Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies
Leuven, Belgium
DURATION
3 Years
LANGUAGES
English, Dutch
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 1,651 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* there is no strict application deadline | for the most recent – and only official – information on application deadlines, please check the KU Leuven webpage
** for non-EEA; EUR 1157 for EEA | for the most recent – and only official – information on tuition fees, please check the KU Leuven webpage
Key Summary
Introduction
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The three-year Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies explores the study of Christianity and other religions. As an intercultural programme with students from every part of the globe, it aims for a broad development of knowledge in all theological areas whilst encouraging specialisation in particular areas of interest. Students hone skills in research, communication, cultural engagement and inquiry, as well as developing their critical and creative writing skills. The programme initiates students in all areas that together constitute Christian theology. Particular emphasis is placed on: developing a deeper understanding of the Christian tradition and the history of the Church; improving students' abilities in modern and Biblical languages; philosophy and other human sciences; a critical broadening and maturing of faith in conversation with contemporary culture; stimulating an interest in the mutual relationships between the various Christian churches, and between Christianity and other world religions. This solid basis is laid through challenging lectures, interactive seminars in small groups, and personal guidance in the writing of papers and essays to prepare students to enter into the world of independent theological research.
Theology and religious studies are distinct disciplines; each offers a different perspective, yet they are closely related.
1. Theology: You study various aspects of the Christian tradition:
- Systematic Theology: You focus on the central ideas of Christianity and their relationship with contemporary cultural, philosophical, and societal trends.
- Ethics: You delve into Christian thought on what is considered good and how this is shaped on personal, social, and political levels.
- Biblical Studies: You study and interpret biblical texts using historical-critical and literary methods.
- History of Church and Theology: You explore the origins and development of Christianity and how churches have evolved over the centuries.
- Pastoral Theology: You investigate how people today experience religion and spirituality and how they can be supported in this journey.
2. Religious Studies: You become acquainted with various world religions and interreligious dialogue. You learn how to study religions in a scientific manner, for example, by critically engaging with sources.
Curriculum
The complete bachelor’s program at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies (180 credits – ECTS) represents a three-year study load.
Courses:
- 18 courses in theological components (90 ECTS), six courses in religious studies (24 credits), three courses in philosophical components (16-18 ECTS), and up to five electives (20 ECTS).
- Guided individual work (28 ECTS): introductory component in the first year, followed by a follow-up course and the writing of an essay during the third year.
The degree programme
The study program may change slightly every year. The official study program that applies to the year in which you are studying can be consulted from 15 July onwards in KU Leuven's online program catalog, which is best viewed on a large screen.
Theological Components: At every stage, students take courses from the Theological Components, which are taught in alternate years throughout the programme. Students will eventually take every course from these components.
- Biblical Studies
- Systematic Theology
- Theological Ethics
- History of Church and Theology
- Pastoral Theology
Religious Studies Components: At every stage, students take two Religious Studies Components.
Philosophical Components: At every stage, students take one Philosophical Component. BA1 students are required to take 'Historical Introduction to Philosophy'
Guided Individual Works
Electives: Students add electives to their programme to attain 180 credits in total.
Ideal Students
- You've an awareness of history; the ability to relate pieces of concrete historical information with one another and locate them along a temporal line.
- You're interested in religious attitudes, customs, and traditions.
- You have an awareness of the public role of religion, rituals, and manifestations within and outside one's environment.
- You have an initial familiarity with the Christian tradition and the history of the church; familiarity with the basic vocabulary of the Christian tradition, including terms such as 'prophet', 'Bible', Jesus of Nazareth, etc.
- You have the capacity to summarise and apply abstract insights and schematic presentations; and the ability to distinguish between doctrines, rituals, and practices.
Admissions
Program delivery
The courses are fully taught in English and also available in Dutch.
Program Outcome
- Credits: 180 ECTS
- Degree Type: Bachelor
- Specifications: Bachelor of Arts.
Program Tuition Fee
Why study at KU Leuven
What sets us apart as a university?
A highly ranked university
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.
Research-based education
Education at KU Leuven is research-based, which means students will learn from the same professors who are performing the ground-breaking research you read about in the press. New insights are instantly integrated into classes and students are encouraged to perform their own research. In our FabLab, students can use a number of high-tech machines to create whatever they want – all free of charge.
Affordable tuition fees
Higher education is highly valued in Belgium and therefore subsidised by the government. This allows KU Leuven to keep tuition fees relatively low, which gives you a price/quality ratio very few top-100 universities can match. We take pride in keeping our programmes as accessible as possible to allow the brightest students from around the globe to join our courses.
International student life with respect for diversity
According to Times Higher Education, KU Leuven is in the top 50 of most international universities worldwide with staff and students from over 150 different nationalities. For all our international students, the Pangaea student centre is their home away from home. Our university also strives for diversity and inclusion and wants to work together on a pact for more respect.
Faculty
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.
Info Sessions
KU Leuven combines the best of both worlds by hosting both online and live info sessions. You choose how, where and when to get your information in your search for the right program
Rankings
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.
Accreditations
Gallery
Career Opportunities
With an academic bachelor's degree, you have a broad general knowledge, but you are not yet ready for the labour market. The bachelor's in Theology prepares you for a master's programme in which you will further deepen your knowledge. After obtaining your master's degree, you will have a wealth of knowledge and competencies and a wide range of career opportunities. Most bachelor students decide to continue with their studies at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies going on to obtain a Research Master and often even a Doctoral Degree. Studies at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies prepare students for a variety of careers in sectors such as education, business, publishing, the media and the pastoral and socio-cultural sectors.