Programme Syllabus Reg.no.

GU
2020/2122

FACULTY BOARD OF HUMANITIES

Master of Theology, 120 credits

Master i teologi, 120 högskolepoäng
Programme code: H2RTM

Second cycle / Avancerad nivå

1. Confirmation
This programme syllabus was confirmed by the Faculty Board of Humanities on 20-09-2018 (G
2018/627) and was last revised on 31-08-2020 (GU 2020/2122) by the Dean of the Faculty to be
valid from 25-08-2021, Autumn semester 2021.
Responsible Department/equivalent: Department of Literature, History of Ideas, and Religion

2. Purpose
The Master's (120 credits) programme in theology with a specialisation in either Systematic
Theology or Biblical Studies is an international cutting edge education. The programme's main
focus is classical systematic-theological issues and the relationship between theology and
ethics/politics (in Systematic Theology), and Jewish-Christian relations in the study of biblical
and related texts, their historical and literary contexts, their reception history as well as their
present-day use (in Biblical Studies).
The purpose of the programme is to give an advanced theological foundation of knowledge and
well-developed theological and humanistic skills in working with textual interpretation,
historical and literary material, philosophical, theological, and ethical arguments in different
historical and social contexts. The focus of the programme is thus the origin of the Christian
tradition, its continued development and contemporary forms, which particularly includes its
relationship to Jewish traditions, but also to other traditions in contemporary multireligious
society, as well as to other types of faith and philosophies of life. This knowledge and these skills
constitute a significant basis for further academic research and lifelong learning, as well as for a
number of professions in different areas where advanced knowledge of theology and religion is
central and increasingly requested, such as churches and denominations, education, journalism,
humanitarian and developmental work, public administration etc.

(H2RTM) Master of Theology, 120 credits / Master i teologi, 120 högskolepoäng

Second cycle / Avancerad nivå
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3. Entry requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited university. The applicant’s university education must
include a thesis, dissertation, degree project or substantial term paper, or equivalent proof of
proficiency in academic writing.
In order to specialize in biblical studies, applicants need, in addition, at least 15 HEC of either
biblical Greek or Hebrew.
Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 5/English A from Swedish Upper
Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example
TOEFL, IELTS.

4. Higher education qualification and main field of study

This programme leads to a Degree of Master of Arts in Theology (120 credits) with a major in
Religious Studies and Theology (Teologie masterexamen med huvudområdet
Religionsvetenskap och teologi).

5. Outcomes
General outcomes for Degree of Master (120 credits)
Knowledge and understanding
For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall
● demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad
knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas
of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and
● demonstrate specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study.

Competence and skills

For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall
● demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse,
assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited
information
● demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and
creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks
within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well
as the ability to evaluate this work
● demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to clearly
report and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they
are based in dialogue with different audiences, and
● demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or
autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.

Judgement and approach

(H2RTM) Master of Theology, 120 credits / Master i teologi, 120 högskolepoäng

Second cycle / Avancerad nivå
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For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall

● demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant
disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects
of research and development work
● demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and
the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
● demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take
responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.

Local outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

After completed education, the student should
● show in-depth knowledge and understanding in the area of theology, with a specialisation
in either Systematic Theology or Biblical Studies, including both broad expertise and more
particular knowledge in certain parts of the field.
● show a significantly advanced understanding of theology's historical and contemporary
contexts and norms, its different theories and methods, as well as current research
questions.

Competence and skills

After completed education, the student should
● be able to systematically search, collect, handle, and evaluate information as well as to
critically interpret and analyse it in accordance with subject-specific requirements.
● show skill in integrating previous knowledge with new fields, as well as assess complex
phenomena and social issues.
● be able to identify and formulate research questions in an independent and creative way, as
well as to plan adequate procedures to carry out qualified assignments in relation to these
questions within given time frames.
● master different communicative skills and demonstrate the ability to contribute to research
and development in national and international contexts orally and in writing.
● be able to engage in dialogue with the surrounding society about theologically relevant
problems in relation to church, academy, and society.

