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THEOLOGY PROGRAMMESIN ENGLISHAT THE FACULTY OF THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies

Master of Theology and Religious Studies

Research Master: Master of Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion

Doctor of Theology

Doctor of Religious Studies

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HISTORY OF THE FACULTYOF THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUSSTUDIESThe Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies of KU Leuven (Catholic University of Leuven,Belgium) has its roots in a centuries-old tradition and has enjoyed international renown sinceit was founded by Pope Eugene IV in 1432. The Faculty has always played a significant rolein the development and dissemination of theological thought. Both as a Catholic theologicalFaculty and as an integral part of an internationally renowned university, we are called toreflect critically and constructively on the Christian tradition of faith. Theologians from ourFaculty were among the most important contributors to Vatican II and we set ourselves thetask of carrying on their work of renewal, faithful to our Christian heritage.

Traditionally all the courses were taught in Latin, but from the beginning of the 19th centurythey were only taught in French. By 1936, most courses were being taught in French and inFlemish. Fifty years ago, in the year 1968, the Faculty established the Theology Programmes

in English. The group of international students who started in 1969 were pioneers, shapingthe Theology Programmes in English into today’s inclusive, international and inspiringcommunity. Those first international students have paved the way for generations of studentssince. They chose Leuven because they were excited by the opportunity to shape newtheology programmes and to experience Leuven’s unique student culture.

In 50 years, the number of students has multiplied fivefold. Many institutions have alumniand alumnae from our Faculty among their staff, and many graduates have assumed high-level functions in the Church and in Christian organizations.

ABOUT THE FACULTYAND LEUVEN The Faculty offers comprehensive programmes in theology and religious studies, frombachelor’s to (research) master’s to PhD level. All the Faculty’s programmes are open tostudents of every nationality. Diversity and multiculturality are the trademark of our Theology

Programmes in English, as our student body is comprised of women and men from everycontinent. Contact between the various cultures of the world continues to challenge us ona social, academic, and religious level. Students and professors of the Faculty of Theologyand Religious Studies are reminded every day of the fact that they belong to the WorldChurch in which the local churches support, challenge and enrich one another.

In addition, Leuven is a modern, bustling and safe student city with a long and rich history.Cultural and recreational opportunities abound, since Belgium is situated in the heart ofEurope, and all major European countries are within travelling distance.

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STRUCTURE OFTHE PROGRAMMESOnce students have successfully completed the (abridged) bachelor’s degree, they mainlychoose to enrol for the two-year Research Master: Master of Advanced Studies in Theologyand Religion, which serves as a pre-doctoral study. Depending on the results achieved inthe Research Master, students can be admitted to the Faculty’s doctoral programme.

Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies 180 ECTS 3 academic years part- or fulltime

Abridged Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies 45 – 120 ECTS 1 to 2 academic years part- or fulltime

Master of Theology and Religious Studies 60 ECTS 1 academic year part- or fulltime

Research Master: Master of Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion 120 ECTS 2 academic years part- or fulltime

Abridged Research Master: Master of Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion Less than 120 ECTS 1 to 1.5 academic year(s) part- or fulltime

Doctoral Programme (Theology or Religious Studies) __ 4 academic years part- or fulltime

Research Master

2 academic years120 ECTS

Doctorate/PhD

4 academic years

Abridged Research Master

1 academic year60 ECTS

Sacrae Theologiae

Licentiatus

(STL 2)

Sacrae Theologiae Doctor

(STD)

Sacrae Theologiae

Baccalaureus

(STB)

Sacrae Theologiae

Licentiatus

(STL 1)

Master of Theology and

Religious Studies

1 academic year60 ECTS

Abridged Bachelor

1 to 2 academic years45 – 120 ECTS

Bachelor

3 academic years180 ECTS

BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES The complete bachelor’s programme at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies (180credits – ECTS) represents a three-year study load. This three-year programme initiatesstudents in all areas that together constitute Christian theology. Particular attention is givento a deeper understanding of the Christian tradition and the history of the Church,the improvement of the knowledge of modern and Biblical languages, philosophy and otherhuman sciences, the critical broadening and maturing of faith in conversation withcontemporary culture, and the stimulation of interest in the mutual relationships betweenthe various Christian churches and between Christianity and the other world religions.This solid basis is laid with the aid of challenging lectures, interactive seminars in smallgroups, and personal guidance in the writing of papers and essays to prepare students toenter into the world of independent theological research.

