Kategori: Master's Program

2026-2027

Master's Program in Eastern Christian Studies, Distance Learning

Our one-year Master's Program offers advanced theological education with a focus on the rich traditions of Eastern Christianity. Students engage with the biblical, patristic, liturgical, and ecclesiological foundations of the Eastern Churches through rigorous academic study and critical methodological training.

The program includes foundational courses in methodology and theory, biblical reception, patristics, liturgics and ecclesiology. Students then choose an elective course that enables them to specialise either in manuscript studies, traditional linguistic texts or modern texts, assessing how the text relates to sociological and applied practices. The program culminates in a Master's thesis on a topic of the student's choice within biblical studies, church history, liturgical studies or ecclesiology.

Students benefit from a unique learning environment that unites academic scholarship with lived tradition. The program is offered both on campus and online, making it accessible to students worldwide. During their studies, students work closely with faculty mentors and participate in seminars with peers from various Orthodox traditions.

Graduates are equipped for leadership roles in churches, educational institutions, and research, with the academic foundation needed for further advanced studies. The program prepares students not only to understand the Eastern Christian traditions deeply but also to engage critically with contemporary theological and social issues.

Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Requirements

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, comprising 180 ECTS and an independent thesis demonstrating the applicant's academic writing ability, in the humanities, social sciences, educational sciences, theology, law or health sciences, as well as 60 ECTS in religious studies/theology, or Eastern Christian studies, or equivalent competence (as part of, or in addition to, the Bachelor's degree). Students with a background in other relevant subjects may also be admitted following a special assessment. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary English 6 level.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

Schedule
Autumn term 2026, 30 ECTS Spring term 2027, 30 ECTS

Module 1: 31 Aug 2026 – 8 Nov 2026

Method and Theory in Eastern Christian Studies (10 ECTS)

Scriptures and Eastern Christianity (5 ECTS)

Module 3: 18 Jan 2027 – 28 Mar 2027

Select 1:

Manuscripts: Text and Context in Eastern Christian Studies (15 ECTS) or

The Church in Theory and Practice (Linguistic Variant, 15 ECTS) or

The Church in Theory and Practice (Non-linguistic Variant, 15 ECTS)

Module 2: 9 Nov 2026 – 17 Jan 2027

Patristics: Sources and Methods (5 ECTS)

Liturgics and Liturgical Theology (5 ECTS)

The Church as Polis (5 ECTS)

Module 4: 29 March 2027 – 6 June 2027

Master's Thesis (15 ECTS)
2026-2027

Liturgics and Liturgical Theology

The course is offered as a standalone course. It is an elective course in the one-year Master's Program in Eastern Christian Studies.

The course introduces students to the systematic approach to the variety of Eastern Christian liturgical traditions and spirituality understood in a theological sense as well as from the perspective of liturgical traditions as embodying the intersection between textual criticism, literary criticism, history and linguistics. An important aspect of the course will be the historical development of Eastern Christian liturgical traditions in proximity with the question of how the liturgy is perceived and lived by all the members of the worshiping community.

Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Learning objectives

By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

  • explain in what ways the Eastern Christian liturgical families map the various Eastern Christian churches today
  • describe the range of methodological approaches to the study of Eastern Christian liturgical traditions utilized by scholars today
  • identify the major tools of scholarly research in the discipline of liturgical studies and any ancillary disciplines pertinent to the student’s research interests

Competence and skills

  • use a variety of methodological approaches in solving specific scholarly problems in Eastern Christian liturgy, within a given time frame, and present them clearly in writing and argue for the relation between conclusions and arguments
  • independently apply standard scholarly tools in the field of liturgical studies, followed by analysis and assessment, even with limited information

Judgement and approach

  • critically assess the variety of methods in liturgical studies utilized by scholars today, from both a disciplinary, social and ethical perspective
  • reflect critically on the limitations of the theological and methodological foundations of the field of liturgical theology as it emerged in the mid-20th century and now exists in the 21st century
  • reflect critically on the responsibility and possibilities of the liturgical scholar for how research is used in the church.
Requirements

Courses equivalent to 90 credits from the First Cycle, including 60 credits in Religious Studies/Theology, or Eastern Christian Studies, or equivalent competence. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Course Literature

See course literature for a list of mandatory reading.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

Liturgics and Liturgical Theology, Distance Learning

The course is offered as a standalone course. It is an elective course in the one-year Master's Program in Eastern Christian Studies.

