Program Overview

The Religionsvitenskap program is a one-year study program offered by UiT The Arctic University of Norway. The program provides fundamental knowledge of major religious traditions, both historically and in contemporary times.

Program Details

• Duration: 1 year
• Credits (ECTS): 60
• Campus: Tromsř
• Application Deadline:
  • 15 April for general applicants
  • 1 March for applicants with real competence
  • 6 January for spring semester applicants
• Admission Requirements: General study competence or real competence
• Number of Study Places: 10
• Grade Limits: For admission in the fall of 2025, all qualified applicants will be considered
• Application Code:
  • Samordna opptak: 186 910
  • Lokalt opptak: 5310

Program Description

Through this study program, students gain knowledge about various religious traditions locally, nationally, and globally. The program serves as an introduction to understanding different ideological and interactional traditions and contemporary religious diversity. Religion is viewed as an integrated part of culture and society, whether in minority or majority contexts. The program thematically covers topics such as the roles of religions in relation to politics, media, nature, and climate challenges, migration, diversity, and school.

Study Structure

The one-year study program in Religionsvitenskap is a full-time study of 60 credits distributed over two semesters. The first semester includes introductory subjects, while the second semester focuses on theoretical and methodological aspects of religious science, religion, politics, and society, as well as Christianity. Teaching is primarily conducted on the Tromsř campus, with some online studies. Work requirements are included in all subjects.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the study program, students will have good knowledge of selected religions in Norway, Sápmi, and internationally, both historically and in the present day. They will understand central concepts, methods, and theories in religious science and the connections between religion, politics, society, nature, and climate. Students will be able to evaluate academic knowledge about the interplay between religions and societal factors and analyze religious phenomena in different contexts. They will also be able to communicate religious scientific knowledge both orally and in writing and work independently with religious scientific issues.

Job Prospects

In an increasingly multicultural society, the competence from the one-year study program in Religionsvitenskap will be valuable in many job contexts. It provides teaching competence in schools and useful diversity knowledge in the healthcare sector and public positions at all levels. The study program is also attractive in international work, aid work, refugee work, and in aid organizations. Religious scientific competence is also sought after by the media industry, tourism, libraries, and museums. In private business, the competence can be useful, especially in international trade, marketing, and customer service, where cultural and religious understanding can contribute to improving both team dynamics and customer satisfaction.

Access to Further Studies

The one-year study program in Religionsvitenskap can be included as a 60-credit unit in several study programs and can be part of a bachelor's or master's degree in religious science at other institutions.

Language of Instruction

The language of instruction is normally Norwegian. Some lectures may be given in other Scandinavian languages or English. Parts of the curriculum literature are in English. The examination language is normally Norwegian, but it is also possible to write assignments and exam answers in other Scandinavian languages or English.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching is research-based and consists of a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent work. Emphasis is placed on various forms of student-active learning. The teaching form and scope are described in more detail in the individual subject descriptions. Students are encouraged to organize study groups where they discuss the curriculum and the content of lectures and seminars. The examination form is adapted to the subject's nature and content, with some variation to test students in different types of knowledge and skills, as well as to give them the opportunity to develop their competence in both written and oral communication. The different examination forms are described in more detail in the individual subject descriptions. The subjects have mandatory work requirements that must be completed and approved before the final exam in the subject can be submitted.

University of Tromso: A Summary

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Overview:

UiT Norges arktiske universitet (University of Tromso) is a public university located in Tromso, Norway. It is known for its focus on Arctic research and education.