PROGRAMME

The 180-credits programme* comprises the following:

• Courses (149 credits): 18 courses theological components (90 credits), six coursesreligious studies (24 credits), three courses philosophical components (15 credits), andfive electives (20 credits).

• Guided individual work (31 credits): introductory component in the first year, followed bya follow-up course and the writing of an essay during the second and the third year.

* Some courses are offered annually while others are offered every two or three years.

www.kuleuven.be/ba/btrsl

The Faculty also offers a reduced programme: the Abridged Bachelor of Theology andReligious Studies with a period of study that is shorter than the full programme (within aperiod of one or two academic years instead of the three years of the complete bachelor’sprogramme). This reduced programme varies from candidate to candidate and recogniseseach candidate's previous academic formation.

www.kuleuven.be/ba/btrsl

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Why an additional bachelor’s degreefor students who have already obtaineda bachelor’s degree?

Bachelor’s programmes are geared to the acquisition of knowledge and skills unique to andessential for continued study. Such knowledge and skills form the specific basis upon whichthe master’s programmes build. In many instances, therefore, it is possible that studentswho have acquired a bachelor’s degree elsewhere do not possess the necessary academicbackground to be admitted directly to the Faculty’s master programmes. These studentsare given the opportunity to acquire the missing knowledge and skills in order to meet theacademic admission requirements of the master programmes.

This need not imply that the students in question will be required to follow a completebachelor’s programme in Belgium. Their previous studies have provided them with many ofthe academic qualities necessary for the study of theology. Some will also have a solidphilosophical background and/or knowledge and skills related to a specific theologicaldiscipline or have taken courses in the area of religious studies. Such acquired knowledgeand competence can be fully validated by the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studieswith admission to the Abridged Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies.

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MASTER OF THEOLOGY ANDRELIGIOUS STUDIES The goal of this one-year master’s programme is to intensify the initial formation in theologyand religious studies preparing students to engage in independent research in the variousdomains of theology and religious studies.

PROGRAMME

The 60-credits programme comprises the following:

• Courses (44 credits): six courses of the common core curriculum (24 credits), one inter -disciplinary course (4 credits), and four electives (16 credits).

• A master’s thesis (16 credits): contains no less than 15,000 words (excluding bibliographyand appendices), written under the supervision of a staff member from one of theresearch units. The thesis must deal with a subject in the field of religious studies ortheology.

www.kuleuven.be/ma/mtrsl

RESEARCH MASTER: MASTER OF ADVANCED STUDIESIN THEOLOGY AND RELIGION The goal of the two-year Research Master: Master of Advanced Studies in Theology andReligion is to facilitate independent academic research in the domains of theology andreligious studies. The chosen major is reinforced with a highly specific research curriculumand a research master’s thesis, preparing students for continued research at doctoral level.Students receive intensive research skills training and are encouraged to combine theirin-depth research of their thesis subject with an all-round theological formation.Upon successful completion of their studies, they have received a broad formation, ratherthan a training specialising exclusively in one area.

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PROGRAMME

The 120-credits programme comprises the following:

• Courses (60 credits): six courses of the common core curriculum (24 credits), one inter -disciplinary course (4 credits), three courses from three different majors outside yourchosen major (12 credits), and five electives (20 credits).

• A research master’s thesis (32 credits): students write a thesis in two years’ time,presenting the results of their original research. The thesis must provide a structured andcoherent survey of the issue while including an evaluation of research already undertakenand demonstrating evidence of an awareness of problems related to the topic.

