Welcome to the School of World Religions and Theology

Religion is a persistent feature of human civilization, continuing to shape lives and cultures all over the globe. The study of religion is essential for understanding both global and local issues in the contemporary world. The academic study of religion is found in most major universities throughout the world and we offer our students degrees that open up multiple career paths, many of these international.

The School of World Religions and Theology offers non-denominational pluaralist courses on religion in the ancient, medieval and modern worlds from an arts humanities perspective, and the staff and students represent a plurality of cultural and religious backgrounds. Each September 40-50 students enroll in the first year of our programmes, including many from North America and Europe, and we also offer opportunities for students to travel abroad as part of their studies. We offer three degree options: World Religions and Theology, either studied with another Arts subject (TSM) or all courses offered in this School (single honors) and Jewish and Islamic Civilisations (studied with another Arts subject).

During the four years of our degree programmes students trace the history and consider the traditions of the religions of the world, while we have a particular expertise in the academic study of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. We examine the origins of the sacred texts of these traditions, and see how differing interpretations have developed. The study of religions and theology will suit anyone who has an interest in one or more of the following areas: world religions; the ancient near east and its relationship with the Greek and Roman worlds; the study of religions from antiquity to the present; literature and languages; philosophy and theology; dialogue between religions; the relationship of religion and science; ethics in a scientific culture, in medicine and in politics; gender and human relationships.

The School enjoys many international contacts and we welcome both visiting scholars and students each year. Our faculty is engaged in research at an international level and we have a vibrant community of graduate students working for higher degrees.

Entry and Course Requirements

No previous knowledge of the study of religions or theology or of any language is required. In the first year, students take a set of introductory courses while from the second year onward, they are permitted to choose from a range of courses according to their individual interests. In the second year, students are offered the opportunity to begin learning Arabic, Hebrew or Greek, but this is not a requirement.

Contact

To contact this department:

• Ms. Jane Welch
  Room 5010
  Arts Building
  Trinity College
  Dublin 2
• Phone: +353-1-896-1297
• Fax: +353-1-677-4844

Contact: jwelch@tcd.ie | Last updated: Sep 19 2011 | Back to top