The course introduces students to the systematic approach to the variety of Eastern Christian liturgical traditions and spirituality understood in a theological sense as well as from the perspective of liturgical traditions as embodying the intersection between textual criticism, literary criticism, history and linguistics. An important aspect of the course will be the historical development of Eastern Christian liturgical traditions in proximity with the question of how the liturgy is perceived and lived by all the members of the worshiping community.

Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Learning objectives

By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

  • explain in what ways the Eastern Christian liturgical families map the various Eastern Christian churches today
  • describe the range of methodological approaches to the study of Eastern Christian liturgical traditions utilized by scholars today
  • identify the major tools of scholarly research in the discipline of liturgical studies and any ancillary disciplines pertinent to the student’s research interests

Competence and skills

  • use a variety of methodological approaches in solving specific scholarly problems in Eastern Christian liturgy, within a given time frame, and present them clearly in writing and argue for the relation between conclusions and arguments
  • independently apply standard scholarly tools in the field of liturgical studies, followed by analysis and assessment, even with limited information

Judgement and approach

  • critically assess the variety of methods in liturgical studies utilized by scholars today, from both a disciplinary, social and ethical perspective
  • reflect critically on the limitations of the theological and methodological foundations of the field of liturgical theology as it emerged in the mid-20th century and now exists in the 21st century
  • reflect critically on the responsibility and possibilities of the liturgical scholar for how research is used in the church.
Requirements

Courses equivalent to 90 credits from the First Cycle, including 60 credits in Religious Studies/Theology, or Eastern Christian Studies, or equivalent competence. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Course Literature

See course literature for a list of mandatory reading.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

Manuscripts: Text and Context in Eastern Christian Studies

The course is offered as a stand-alone course. It is an elective course within the one-year Master's Program in Eastern Christian Studies. The course can be included in a general degree at both first- and second-cycle levels.

The course elaborates on methods which may be used to study the relationship between text and context. Particular attention is paid to the variety of biblical translations, to liturgical texts, and to Greek and Syriac Church fathers, but other traditions may also be addressed, depending on students’ particular interests. During the course, students also improve their philological competencies and skills by working with unedited manuscript sources, as well as improving their use of an ancient language in an academic manner.

Learning objectives

By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

  • discuss the complex relation between text, interpretation and historical context informed by current research discourse
  • demonstrate in-depth knowledge of common methods used in material philology today
  • account for important textual witnesses and editions in a chosen ancient tradition

Competence and skills

  • independently analyze and transcribe, with the help of lexica and grammars, short ancient texts in a chosen language
  • independently apply text-critical methods on unedited manuscripts
  • analyze manuscripts codicologically, within a given time frame
  • categorize and present a manuscript in a popular and scholarly way

Judgement and approach

  • argue for the approximate Vorlage of a text in an unedited manuscript, as well as textual alterations
  • evaluate the preference in academia for specific biblical traditions and the implications of these preferences for society at large
  • judge the interpreter's responsibility for how texts and interpretations are used, and the need for ongoing individual learning
  • assess the role of preserving and developing ancient languages and textual sources from democratic, cultural, and ecological perspectives
Requirements

Courses equivalent to 90 ECTS from first-cycle level, including 60 ECTS in religious studies/theology, or Eastern Christian studies, or equivalent competence, and/including 15 ECTS in an ancient language (Arabic, Coptic, Ge’ez, Greek, Old Church Slavonic or Syriac), or equivalent. In addition, 15 ECTS at second-cycle level from the compulsory introductory courses during the first semester are required, including the course ”Method and Theory in Eastern Christian Studies” (10 ECTS). Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary school course English 6 is required.

