Master's in Science of Religion

Those interested in religion as a system of social and cultural communication will learn in the Bachelor-(BA) program about cultural science and sociological and social-anthropological theories and methods as related to religion (religious systematics). The program also addresses the history of the world's most important religions, as well as their social forms of organization and philosophical interpretations of the world (history of religion). These aspects are supplemented by specialization in a specific religious tradition (empirical studies). The knowledge gained in the Bachelor program is expanded in the Master (MA) program through the student's introduction to current scholarly debates regarding systematic issues in the field of the science of religion, whereby students will be taught how to develop and critically discuss their own points of view.



Basic information
Degree: Master of Arts in Science of Religion, Universität Bern
Number of credits: 120 ECTS credits
Degree programs:
  • Major Science of Religion 90 ECTS credits

 

Offer for other degree programs:

  • Minor Science of Religion 30 ECTS credits
Combination possibilities: several
Duration: 4 semesters
Language: German
Beginning studies: Fall or spring semester

Details of program

Combination possibilities

The Master's degree program in Science of Religion consists of a major with 90 ECTS credits and a minor with 30 ECTS credits.

The major can be combined with any minor subject taught in a sufficient scope at the University of Bern, with the exception of Science of Religion and Inter-Religious Studies.

Structure
Major ECTS Minor ECTS
90          30        

Requirements

Individual academic requirements

The following academic qualifications are required for admission to the master’s degree program in Science of Religion (major):

a) Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a major or minor in Science of Religion (60 ECTS credits)
The completion of additional courses in the form of extra requirements or conditions amounting to a maximum of 60 ECTS may be required. *
b) Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a major in a different branch of studies, provided that the master's degree can be successfully completed with an additional maximum 60 ECTS credits. *
b) Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a major in a different branch of studies, provided that the master's degree can be successfully completed with an additional maximum 60 ECTS credits. *
*

Conditions must be met prior to admission to the master’s program. Additional requirements must be completed by the end of the master’s program. The respective ECTS will be listed as extracurricular achievements in the diploma supplement.

Please consult the admission requirements for the minor as presented in the plan of studies.

Swiss bachelor's degrees/programs

from the University of Bern

that allow admission to the desired master's degree program without any assessment:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Science of Religion

from other Universities

which authorize the holder to be admitted to the requested Master’s program without an assessment (Einstufung) (Document in German):

Religionswissenschaft (PDF, 73KB)


The bachelor's degree may not be more than ten years old. Exceptions are possible where justified.

Language requirements

Depending on the empirical study focus selected, Latin or Greek, or a non-European language. Evidence of language proficiency must be presented before the master's degree program can be completed.

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.

Application and admission

Current UniBE students

Apply for a change to the M A in Science of Religion, Universität Bern by self-service as part of the re-registration for the next semester.
Renewal of semester registration → Self-service
Recognition of academic achievements
Procedure and timing of the renewal of semester registration
   

Application with a Swiss degree

Online application
Assessment
Steps from application to registration
 

Application with an international degree

Online application
CHECKLIST - Documents for your application / Important information
Steps from application to registration

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.