Program Overview

Master's in Science of Religion

The Master's degree program in Science of Religion is designed for those interested in religion as a system of social and cultural communication. The program builds upon the knowledge gained in the Bachelor program, introducing students to current scholarly debates regarding systematic issues in the field of the science of religion.

Admission and Enrollment

To be admitted to the Master's degree program in Science of Religion, students must meet specific academic requirements. These include:

• A Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a major or minor in Science of Religion (60 ECTS credits).
• The completion of additional courses in the form of extra requirements or conditions amounting to a maximum of 60 ECTS may be required.
• Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a major in a different branch of studies, provided that the Master's degree can be successfully completed with an additional maximum 60 ECTS credits.

Program Structure

The Master's degree program in Science of Religion consists of a major with 90 ECTS credits and a minor with 30 ECTS credits. The major can be combined with any minor subject taught in a sufficient scope at the University of Bern, with the exception of Science of Religion and Inter-Religious Studies.

Combination Possibilities

The program offers several combination possibilities, including:

• Major Science of Religion (90 ECTS credits)
• Minor Science of Religion (30 ECTS credits)

Requirements

The following academic qualifications are required for admission to the Master's degree program in Science of Religion:

• A Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a major or minor in Science of Religion.
• Additional requirements must be met prior to admission to the Master's program.
• Conditions must be met prior to admission to the Master's program, and additional requirements must be completed by the end of the Master's program.

Language Requirements

Depending on the empirical study focus selected, students must provide evidence of language proficiency in Latin or Greek, or a non-European language, before the Master's degree program can be completed.

Application and Admission

The application and admission process involves:

• General admission requirements
• Application and admission with a Swiss degree
• Application and admission with an international degree
• Recognition of academic achievements

Deadlines

The program has specific deadlines for:

• Semester dates
• Application and admission
• Renewal of semester registration
• Request for change of study program

Details of Program

The program details include:

• Study content for Major (90 ECTS) and Minor (30 ECTS)
• Scheme of program
• Combination possibilities
• Deadlines

Legal Basis

The legal basis for the program includes:

• Study plans for the Bachelor and Master programs in Science of Religion and Central Asian Studies
• Regulations on Studies and Performance Assessments at the Faculty of Humanities

Swiss Bachelor's Degrees/Programs

The program is open to students with a Swiss Bachelor's degree in Science of Religion or a related field. The Bachelor's degree may not be more than ten years old, with exceptions possible where justified.