Course Literature

See course literature for a list of mandatory reading.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

Manuscripts: Text and Context in Eastern Christian Studies, Distance Learning

The course is offered as a standalone course. It is an elective course in the one-year Master's Program in Eastern Christian Studies.

The course elaborates on methods which may be used to study the relationship between text and context. Particular attention is paid to the variety of biblical translations, to liturgical texts, and to Greek and Syriac Church fathers, but other traditions may also be addressed, depending on students’ particular interests. During the course, students also improve their philological competencies and skills by working with unedited manuscript sources, as well as improving their use of an ancient language in an academic manner.

Learning objectives

By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

  • discuss the complex relation between text, interpretation and historical context informed by current research discourse
  • demonstrate in-depth knowledge of common methods used in material philology today
  • account for important textual witnesses and editions in a chosen ancient tradition

Competence and skills

  • independently analyze and transcribe, with the help of lexica and grammars, short ancient texts in a chosen language
  • independently apply text-critical methods on unedited manuscripts
  • analyze manuscripts codicologically, within a given time frame
  • categorize and present a manuscript in a popular and scholarly way

Judgement and approach

  • argue for the approximate Vorlage of a text in an unedited manuscript, as well as textual alterations
  • evaluate the preference in academia for specific biblical traditions and the implications of these preferences for society at large
  • judge the interpreter's responsibility for how texts and interpretations are used, and the need for ongoing individual learning
  • assess the role of preserving and developing ancient languages and textual sources from democratic, cultural, and ecological perspectives
Requirements

Courses equivalent to 90 ECTS from first-cycle level, including 60 ECTS in religious studies/theology, or Eastern Christian studies, or equivalent competence, and/including 15 ECTS in an ancient language (Arabic, Coptic, Ge’ez, Greek, Old Church Slavonic or Syriac), or equivalent. In addition, 15 ECTS at second-cycle level from the compulsory introductory courses during the first semester are required, including the course ”Method and Theory in Eastern Christian Studies” (10 ECTS). Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary school course English 6 is required.

Course Literature

See course literature for a list of mandatory reading.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

Master's Thesis

The course is offered as a single-subject course. The course is part of the Master's Program in Eastern Christian Studies.

The course includes an independent project which is presented in the form of a scientific thesis. The course covers theory and method that form the basis for relevant scientific development within the chosen field. The course presupposes previous training in how to write scientific essays and how to present scientific results, as well as a thorough understanding of Eastern Christian studies. Each student has their own supervisor. Together with the supervisor, the student chooses a topic (biblical studies, church history, liturgical studies or ecclesiology). 

Learning objectives

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

Skills:

  • demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the current state of research within a independently chosen subfield;
  • demonstrate advanced methodological knowledge;

Competencies and skills: 

  • demonstrate skills in independent processing and analysis;
  • compare and analyse different research positions within a thematic area;
  • analyse and argue in favour of different theoretical positions, both in terms of methodology and content;
  • critically discuss and relate different theoretical positions to each other, both methodologically and in terms of content;
  • demonstrate the ability to critically, independently and creatively identify a research problem and formulate scientific questions;
  • demonstrate the ability to plan and carry out an advanced research task using appropriate methods within given time frames;
  • give an oral presentation of a critical text analysis and discuss it in dialogue with various interlocutors;
  • take part in research and conduct development work in the field of Eastern Christian studies in accordance with academic standards and professional practice;

Judgement and approach

  • assess and evaluate the scientific and societal relevance of research problems within the sub-discipline;
  • demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research, including codes of conduct, issues of plagiarism and the potential impact of one's research;
  • assess and evaluate scientific argumentation within the subfield;
  • demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge;
  • demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge of Eastern Christian studies with knowledge of a sustainable society in relation to democratic, cultural and ecological perspectives.
Requirements

A Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, comprising 180 higher education credits and including an independent project demonstrating the applicant's ability in academic writing, within the humanities, social sciences, educational sciences, theology, law, or health sciences, as well as 60 higher education credits in religious studies/theology or Eastern Christian studies, or equivalent competence (either as part of, or in addition to, the Bachelor's degree). In addition, 30 higher education credits at the second-cycle level are required, including all compulsory introductory courses during the first semester. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary school course English 6 is required.

