Biblical Studies, University of Helsinki
Contact details
P.O. Box 4(Yliopistonkatu 3)
00014 University of Helsinki
Helsinki
Finland
Tel: +358 (0) 2941 911
https://www2.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-theology
Activites
Awards degrees in Jewish Studies as a sole or major componentBA Theology and Religious Studies: The teaching of the bachelor's program is based on high-level research conducted in the faculty's five disciplines: exegetics , ie biblical studies, church history , systematic theology , practical theology , and theology. In these fields, research is carried out in a diverse and multidisciplinary manner, e.g. the roots of European religiosity, the encounter of religions, the impact of theology and religion on modern Western thought, culture and society, the relationship of religion to the well-being of individuals and societies, and the change in religiosity in Finland, Europe and worldwide. Studies in theology and religious studies offer both classical civilization and perspectives on the role of religion in the global world.
MA Theology and Religious Studies: This includes exegetics, or biblical studies, church history, systematic theology, practical theology, and theology, which are further subdivided into individual subjects. Theological disciplines are closely related to the research traditions of various fields of humanities and social sciences. The master's program provides solid basic knowledge from one discipline, but at the same time an extensive overview of different aspects of the discipline. All of these are perspectives on the religious person, the communities he or she forms around the world, and their history.
MA Intercultural Encounters: This offers a multidisciplinary approach to intercultural issues. You can specialise in different local, national and supranational cultures in, for example, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, or North America.
Doctoral Programme in Theology and Religious Studies.
Offers courses in Jewish Studies
Provides supervision in Jewish studies for students working towards a research degree
Pursues academic research activities
Degrees offered
BA Theology and Religious Studies
MA Theology and Religious Studies; MA Intercultural Encounters
PhD in Theology and Religious Studies.
Main research activities
The Faculty of Theology conducts research on the individual, cultural and social significance of religions from the past to the present. Research-based advanced and diverse knowledge helps us understand global change and societal phenomena, such as multiculturalism, the interconnections between values and wellbeing, and religious extremism.
Religious radicalisation, immigration and other major societal changes have increased and also reshaped the demand for religious expertise and knowledge pertaining to religions. In addition to research-based knowledge of a high standard, the need for applied knowledge that responds to societal issues is increasing further. Gaining in-depth knowledge of the content of various religions and understanding the relationships between religions also require the study of sacred texts in their original language.
Research focus areas at the Faculty:
Religious interaction in cultural contexts: Identities, conflicts, dialogue and peaceful interaction
The establishment, historical development as well as societal and cultural impact of theological, religious and belief-based ideas and conceptual systems
Religious diversity in global and local contexts
The effect of religions, beliefs and values on wellbeing and sustainable development
The multidisciplinary nature and methodological development of theology and religious studies
Emerging and new fields:
Ecotheology
Religion and inequality
Effect of migration on religion and culture
Interaction between Judaism, Christianity and Islam in the past and today’s global, European and Finnish cultural contexts
Ideological and ethical questions related to the application of artificial intelligence and socio-technical innovations
Corporeality, spatiality and materiality of religion/spirituality
Islamic theology
Research and teaching cooperation as well as networks related to Africa
Old Testament studies: The core mission of Old Testament studies is to examine the Hebrew and Aramaic Old Testament scriptures in a diverse manner. Traditional historical criticism studies the form, origin and interdependence of Old Testament scriptures, as well as their interpretative elements and different-aged layers. The scriptures can be approached from several perspectives: through linguistics, history, literary history, social history, theology or religious history.
Search scholars Search institutions Search scholars by subject areas