courses are offered in English.

Options

Option of an award bearing the distinction «Bilingual curriculum, French/German».

Commencement of studies

Commencement of studies in the Autumn Semester (September) or in the Spring Semester (February)

Access to further studies

Master

Contact

Faculty of Theology
Dean's Office
decanat-theol@unifr.ch
http://studies.unifr.ch/go/fr-theology (French)
http://studies.unifr.ch/go/de-theology (German)

Apply for admission

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