Programme description for Master's Programme in Religion, Philosophy and Society (2026–2028)

Upon completion of the programme, the candidate should:

Knowledge

• have advanced knowledge of religion, applied ethics and/or philosophy in a social context
• have specialized insight within the topic of the master's thesis
• have in-depth knowledge of scientific theories and research methods in religion, ethics and/or philosophy
• be able to analyze philosophical and/or religious studies issues based on the history of the subject area

Skills

• be able to analyse basic scientific material and use relevant theories and research methods in philosophy and/or religious studies
• be able to analyze and evaluate philosophical and/or religious representations critically and independently
• be able to carry out independent research work under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics

General competence

• have competence in scientific communication and discussion in writing as well as orally
• be able to make complicated issues understandable to a wider audience
• be able to analyze relevant academic and research ethical issues
• be able to apply their knowledge and skills in new areas

The Master's programme in Religion, Philosophy and Society focuses on religion and philosophy in a social context. The programme emphasizes the development and roles of contemporary religions, and the application of philosophical thought and ethical principles in today's society. As part of this, the study addresses gender equality, social and economic inequality, peace and justice, and stopping climate change, yielding to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The programme allows for a number of different approaches and gives the student the possibility to reflect independently. The programme provides particularly thorough competence in sociology of religion, applied ethics and/or philosophy.

The programme continues the knowledge gained from the bachelor's level, and the master's thesis provides in-depth study of a topic that interests the student. Several of the courses are interdisciplinary and include perspectives from religious studies, sociology of religion, ethics and philosophy.

The programme consists of four courses of 15 credits each and a master's thesis (60 credits). The work on the courses is stipulated to one year and the master's thesis to one year. During the work on the master's thesis, students will participate in a presentation seminar (see course description for REL500).

The Master's programme in Religion, Philosophy and Society builds on international research and literature, and works with global perspectives in teaching and supervision. One of the courses is offered in English. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the university's exchange and mobility programmes. Such a stay strengthens the student's learning outcomes through meetings with foreign learning environments and students from other countries.

By agreement with the programme leader and your own supervisor, it is also possible in the second year of study for interested students to take courses that support their own master's thesis at a foreign educational institution. Students can then also receive assistance with regard to finding relevant study topics.

Please contact the coordinator for student exchange, Tone Frøysnes, tone.froysnes@uia.no, or study programme leader Ida Marie Høeg, ida.m.hoeg@uia.no

A master's degree in religion, philosophy and society qualifies students for work in publishing, media and cultural life, as well as religious and voluntary organizations in Norway and internationally. The education is also relevant for the public sector, such as the health and social services with counselling services, cultural work, as well as work with integration and multiculturalism.

Students with courses in religion and ethics may qualify for admission to practical pedagogical education (PPU) that provides teaching competence in primary and secondary school.

A completed degree can also form the basis for admission to the PhD specialisation in religion, philosophy and history at the Faculty of Humanities and Education, UiA or to other doctoral programmes in Norway and abroad.

Master in Religion, Philosophy and Society.