Judgement and approach

After completed education, the student should
● demonstrate an advanced ability to make assessments of Systematic-Theological and
Biblical Studies perspectives, in view of relevant scientific, social, and ethical aspects, as
well as show awareness of ethical aspects in working with research and development.
● show an understanding of the role of knowledge in society, of the responsibility for how it
is used, as well as the role of theology in a social, historical, local and global context,
including gender and equality perspective, as well as sustainability issues.
● demonstrate an advanced ability to critically analyse his or her own approach, as well as

(H2RTM) Master of Theology, 120 credits / Master i teologi, 120 högskolepoäng

Second cycle / Avancerad nivå
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reflect on his or her own academic formation process.

● demonstrate a good ability to critically discuss and evaluate scientific works of different
kinds.

6. Content and structure

Specialisations
(MTBS) biblical studies bibelvetenskap 120 credits
(MTST) systematic theology systematisk teologi 120 credits
The programme is comprised of four semesters of full-time study and is completed with a
master's thesis. Depending on the chosen specialisation, the student follows a course of studies
where certain course modules are compulsory and certain course modules are elective. The
course modules overlap such that students normally do two modules concurrently, including the
thesis course that normally run during the whole of the second year.
Of the 120 credits, 7.5 credits are made up of a joint method course, 7.5 credits of a method
course specific for each respective specialisation, as well as 30 credits of thesis work. The
remaining credits are mainly to be taken in the chosen specialisation, with space for additional
elective specialisation in one of the focus areas of the programme, or elective broadening in
other programme-relevant courses in religious studies and theology, or adjacent subjects.
Progression at second cycle level is primarily understood in terms of generic skills, and is
implemented through the programme's initial method course, which prepares students for
academic work at second cycle level, in particular for competent academic writing. These skills
are then trained and deepened continuously during the programme through different types of
written assignments in individual courses, through the specialised method course, as well as
through writing the essay, which runs for the duration of the second year and which gives the
students the possibility to deepen and consolidate their skills and competences. Subject-specific
knowledge is also deepened progressively during the programme, both through the compulsory
method courses during the first and the second year, and through the regular range of courses
offered, and their relationship to the master's essay with its in-depth study of a particular area.
In addition to courses and essay writing, students participate in the Systematic-Theological and
Biblical Studies seminar series, as well as in the theological reading group that is organised by
Systematic Theology.
Please also see the appendix. Course of studies ST (even year), Course of studies ST (odd year),
Course of studies BS (even year), and Course of studies BS (odd year).

7. Guaranteed admission
Students who have been admitted to the programme and apply for the required course modules,
who satisfy the entry requirements and follow the programme, are guaranteed admission on all
courses, falling within the scope of programme, that are given at The Department of Literature,
History of Ideas and Religion.

8. Other information

(H2RTM) Master of Theology, 120 credits / Master i teologi, 120 högskolepoäng

Second cycle / Avancerad nivå
 5/5

The study programme will be followed up and evaluated in accordance with the applicable
Policy för kvalitetssäkring och kvalitetsutveckling av utbildning vid Göteborgs universitet (Policy
for the Quality assurance and Quality Development of Education at the University of
Gothenburg).

(H2RTM) Master of Theology, 120 credits / Master i teologi, 120 högskolepoäng

Second cycle / Avancerad nivå
Master of Theology: Systematic Theology
Course of studies for students starting on an even year

T1/HT
P1 RT2714 Tradition, Reflection, P2 RT2314 Theology and the Reading of
Formation: Theological Method and Western History, 7,5hp
Analysis, 7,5hp

P1 RT2321 Creation, Ecology, and P2 RT2320 Theology and Gender, 7.5hp

Humanity in Christian Theology,
7.5hp
T2/VT
P1 RT2322 Spirit and Community: P2 RT2322 History and Theology of the
Pneumatology and the Doctrine of the Free Church Movement, 7,5hp
Church, 7,5hp
P2 RT2315 Political Theology, 7,5hp
P1 RT2323 Patristic Theology, 7,5hp
T3/HT
P1 RT2903 Master’s Thesis P2 RT2903 Master’s Thesis

P1 RT2615 Hermeneutics: Theology and P2 RT2313 Historical Theology, 7,5hp

the Uses of the Bible, 7,5hp Or
RT2312 Ethics, Theology, and Society,
7,5hp
T4/VT
P1 RT2903 Master’s Thesis P2 RT2903 Master’s Thesis

P1 RT2317 Christology and Salvation

P2 RT2319 Reformation Theology, 7,5hp
Or
RT2318 Theology and Science: Or
Common Roots, Conflicts, RT2316 Theology and Church Life in
Conversations, 7,5hp Africa, 7,7hp
Master of Theology: Systematic Theology
Course of studies for students starting on an odd year