• Chosen major* (28 credits): seven major courses.

www.kuleuven.be/ma/mastrl/programme

The major can be selected from:

• Biblical Studies: studies the Bible in its historical contexts, and raises hermeneuticalquestions with respect to the present-day meaning of the Bible.

• Systematic Theology and the Study of Religions: results in a historically founded andsystematic-theologically explored reflection on the religious experience and expressionsof Christians and Christian communities, both past and present.

• Theological and Comparative Ethics: is characterised by the continuous interplaybetween fundamental ethics and applied ethics, bridging Christian ethical reflection andprofessional expertise.

• History of Church and Theology: is characterised by an interest in both institutionaland theological-spiritual aspects. The four traditional periods in the history of Church andtheology are covered (Christianity in Late Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Modern Period,and the Contemporary Period).

• Pastoral and Empirical Theology: is the critical theological reflection on the pastoralmission of the church with special attention to practical theology.

• Religious Studies: theology and religious studies are regarded as intrinsically connected,and framed within a perspective of inter-religious and ecumenical learning and encounter.

The Faculty also offers a reduced programme: the Abridged Research Master: Master ofAdvanced Studies in Theology and Religion with a period of study that is shorter than thefull programme (within a period of one, two or three semesters instead of the two years/foursemesters of the complete programme). This reduced programme varies from candidate tocandidate and recognises each candidate's previous academic formation.

www.kuleuven.be/ma/mastrl

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ADMISSION TO THE DOCTORALRESEARCH PROGRAMMEThe Research Master: Master of Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion functions as apre-doctoral programme and prepares students for doctoral research by means ofspecialised and advanced courses and seminars. Students from abroad are usuallyexpected to familiarise themselves with the research methodology that is carried out inLeuven’s Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies before starting their doctoral studies.Over the course of their four-year doctoral programme, students fulfil a number of researchactivities and obtain transferable skills, in addition to writing a doctoral dissertation.

www.kuleuven.be/english/research/phd

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CAREER PROSPECTSDegrees in theology and religious studies provide a solid background and thoroughunderstanding of religion and its relationship with the world we live in. Through exploring allaspects of theology and religious studies, students gain insight into the theological, ethical,cultural, political, and philosophical issues of religion. Degrees in theology and religiousstudies prepare for a range of international careers in multiple fields, which may include:

• academia• teaching in secondary and higher education• business• publishing• the media• the socio-cultural sector• the Church• the various domains of pastoral care

In addition, students develop skills that are valued by a large number of employers. These includeresearch, analytical and presentation skills, critical thinking, organisational and time managementskills, teamwork, and communication and writing skills. Many graduates use these skills whilepursuing an international career as experts in the Church and in society.

APPLICATION PROCEDUREAll students applying for admission to the international programmes in theology and religiousstudies must apply online and upload the required documents. The online application formand all step-by-step instructions can be consulted at:

www.kuleuven.be/english/application/instructions

The official deadline for applications set by the University is 1 March for non-EEA citizensand 1 June for EEA citizens and for non-EEA applicants living in Belgium with a residencepermit. Late applications will still be considered, if it is possible for the applicant to arrive inLeuven before classes begin in the last week of September.

For any and all questions, please contact the Admissions Officer: ingrid.wouters@kuleuven.be.

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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS• Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies: students who have successfully completed

their secondary education are eligible to apply for admission to the first phase of the three-year bachelor’s programme.

• Abridged Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies: the number of ECTS requiredfor the abridged bachelor’s programme varies from candidate to candidate and isdetermined by the Faculty’s Admissions Committee on the basis of a completeapplication, taking into consideration the volume, nature and content of proven previousacademic formation.

• Master of Theology and Religious Studies: students who have successfully completeda bachelor’s degree in the field of theology or religious studies at the Faculty of Theologyand Religious Studies or have completed an equivalent programme of seminary formationmay be granted admission to the master’s programme without further requirements.

• Research Master: Master of Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion: studentswho have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree in the field of theology or religiousstudies at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies or have completed an equivalentprogramme of seminary formation may be granted admission to the Research Masterwithout further requirements. Applicants who have a bachelor’s or master’s degree inanother discipline in the humanities can prepare themselves for the Research Master inthe highly flexible abridged bachelor’s programme.

