Table of contents

Study Model

Autumn 2025

Compulsory courses

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Spring 2026

Compulsory courses

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Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the study programme students will have acquired the following qualifications:

Knowledge

  • Broad overview of the world religions and their present situation in Europe
  • Insight into the teachings, the ideology and the practice of the world religions
  • Knowledge of the holy texts of the three Semitic religions
  • Knowledge about present pluralism in religions and world views
  • Broad knowledge about ethical theory and argumentation throughout history
  • Broad knowledge about the perspectives of social science on the interaction between religion, human beings and society
  • Knowledge of aesthetics

Skills

  • Ability to reflect on how religion and world views influence individuals and society
  • Ability to convey various views on the role that religion and faith plays on different arenas in today's society
  • be able to discuss current issues which include religion and philosophies of life

General competency

  • Ability to convey various views on the role that religion and world views play on different arenas in today's society
  • Ability to apply knowledge of religion, faith and ethics to specific, practical problems that one may meet in everyday life and work situations

Admission requirements

Higher Education Entrance Qualification

General description and profile of the programme

The programme (6 courses of 10 credits each) provides an introduction to the understanding of religions and world views as significant and identity forming systems. The student is familiarized with various methods and theories within religious research. Central topics are: What is the role of religion and world views in history and today? How are holy texts created and what do they contain? How do you relate to ethical problems in society and in your own life?
The study programme may include voluntary excursions to Oslo and abroad.

Teaching and learning methods

Emphasis is put on the fact that students are to meet a variation of teaching methods throughout the study. Teaching is given as lectures, seminars, discussions and individual studies.
Study trips and excursions are normally arranged.
Practice periods are included for students in the teacher education.

Assessment methods

Forms of assessment are mentioned in the course descriptions. They vary between written school examinations and home examinations.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies

The programme is relevant for work in the cultural sector, the health- and social sector, media and different organizations. It is well suited as a supplement for professions where one is faced with ethical challenges or where one must relate to a multicultural audience. The study may, when included in the major in a bachelor´s programme, qualify for admission to master´s degree programme in religion, ethics and society and professional studies in theology, and it is also possible to apply for transfer to year 2. The programme may be included in a number of bachelor´s programmes at UiA.

The programme may be included in a course of study leading to a master’s degree and thereafter admission to the one-year programme in educational theory and practice, (PPU-A) which provides teaching qualifications and the opportunity to work as a teacher in lower secondary school, upper secondary school, and adult education.

Student evaluations

Study programme evaluation is conducted annually in the programme committee in accordance with the Quality System, section 4.2. Before the meeting of the study programme committee, the student representative may obtain suggestions and ideas from fellow students.

Contact person

Programme coordinator: Helje K. Sødal, helje.k.sodal@uia.no
Student advisor: Silje Ramfjord Lykkedrang, silje.lykkedrang@uia.no

Other information

It is a requirement that all students at UiA have their own portable computer (`laptop') for use in teaching and examinations, see Examination Regulations, University of Agder, §12d.
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 3:41:50 PM