Course Literature

Reading material will be assigned based on the student’s individual approach and the nature and scope of their thesis topic.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

Master's Thesis, Distance Learning

The course is offered as a single-subject course. The course is part of the Master's Program in Eastern Christian Studies.

The course includes an independent project which is presented in the form of a scientific thesis. The course covers theory and method that form the basis for relevant scientific development within the chosen field. The course presupposes previous training in how to write scientific essays and how to present scientific results, as well as a thorough understanding of Eastern Christian studies. Each student has their own supervisor. Together with the supervisor, the student chooses a topic (biblical studies, church history, liturgical studies or ecclesiology). 

Learning objectives

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

Skills:

  • demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the current state of research within a independently chosen subfield; 
  • demonstrate advanced methodological knowledge; 

Competencies and skills: 

  • demonstrate skills in independent processing and analysis;
  • compare and analyse different research positions within a thematic area; 
  • analyse and argue in favour of different theoretical positions, both in terms of methodology and content; 
  • critically discuss and relate different theoretical positions to each other, both methodologically and in terms of content; 
  • demonstrate the ability to critically, independently and creatively identify a research problem and formulate scientific questions; 
  • demonstrate the ability to plan and carry out an advanced research task using appropriate methods within given time frames; 
  • give an oral presentation of a critical text analysis and discuss it in dialogue with various interlocutors; 
  • take part in research and conduct development work in the field of Eastern Christian studies in accordance with academic standards and professional practice; 

Assessment and approach:

  • assess and evaluate the scientific and societal relevance of research problems within the sub-discipline;
  • demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research, including codes of conduct, issues of plagiarism and the potential impact of one's research;
  • assess and evaluate scientific argumentation within the subfield; 
  • demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge; 
  • demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge of Eastern Christian studies with knowledge of a sustainable society in relation to democratic, cultural and ecological perspectives.  
Requirements

A Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, comprising 180 higher education credits and including an independent project demonstrating the applicant's ability in academic writing, within the humanities, social sciences, educational sciences, theology, law, or health sciences, as well as 60 higher education credits in religious studies/theology or Eastern Christian studies, or equivalent competence (either as part of, or in addition to, the Bachelor's degree). In addition, 30 higher education credits at the second-cycle level are required, including all compulsory introductory courses during the first semester. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary school course English 6 is required.

Course Literature

Reading material will be assigned based on the student’s individual approach and the nature and scope of their thesis topic.

Syllabus

See syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

Method and Theory in Eastern Christian Studies

The course is offered as a standalone course. It is an elective course in the one-year Master's Program in Eastern Christian Studies.

This course prepares students for academic work in the field of Eastern Christian Studies. The course aims to develop students' ability to critically read and review primary sources (in English translation) and secondary sources, as well as to approach academic work independently and critically. In addition to learning about different approaches in the field, students will also learn about the place of Eastern Christian Studies within the broader field of the humanities.

Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Learning objectives

By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:

Knowledge and understanding:

  • demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of methods necessary for Master's studies in Eastern Christian Studies
  • demonstrate subject-specific approaches within Eastern Christian Studies
  • relate Eastern Christian studies to current research in other areas of the humanities

Competencies and skills:

  • use subject-specific methods and critical analysis in their individual work
  • formulate and solve scientific problems using the methods provided
  • present and argue for an advanced problem formulation

Assessment and approach:

  • critically review scientific works and arguments
  • evaluate the choice and use of research methods.
Requirements

Courses equivalent to 90 credits from the First Cycle, including 60 credits in Religious Studies/Theology, or Eastern Christian Studies, or equivalent competence. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Course Literature

See course literature for a list of mandatory reading.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

Method and Theory in Eastern Christian Studies, Distance Learning

The course is offered as a standalone course. It is an elective course in the one-year Master's Program in Eastern Christian Studies.