• Abridged Research Master: Master of Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion:every successful applicant is offered an individualised programme, taking previouslyacquired ECTS and competencies into account. The number of ECTS required for theAbridged Research Master varies from candidate to candidate and is determined by theFaculty’s Admissions Committee on the basis of a complete application, taking intoconsideration the volume, nature and content of proven previous academic formation.

Students talk candidly about their experiences studying at the Faculty of Theologyand Religious Studies at:

https://theo.kuleuven.be/en/prospective_students/testimonials

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Facilities

Leuven’s architecture blends centuries-old tradition with both modern andcontemporary innovation, a fact beautifully reflected in its architectural wealth.Throughout its many corridors, students are given access to, and fully benefit from,the services offered both by the Theology Faculty and the University at large.These include:

• Excellent teaching and research staff: one of the Faculty’s primary qualities isthe fact that lectures alternate with more informal seminars combining teachingand research in an optimal way.

• Research expertise: there are five research units: Biblical Studies, SystematicTheology and the Study of Religions, Theological and Comparative Ethics,History of Church and Theology, and Pastoral and Empirical Theology. Theseresearch units have been entrusted with the teaching of theology and religiousstudies in the Faculty programmes, with research, with the formation of researchpersonnel, and with social and ecclesiastical services related to each discipline.

• Study support and study guidance: a study advisor works closely withindividual students and is responsible for offering advice on curriculum optionsand individual study programmes and providing information about examregulations and ombuds services.

• One of the most extensive theological libraries in the world: the library ofthe Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies is internationally respected asone of the world’s best theological libraries. It contains over 1.3 million volumesand subscribes to more than 1,100 current journals. The library also has a widerange of bibliographical research facilities to support students. To supplementany material which may not be found in the Faculty’s library, theology studentshave easy access to all university and specialized libraries in Belgium.

• Learn a new language: students have the possibility to study a modernlanguage at a specialised language institute associated with KU Leuven.

• Financial support for Research Master students: every year, the Faculty’sCommittee for Study Allowances awards (partial) financial support to a limitednumber of fulltime students on a competitive basis. The committee’s evaluationis based on the academic qualifications, English proficiency skills, and thefinancial situation of the individual applicant.

• An extensive network of university services: housing, financial aid, medicalcentre, psychotherapeutic centre, extensive sports infrastructure, student churchfacilities, student job facilities and Katechetika International (Students’ Associationof the International Theology Section) are available.

STRUCTURE OF THE ACADEMICYEARAn academic year in Leuven runs from the last week of September to the first week of July.The first semester of thirteen weeks ends before the Christmas break. The first examinationsession takes place after the Christmas holidays with one week of exam preparation time.The second semester of thirteen weeks starts mid-February, continues into the latter part ofMay and includes two weeks of Easter holidays. Second semester exams follow a two-weekperiod of exam preparation at the end of May and the beginning of June. The third examinationperiod is organised in the last weeks of August and the first weeks of September.

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STUDY COSTSFinancing quality education is expensive and sometimes prohibitive. Unlike othercountries, Belgium’s insistence on equal opportunity and democratic access for all to auniversity education has created a different approach to the financial burden it placeson students. Students at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies pay an annualtuition fee of about €1,000. This includes all course and examination fees. The remainingcosts are subsidised by the Belgian state. With a relatively limited budget, it is possibleto enrol at one of the oldest and most prestigious theology schools in the world and toenjoy the experience of student life in a lively and cosmopolitan university city in theheart of Europe.

CONTACTFaculty of Theology and Religious Studies

Sint-Michielsstraat 4 box 31003000 LEUVEN, Belgium

Contact person: Ingrid Wouters, Admissions OfficerEmail: ingrid.wouters@kuleuven.be

Phone: + 32 16 32 38 69

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FACULTY OF THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Sint-Michielsstraat 4 box 31003000 LEUVEN, Belgium

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