Program Overview

Introduction to the Religious Roots of Europe Program

The Religious Roots of Europe program is a comprehensive course of study that delves into the development of religion in the Roman Empire and its relation to society during the emergence of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation for understanding religion, society, and identity across time.

Overview of the Course

The course is the first module in the Religious Roots of Europe program and introduces students to the methods and theories used in the study of ancient religion. It explores the ancient religious world, which was fundamentally polytheistic and pluralistic, and examines how Judaism, Christianity, and Islam emerged and developed within this context.

Course Details

• Course Name: Religious Roots of Europe: The Study of Ancient Religion
• Level: Master's level
• Credits: 15 credits
• Language: English
• Place of Study: Lund
• Course Code: TRVN15

Teaching and Learning

Teaching in this module combines tutorials and digital learning with a compact seminar in Rome, which includes field visits. The varied format supports a reflective and analytical approach to the study of ancient religion, encouraging close engagement with both primary sources and scholarly literature.

Assessment

The assessment is based on a written paper, submitted after the compact seminar, which invites students to apply course insights to a focused question, demonstrating their ability to interpret, compare, and critically evaluate religious developments in antiquity.

After the Course

The course is a component of the Master's program Religious Roots of Europe (120 credits) and can also be studied as a freestanding course.

Dates

The course is offered during the Autumn Semester, with two application rounds:

• First Application Round: Recommended for international applicants.
• Second Application Round: Primarily for local applicants.

Specific Dates for Autumn Semester 2026

• Start: 31 August 2026
• End: 1 November 2026
• Form: Normal learning
• Pace: Full time
• Language: English
• City: Lund

Requirements and Selection

Prerequisites

To be admitted to the course, students must have a first cycle degree specializing in theology, religious studies, classical philology, classical archaeology, or history.

Selection Criteria

Seats are allocated according to ECTS (HPAV): 100%.

Tuition Fees

Tuition Fees for Non-EU/EEA Citizens

Citizens of countries outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. The full program/course tuition fee is SEK 33,750, with the first payment also being SEK 33,750.

No Tuition Fees for Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.