Bachelor of Arts in the Study of Religions

General Content

The main aim of the Study of Religions programme is to develop precise and critical knowledge of the phenomenon of religion in general, and in particular the great religious traditions (Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, etc) as well as more marginal religious currents or other reconstructions. The methods used are mainly those of the human and social sciences, such as comparative history, anthropology and sociology.

The Bachelor degree comprises a major in the Study of Religions and an optional minor.

Major in the Study of Religions

The major in the study of religions allows a detailed study of three areas, chosen from:

  • Religions of South Asia
  • Polytheistic Religions of the Ancient Worlds: Greece/Rome/Levant
  • History of Ancient and Modern Judaism
  • History of Ancient and Modern Christianity
  • Socio-anthropology and History of Islams
  • Religious and Spiritual Plurality in Contemporary Societies

The course also covers a range of approaches (history, sociology of religions, anthropology of religions, psychology of religions and religions in migration), the languages associated with the areas studied, and historiography, concepts and methods.

Minor: 1 from the list below:

  • Religions, Languages and Texts
  • Theological Studies
  • Social Sciences
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Archaeology
  • Ancient History
  • South Asian Languages and Cultures
  • History
  • Philosophy
  • History of Art
  • Computer Science for the Humanities
  • Geography
Course Structure

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Practical Information

Organiser
Faculty of Theology and the Study of Religions

Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in the Study of Religions

ECTS Credits
180

Duration
6 semesters

Teaching Language
French

Enrolment deadline
30 April. If you require a visa to study in Switzerland: 28 February.

Further information
Applications
Course description
Timetables

Study Options After the Bachelor's Degree

At UNIL, the following Master's programmes are open without further conditions to holders of the Bachelor or Arts (BA) in the Study of Religions:

Career Opportunities

Career prospects depend partly on the choice of Master’s course.

Areas of activity

This field of study allows students to develop critical analytical skills in religious practice and apply them to various sectors of society. These are useful in professions such as journalism, documentation, social work and administration, as well as culture and international organisations, which already rely on skills acquired in other generalist areas.

In figures

Every two years, the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (OFS) conducts a survey on graduate employment, one year after students have completed their course. View the results for graduates in the study of religions online:

Examples of positions

Subject to changes.
The French version prevails. Only the official texts should be considered binding.
Last update: 8 August 2023

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Further Information

Faculté de théologie et de sciences des religions

Université de Lausanne
Bâtiment Anthropole

1015 Lausanne

Tél. +41 21 692 27 00
Fax +41 21 692 27 05 

secretariat.etudiants.ftsr@unil.ch
www.unil.ch/ftsr

Applications

Unicentre - CH-1015 Lausanne
Switzerland
Tel. +41 21 692 11 11
Fax +41 21 692 20 15