T1/HT
P1 RT2615 Hermeneutics: Theology and P2 RT2313 Historical Theology, 7,5hp
the Uses of the Bible, 7,5hp

P1 RT2311 Systematic Theology: The P2 RT2312 Ethics, Theology, and Society,

Doctrine of God, 7,5hp 7,5hp

T2/VT
P1 RT2317 Christology and Salvation, P2 RT2319 Reformation Theology, 7,5hp
7,5hp
P2 RT2316 Theology and Church Life in
P1 RT2318 Theology and Science:
Africa, 7,5hp
Common Roots, Conflicts, and
Conversations, 7,5hp
T3/HT
P1 RT2903 Master’s Thesis P2 RT2903 Master’s Thesis

P1 RT2714 Tradition, Reflection, and P2 RT2314 Theology and the Reading of

Formation: Theological Method and Western History, 7,5hp
Analysis, 7,5hp Or
RT2320 Theology and Gender, 7.5hp

T4/VT
P1 RT2903 Master’s Thesis P2 RT2903 Master’s Thesis

P1 RT2322 Spirit and Community:

P2 RT2315 Political Theology, 7,5hp
Pneumatology and the Doctrine of the
Church, 7,5hp Or
Or RTxxxx History and Theology of the
RT2323 Patristic Theology, 7,5hp Free Church Movement, 7,5hp
Master of Theology: Biblical Studies
Course of Studies for students starting on an even year

T1/HT
P1 RT2511 Manuscripts and Textual P2 RT2512 Male and Female? Gender, God
Criticism in Biblical Studies, 7,5hp and Humanity in the Hebrew Bible,
7,5hp
P1 RT2519 The Bible in Jewish and
Christian Relations, 7,5 hp P2 RT2518 Crucifixion in Texts, Art, and
Archaeology, 7,5hp

T2/VT
P1 RT2517 Jesus Among the Messiahs of P2 RT2514 Early Jewish Interpretation of
Second Temple Judaism, 7,5hp Texts – Principles and Techniques,
7,5hp
P1 RT2521 Qumran and the New Material
Philology – Text and Material P2 RT2520 Paideia in the New Testament
Context, 7,5hp – Greek and Jewish Models of
Education 7,5hp

T3/HT
P1 RT2903 Master’s Thesis P2 RT2903 Master’s Thesis

P1 RT2615 Hermeneutics: Theology and P2 RT2513 Unity or Diversity? Story,

the Uses of the Bible, 7,5hp History and Ideology in Primitive
Christianity, 7,5hp

T4/VT
P1 RT2903 Master’s Thesis P2 RT2903 Master’s Thesis

P1 RT2516 The Prophets – Form,

P2 RT2515 After Paul - the Later Epistolary
Intertextuality and Reception, 7,5hp
Literature in the New Testament, 7,5hp
Master of Theology: Biblical Studies
Course of Studies for students starting on an odd year

T1/HT
P1 RT2615 Hermeneutics: Theology and P2 RT2512 Male and Female? Gender, God
the Uses of the Bible, 7,5hp and Humanity in the Hebrew Bible,
7,5hp
P1 RT2519 The Bible in Jewish and
Christian Relations, 7,5 hp P2 RT2513 Unity or Diversity? Story,
History and Ideology in Primitive
Christianity, 7,5hp

T2/VT
P1 RT2516 The Prophets – Form, P2 RT2514 Early Jewish Interpretation of
Intertextuality and Reception, 7,5hp Texts – Principles and Techniques,
7,5hp
P1 RT2517 Jesus Among the Messiahs of
Second Temple Judaism, 7,5hp P2 RT2515 After Paul - the Later Epistolary
Literature in the New Testament, 7,5hp

T3/HT
P1 RT2903 Master’s Thesis P2 RT2903 Master’s Thesis

P1 RT2511 Manuscripts and Textual P2 RT2518 Crucifixion in Texts, Art, and

Criticism in Biblical Studies, 7,5hp Archaeology, 7,5hp

T4/VT
P1 RT2903 Master’s Thesis P2 RT2903 Master’s Thesis

P1 RT2521 Qumran and the New Material

P2 RT2520 Paideia in the New Testament
Philology – Text and Material
Context, 7,5hp – Greek and Jewish Models of
Education 7,5hp