9 Theology and Divinity Degree Programs in Switzerland

The Master in Science, Philosophy and Theology of Religions was activated in 2006 at the FTL as part of the Re.Te Institute. (Religions and Theology), with the aim of training in the knowledge of religions and interreligious dialogue in an increasingly multicultural world. Since 2014, thanks to the collaboration with the USI eLearning Lab (eLab), the Master has also been activated in an online formula. Today this is the only available way of using its courses.

The Master of Arts in interreligious dialogue: Science, Philosophy and Theology of Religions, promoted by the Re.Te. Institute ("Religions and Theology") of the Lugano Faculty of Theology, has been designed to provide extensive knowledge of the major world religions, explain their basic principles, their different structures, and their history. The Master’s course aims to teach its students to promote and develop a dialogue with members of other religions, precisely by gaining an appreciation of other religions and learning how to communicate and hold effective interaction.

Studying theology today does not mean practicing something out of time but it is a rational investigation into questions that never lose their relevance: who is God and who is the human being who relates to him? It is, therefore, a matter of exploring existential questions, questions about the Absolute, questions that tomorrow's man will also ask himself, and this not only from a Christian point of view but also from all other religions.

The Master of Arts in Interreligious Dialogue. Science, Philosophy and Theology of Religions has been designed to provide extensive knowledge of the major world religions and explain their basic principles, different structures, and history.

The second level degree or Master of Arts in Comparative Canon and Ecclesiastical Law, issued from the FTL-USI, it stands out for the originality of the proposals compared to study courses of other universities, above all for the attention given to theological training in a comparative perspective.

The Master of Theology course deepens basic knowledge acquired during the Bachelor's 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. As well as knowledge specifically related to theology, students develop cross-disciplinary skills that will facilitate their integration into 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 Universities of Lausanne and Geneva.

The Master of Science in Religious Studies benefits from the teaching of various institutes in three faculties of the University of Lausanne (Theology and Religious Studies, Letters, Social and Political Sciences). This platform makes UNIL one of the most important centers of excellence in Europe in the field of religious sciences. The program combines interdisciplinary training, a comparative perspective, and specialization in the following fields: social sciences of contemporary religions (migration, sociology, psychology), ancient and modern Christianity, ancient and modern Judaism, religious plurality, South Asia, polytheistic religions of ancient worlds, Islam, transversal and marginalized traditions, anthropology of religions, comparativism, etc. It is possible to opt for a more generalist course or to specialize in a more targeted and particular field (religious tradition, period, methodological approach, geographical area, etc.).

Theological training provides skills in a variety of fields, great autonomy of thought, and the ability to organize one's work independently. These intellectual and human qualities offer career prospects in many fields: Ecclesiastical professions (pastor, chaplain, etc.) Adult training Social services (marriage counselor, listening, etc.) Human ressources Media professions Governmental and non-governmental organizations Book professions (publishing, bookstore, etc.)

The main aim of the Study of Religions programme is to develop precise and critical knowledge of the phenomenon of religion in general and in particular the great religious traditions (Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, etc) as well as more marginal religious currents or other reconstructions. The methods used are mainly those of the human and social sciences, such as comparative history, anthropology, and sociology.