Studying at the Department of Study of Religion

At the University of Turku, the Department of Study of Religion examines the broad variety and dynamics of religious, spiritual and secular worldviews as well as ideologies in the changing world. It has always been an anthropologically and ethnographically oriented subject. 

The Department of Study of Religion offers a full academic degree (BA, MA and PhD) or those who are interested in specialising in the study of religion. BA studies are organised jointly with the other disciplines of the Study of Cultures (European Ethnology and Folkloristics). MA and PhD studies are specific to the Department of the Study of Religion.

Prospective students should note that even though we do offer some courses and seminars in English and some of the study materials are in English as well, much of the teaching is in Finnish. Since writing skills and presentations are emphasised, students wishing to complete the full three-year Bachelor’s degree programme and/or the two-year Master's degree programme should have sufficient command of Finnish. However, this requirement does not concern exchange students. 

Undergraduate studies (BA)

The three-year Bachelor's degree programme (organised jointly by the study programme of Study of Cultures) consists of both practical research training and courses on religious traditions and cultural systems. Those who are hoping to specialise in teaching will also take courses on (Evangelical Lutheran) Christian theology.  After completing their Bachelor’s degree, students will have competence in understanding and conducting scientific research in Cultural Studies and Study of Religion. In addition, they will have developed skills in scientific thinking and life-long learning, and they are able to apply research to various tasks.

Master's degree studies (MA)

The MA studies are focused on both research skills and more in-depth understanding of theories and methods in Study of Religion. Students who major in Study of Religion will choose courses that support their Master's thesis.

Course assessment may be based on exams, essays, learning diaries, and other types of writing assignments.

Student exchange

We at the Department of Study of Religion are happy to welcome any interested exchange students to our courses. 

The Faculty of Humanities and the Department of Study of Religion have established exchange contracts for student mobility with universities all over the world, for example with the University of Groningen, Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Erfurt, Religionswissenschaft/Department of Religious Studies, and Palacky University Olomouc Department of Sociology, Andragogy and Cultural Anthropology.