Mission Statement of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies

The Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies is responsible, within the Catholic University of Leuven, for the development and coordination of academic formation, research, and scientific service in the field of theology and religious studies. The Faculty contains five research units: Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology, Theological Ethics, History of Church and Theology, and Pastoral Theology. These research units have been entrusted with the teaching of theology and religious studies in the Faculty programmes, with research, with the formation of research personnel, and with social and ecclesiastical services related to each discipline.

The teaching programmes of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies are based on personal research by the staff members. These programmes are aimed at the general education and development of the students, their preparation for autonomous theological work, and their critical reflection on faith, church and religion.

The training of students in autonomous, scientifically based, methodical and systematic reflection and application is accomplished in each of the programmes of the Faculty, though with an emphasis specific to each programme. The programmes of the Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies (180 credits or less, in case of admission into the Abridged Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies) that are offered at undergraduate level, combine the study of theology and religious studies with a strong accent on the human sciences. The programmes of the Master of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies (60 credits) and the Master of Arts in Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion (60 credits) that are offered at graduate level, are marked by in-depth theological study and research. They prepare candidates for further research and are specifically oriented towards the Doctor’s Degree in Theology.

Apart from the mentioned scientific degrees it is also possible to enrol, if the conditions are met, for the canonical degrees which the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies is entitled to deliver.