Religion, Ethics and Society, PhD Programme

Study programme code RES-DR

ECTS credits 180

Admission requirements Relevant master's degree or the equivalent.

General description and profile of the programme

The programme´s overall objective is to further develop candidates´ qualifications within the academic field of Religion, Ethics and Society for completing both research and other work within this field in which strict requirements are set forth for scientific insight and methodology. The field of study involves in-depth study within either modern religion or ethics or a combination of these. Religion and ethics are to be viewed within a societal context. Candidates will learn about both systematic-normative and empirical-societal theories and methods as well as become familiar with the relationship between theological, ethical and social scientific approaches to the study of religion and/or ethics.

Working on the dissertation will provide students with an in-depth study of both theory and methodology through its requirement for independent research work which is to be completed under advisement. The dissertation must contain a component of the candidate´s own empirical research, and must include religion, ethics or a combination of the two as its main focus. The empirical study may be further conducted within general or theoretical reflection.

The objective of the educational component is that students will both receive a breadth dimension in their PhD programme and these topics will support work done on the dissertation itself both theoretically and methodologically. The breadth dimension will include becoming familiar with scientific thought and practice, placing special emphasis on the relationship between normative and empirical sciences.

The curriculum is standardised to comprise three years of work. The educational section constitutes a minimum of 30 ECTS credits of the total workload (in other words equivalent to half a year´s work). The educational component has been designed to coincide with students´ dissertation work throughout their entire academic period. Courses are offered regularly and on a needs basis. The language of instruction for courses will normally be Norwegian/Swedish/Danish.

The educational component is comprised of five courses:
REL600-1 Scientific Theory and Method, 15 ECTS credits

REL601-1 Contextual Ethics, 5 ECTS credits
REL602-1 Contextual Theology, 5 ECTS credits
REL603-1 Theory of Sociology in Religion, 5 ECTS credits (autumn 2010)
REL604-1 Professional Ethics, 5 ECTS credits
The course in Scientific Theory and Method is compulsory, while three of the other courses are electives.

Students may receive approval for up to 5 ECTS credits. for well-documented scientific/popular scientific communication during the course of their doctoral studies (instruction, seminar presentations, chronicles, etc.) as a substitute for one of the elective courses. Communication must have a thematic connection with the doctoral programme and/or dissertation work.

Course offerings may be supplemented with new courses and with current "offeredone-time-only courses" based on resources, recruitment and the doctoral students´ academic profiles and needs.

The breadth dimension of the educational component will first and foremost be expanded upon in REL600-1 Scientific Theory and Method. It is recommended that students choose other courses based on how well they support their own dissertation work. These courses should be chosen in consultation with the candidate´s advisor.

Instruction in all courses takes place in the form of two-day sessions consisting of lectures, discussions, seminars and presentations of participants´ papers. A curriculum has been developed for each course and will be made available to students well in advance, as a rule consisting of 400 pages per course (5 ECTS credits). The curriculum will contain both classical and more modern original texts, perhaps in combination with survey literature. Necessary contextualisation of original texts is given at the instructional sessions.

Students may apply to receive approval for alternative relevant courses completed through other doctoral programmes. The educational component for the individual student will normally consist of at least 20 ECTS credits from UiA´s doctoral programme in order to assure continuity and integration. This may be deviated from based on long-term stays abroad or if there are other prevalent reasons present.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (formal, non-formal and informal) Arrangements for the recognition of prior learning are described in the information on the institution under "General arrangements for the recognition of prior learning (formal, informal and non-formal)".

Examination regulations and grading For a description of the examination regulations, see the Examination Regulations of the University of Agder.

For information about the Norwegian grading system, see ECTS credits and grades. Specific information on grading for each course is found in the individual course descriptions.

Graduation requirements The Examination Regulations of the University of Agder regulate the graduation requirements for each programme of study.

Learning outcomes Students are expected to
- be able to produce an individual research project on an international PhD level
- have broad knowledge about current research within religion and ethics
- become qualified scholars who can complete projects, supervise others and participate in general research discourse

Teaching methods Lectures, group discussions, presentation seminars

Assessment methods Papers and essays

Qualification awarded The academic degree of PhD

Contact person For further information, contact Pål Repstad (pal.repstad@uia.no) or Årstein Justnes (arstein.justnes@uia.no)