This course prepares students for academic work in the field of Eastern Christian Studies. The course aims to develop students' ability to critically read and review primary sources (in English translation) and secondary sources, as well as to approach academic work independently and critically. In addition to learning about different approaches in the field, students will also learn about the place of Eastern Christian Studies within the broader field of the humanities.

Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Learning objectives

By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:

Knowledge and understanding:

  • demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of methods necessary for Master's studies in Eastern Christian Studies
  • demonstrate subject-specific approaches within Eastern Christian Studies
  • relate Eastern Christian studies to current research in other areas of the humanities

Competencies and skills:

  • use subject-specific methods and critical analysis in their individual work
  • formulate and solve scientific problems using the methods provided
  • present and argue for an advanced problem formulation

Assessment and approach:

  • critically review scientific works and arguments
  • evaluate the choice and use of research methods.
Requirements

Courses equivalent to 90 credits from the First Cycle, including 60 credits in Religious Studies/Theology, or Eastern Christian Studies, or equivalent competence. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Course Literature

See course literature for a list of mandatory reading.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

Master's Program in Eastern Christian Studies

Our one-year Master's Program offers advanced theological education with a focus on the rich traditions of Eastern Christianity. Students engage with the biblical, patristic, liturgical, and ecclesiological foundations of the Eastern Churches through rigorous academic study and critical methodological training.

The program includes foundational courses in methodology and theory, biblical reception, patristics, liturgics and ecclesiology. Students then choose an elective course that enables them to specialise either in manuscript studies, traditional linguistic texts or modern texts, assessing how the text relates to sociological and applied practices. The program culminates in a Master's thesis on a topic of the student's choice within biblical studies, church history, liturgical studies or ecclesiology.

Students benefit from a unique learning environment that unites academic scholarship with lived tradition. The program is offered both on campus and online, making it accessible to students worldwide. During their studies, students work closely with faculty mentors and participate in seminars with peers from various Orthodox traditions.

Graduates are equipped for leadership roles in churches, educational institutions, and research, with the academic foundation needed for further advanced studies. The program prepares students not only to understand the Eastern Christian traditions deeply but also to engage critically with contemporary theological and social issues.

Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Requirements

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, comprising 180 ECTS and an independent thesis demonstrating the applicant's academic writing ability, in the humanities, social sciences, educational sciences, theology, law or health sciences, as well as 60 ECTS in religious studies/theology, or Eastern Christian studies, or equivalent competence (as part of, or in addition to, the Bachelor's degree). Students with a background in other relevant subjects may also be admitted following a special assessment. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary English 6 level.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

Schedule
Autumn term 2026, 30 ECTS Spring term 2027, 30 ECTS

Module 1: 31 Aug 2026 – 8 Nov 2026

Method and Theory in Eastern Christian Studies (10 ECTS)

Scriptures and Eastern Christianity (5 ECTS)

Module 3: 18 Jan 2027 – 28 Mar 2027

Select 1:

Manuscripts: Text and Context in Eastern Christian Studies (15 ECTS) or

The Church in Theory and Practice (Linguistic Variant, 15 ECTS) or

The Church in Theory and Practice (Non-linguistic Variant, 15 ECTS)

Module 2: 9 Nov 2026 – 17 Jan 2027

Patristics: Sources and Methods (5 ECTS)

Liturgics and Liturgical Theology (5 ECTS)

The Church as Polis (5 ECTS)

Module 4: 29 March 2027 – 6 June 2027

Master's Thesis (15 ECTS)