In a broad sense, theology is an intellectual account of Christianity in the past and present. This involves various areas of research: the study of its biblical sources and the original languages; the exploration of its various forms over the centuries, in ideas, institutions and mentalities; its present-day forms in different contexts. Its effects on culture and society are also always explored.
Depending on tradition, the institutional integration of the study of theology is regulated differently (e.g. in France, it is mainly offered in non-university seminaries and institutes). In Switzerland, it is mainly offered at universities, in theological faculties. This university embedding allows the theological faculties to develop further study programs on an interdisciplinary basis in addition to theology studies, which are oriented differently depending on the local character (see links below).
Studying theology can open up various career prospects. In most cases, however, it enables students to work as pastors in various churches, whereby the university part of the course (usually leading to a Master's degree) is supplemented by practical training completed in a church.
At the various locations, theology is rooted in the historically formative tradition and reflects this at university level, not least with regard to its ecumenical dimensions.
Links to study programs in Switzerland
Study theology in general (partly as a full degree, partly as a major, combined with minor subjects or another major):
- University of Berne, Faculty of Theology
- Theologische Hochschule Chur
- University of Geneva, Faculty of Theology
- University of Lausanne, Faculté de théologie et de sciences des religions
- Facoltà di Teologa di Lugano
- University of Lucerne, Faculty of Theology
- University of Zurich, Faculty of Theology and the Study of Religion
Study theology online:
Canonical Licentiate (Roman Catholic):
Applied ethics:
Ancient religious history:
Biblical Studies:
Gender and Religion:
Hebrew language and literature:
Hermeneutics:
Interreligious studies:
Jewish Studies:
In Switzerland's theological faculties, courses in Jewish Studies have been developed in various forms, some with a theological focus, some with a religious history/religious studies focus. These courses are described in this subject portal of the Swiss Association for Jewish Research.
Church history, historical theology:
- University of Basel, Church History
- University of Berne, Institute of Historical Theology
- Theologische Hochschule Chur, Lehrstuhl für Kirchengeschichte und Patristik
- University of Fribourg, Departement für Patristik und Kirchengeschichte
- University of Fribourg, Lehrstuhl für Mittlere und Neuere Kirchengeschichte
- University of Geneva, Institut d'histoire de la réformation
- University of Lucerne, Professorship of Ecclesiastical History
- University of Zurich, Lehrstuhl für Kirchengeschichte
Canon law:
- Theologische Hochschule Chur, Kirchenrecht
- University of Fribourg, Lehrstuhl für Rechtsgeschichte und Kirchenrecht
- University of Lucerne, Professorship of Canon Law & Law and Religion
- University of Zurich, Chair of Legal History, Ecclesiastical Law, Legal Theory and Private Law
Religion, Economics and Politics (Joint Master Degree):
Religious education:
- University of Lucerne, Institute of Religious Education (RPI)
Philosophy of religion:
- University of Basel, CAS/DAS Theologie und Religionsphilosophie
RELIGIOUS STUDIES:
In Switzerland's theological faculties, study programs in religious studies have been developed in interdisciplinary cooperation with other faculties. These courses are described by the Swiss Society for Religious Studies.