Program Overview

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Introduction to the Bachelor of Theology Program

The Faculty of Theology at the University of Bern offers a Bachelor of Theology degree program that consists of seven discipline-based institutes: the Institute of Old Testament Studies, the Institute of New Testament Studies, the Institute of Jewish Studies, the Institute of Historical Theology, the Institute of Systematic Theology, the Institute of Practical Theology, and the Institute of Empirical Religious Research. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of theology, with a focus on either Old Catholic or Protestant theology.

Program Details

The Bachelor of Theology program is a single-subject professional course of study that takes six semesters to complete and is worth 180 ECTS credits. The program emphasizes either Protestant or Old Catholic theology, and students can choose to specialize in one of these areas. The program is designed to provide students with a broad range of skills and knowledge, including professional theological competencies, social and organizational core qualifications, and interdisciplinary cooperation.

Requirements

To be admitted to the Bachelor of Theology program, students must have adequate knowledge of the Greek, Hebrew, and Latin languages. Students who do not have a certificate from previous studies or a degree must attend language courses offered by the Faculty, and the individual performance evaluations must yield a passing grade. The ECTS points for the Greek and Hebrew language courses apply to the bachelor's degree.

Application and Admission

The general admission requirements for the Bachelor of Theology program include a Swiss high school leavers' certificate (Matura) or degree, or an international high school leavers certificate or degree. Students must also meet the language requirements and have adequate knowledge of the Greek, Hebrew, and Latin languages.

Continued Studies

The Bachelor of Theology program meets the requirements for admission to the Master of Arts in Theology program. Students who complete the Bachelor of Theology program can pursue further studies in theology or related fields.

Career Opportunities

The Bachelor of Theology program provides students with a range of career opportunities, including ministry and other exciting career paths. Many students who graduate from the program go on to become pastors or ministers, while others pursue careers in related fields such as education, social work, or counseling.

Research Areas

The Faculty of Theology at the University of Bern is involved in a range of research areas, including biblical studies, historical theology, systematic theology, and practical theology. The Faculty is committed to interdisciplinary cooperation and dialogue, and students have the opportunity to engage with a range of research areas and topics.

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Theology program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of theology, with a focus on either Old Catholic or Protestant theology. The program includes a range of courses and modules, including language courses, biblical studies, historical theology, systematic theology, and practical theology. Students can choose to specialize in one of these areas and can also pursue elective courses and modules.

Institutes

The Faculty of Theology at the University of Bern includes the following institutes:

• Institute of Old Testament Studies
• Institute of New Testament Studies
• Institute of Jewish Studies
• Institute of Historical Theology
• Institute of Systematic Theology
• Institute of Practical Theology
• Institute of Empirical Religious Research

Centre for Competence in Liturgy

The Centre for Competence in Liturgy is a research center that focuses on the study of liturgy and worship. The center is involved in a range of research projects and initiatives, and students can engage with the center through coursework and research opportunities.

KOPTA

KOPTA is a research initiative that focuses on the study of Orthodox theology and culture. The initiative is involved in a range of research projects and initiatives, and students can engage with KOPTA through coursework and research opportunities.

Interreligious Studies

The Faculty of Theology at the University of Bern offers a range of courses and modules in interreligious studies, including the study of Judaism, Islam, and other world religions. Students can engage with interreligious studies through coursework and research opportunities, and can also pursue elective courses and modules in this area.

Degree Programs

The Faculty of Theology at the University of Bern offers the following degree programs:

• Bachelor of Theology
• Master of Arts in Theology

Academic Counseling

The Faculty of Theology at the University of Bern offers academic counseling to students, including advice on course selection, research opportunities, and career paths. Students can engage with academic counseling through individual meetings and group sessions.

Careers in Theology

The Bachelor of Theology program provides students with a range of career opportunities, including ministry and other exciting career paths. Many students who graduate from the program go on to become pastors or ministers, while others pursue careers in related fields such as education, social work, or counseling.