Program Overview

Master of Theology (MTh)

The Master of Theology course deepens basic knowledge acquired during the Bachelor degree. It provides extensive knowledge and skills in several branches of theology. Students organise their programmes to reflect the orientation they intend to follow in their training. Courses and the dissertation provide a good grasp of methodological tools.

General Content

As well as knowledge specifically related to theology, students develop cross-disciplinary skills that will facilitate their integration in the professional and academic world. Students benefit from first-class teaching on advanced research subjects. The diversity of study areas and the possibility of personalised accompaniment allow students to acquire a solid knowledge of theology. This programme is offered jointly by the Faculties of Theology of the University of Lausanne and the University of Geneva.

Study Programme

Students will study at least six of the seven branches offered. They will also have 18 optional credits allowing them to specialise or strengthen their profile as a generalist. The branches of study are the following:

• Old Testament / Hebrew Bible
• New Testament
• History of Christianity
• Systematic Theology
• Ethics
• Practical Theology
• Study of Religions

Study via Classroom and Distance Learning

The Master of Theology course will give students the unique option of fitting their studies around their personal and professional needs. They can decide whether to follow each module in the classroom or on an interactive web platform. Classroom-based courses are run at the campuses in Lausanne and Geneva. Thanks to extensive experience in e-learning, distance-learning courses use a wide range of pedagogical tools specific to this type of teaching. Staff specialising in e-learning will support students throughout their course.

Exchanges and Mobility

Going on a university exchange is a unique and highly rewarding experience, provided students prepare well. The first thing to remember is that they need to start taking steps well in advance. For example, if they're planning to go away in their 3rd year of a bachelor's degree, they should start taking steps at the beginning of their 2nd year at the latest.

Career Prospects

In addition to advanced skills in very varied fields, the Master of Theology develops independence of thought and the ability to organise work independently. These intellectual and human qualities offer interesting career prospects in many areas (depending on specialisation, further training may be required), including:

• Ecclesiastical professions (pastor, specialised ministries: hospital, prison or youth chaplaincy, military chaplain, etc.)
• Academic research
• Teaching
• Social services (marriage guidance counsellor, support or welfare officer)
• Human resources
• Media (journalism, communication)
• Book-related professions (publishing, bookselling)
• Governmental and non-governmental organisations

Programme Details

• Organiser: College of Protestant Theology
• Address: Universite de Lausanne, Faculte de theologie et de sciences des religions, Quartier UNIL-Chamberonne, Batiment Anthropole, 1015 Lausanne
• Degree Awarded: Master of Theology (MTh)
• ECTS Credits: 120
• Duration: 4 semesters, maximum 6
• Teaching Language: French. Recommended level: C1
• Admission Requirements: The candidate must be a holder of a Bachelor of Theology or a university degree judged to be equivalent by the Council of the College of Protestant Theology, subject to the candidate's formal admissibility to the Master's degree course. Holders of a Bachelor's degree recognised by the University of Lausanne awarded in a subject other than Theology must first take a conversion course worth 60 credits.
• Enrolment: Regardless of the branches chosen, candidates enrol with one of the partner universities: University of Geneva or University of Lausanne. Students choose the university they enrol with.
• Final Dates: It is possible for students to begin the Master of Theology degree course in either the autumn or the spring semester. Applications to be submitted before 30 April (autumn semester) and 30 November (spring semester) to the Admissions Office. Candidates needing a visa to study in Switzerland must apply for enrolment at least two months prior to the deadlines indicated above.