Kategori: Vocational programme

2026-2027

Religious Educator, distance learning

Master's programme in Eastern Christian Studies (1 year), 60 credits, with a further 1 year of full-time study at Sankt Ignatios Folkhögskola. 

A religious educator is a teacher and theologian who plays a key role in the life and future development of the church. They inspire clergy and lay people to deepen their understanding and relate their faith to the surrounding world. Therefore, educators must have in-depth knowledge of the church's tradition and the skills to communicate it effectively to others, as well as the ability to use theology as a tool to support the development of civil society in relation to representative governance.

Students on this program receive theological education at the Master's level through the Stockholm School of Eastern Christian Studies. In addition, they learn how to create a safe and stimulating learning environment within a church parish or diocese and how to encourage participation in the life of the church by clergy and laity, as well as learning how the church can participate in public discourse, particularly in relation to governments at local, regional, national and international levels. The successful student will be well equipped to help the church meet the challenges it faces today, both within church governance and within society.

The program can be taken over two years (for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in a theological or biblical subject) or over two and a half years (for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in a humanities subject other than theology).

Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Master's Program in Eastern Christian Studies for Religious Educators, applicants must have:

  1. A Bachelor's degree in the humanities, social sciences, educational sciences, theology, law or health sciences, or the equivalent, comprising 180 ECTS including 60 ECTS in the study of religions/theology, or Eastern Christian studies, or equivalent competence (as part of, or in addition to, the Bachelor's degree).
  2. An independent project demonstrating the applicant's academic writing skills;
  3. Skills equivalent to (Swedish) English 6 level, or the international CEFR B2 level. If the applicant's skills in English cannot be verified, the Director of Studies may decide on an assessment of prior learning in English.

Students with a background in other relevant subjects may apply for admission. These students must take our Pre-Master in Religious Studies and Theology (60 ECTS) which includes writing an independent thesis.

If a foreign qualification cannot be verified, the Dean of Students may decide on an assessment of prior learning.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

One Year for the Church

One Year for the Church is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the life, prayer and theology of the Orthodox tradition. Over the course of a year, you will explore the fundamentals of the Orthodox faith and practice – learning how to pray, how to fully participate in the liturgical life of the Church, and gaining insight into the theological vision that shapes Orthodox spirituality. Students will also receive an introduction to one of the classical languages of the Church, opening the door to its rich historical heritage.

Campus life is at the heart of the experience. Students live together in community, sharing daily prayers, weekly services, meals and fellowship. This shared rhythm of life creates a formative environment where friendships grow, faith is deepened, and practical skills for a Christian life are developed. The year concludes with an international trip to an Orthodox country, where students encounter the Church as a living tradition – both in monasteries and in local parishes. This experience provides a deeper understanding of Orthodoxy across different cultures and contexts.

The program begins with a special period of community building, during which students learn to live and work together in harmony and develop habits of cooperation, responsibility and mutual support.

After completing the course, the students receive the parish assistant certification. A parish assistant is someone with a theological background who supports the parish by leading activities and overseeing day-to-day operations.

Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Requirements

Attendance is compulsory. Participants are expected to take part in all course activities, both by attending and actively participating in scheduled sessions and by completing assignments outside scheduled lessons. If participants miss lessons, they may need to complete additional assignments to meet the course’s learning objectives. To be considered as having completed the course, 80% attendance and active participation are required.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

Pastoral Program

The Pastoral Program is a 2- or 3-year programme that begins with the One Year for the Church course and concludes with the Master's Program in Eastern Christian Studies. If students do not have 60 ECTS in theology, a Pre-Master's year can be added.

Those who are called to serve the Church need an education that equips them academically, practically and spiritually. At Sankt Ignatios College, our programs offer all these elements within a modern framework that is flexible and student-centred.

We are a partnership among four Orthodox church traditions: Byzantine (Greek and Slavic), Syriac, Coptic and Tewahedo (Ethiopian/Eritrean), creating a truly international learning community in the heart of Södertälje.

Each of our vocational students belongs to one of our seminaries, and their training is specially tailored to that tradition.

We currently have four seminars:

  • Coptic Orthodox Seminary
  • Ethiopian Tewahedo Orthodox Seminary
  • Georgian Orthodox Seminary
  • Syriac Orthodox Seminary

Pathways to pastoral training:

For students with a bachelor's degree, we offer the following pathways to a pastoral degree. Please note that each pathway always begins with the One Year for the Church course.

Upon successful completion of the pastoral training program, the student will, if desired, receive a letter of recommendation for ordination.

If the Bachelor's degree includes 60 higher education credits (ECTS) in theology, this two-year study path is recommended: One Year for the Church followed by the Master's Program in Eastern Christian Studies.

If the Bachelor's degree does not include 60 higher education credits (ECTS) in theology, this three-year program of study is recommended: One Year for the Church followed by the Pre-Master in Religious Studies and Theology followed by the Master's Program in Eastern Christian Studies.

For students without a Bachelor's degree, we offer various pathways to pastoral education. Please note that Sankt Ignatios College does not currently offer a Bachelor's degree. However, students can study for their Bachelor's (BA) at another institution in parallel with language studies at Sankt Ignatios College or complete a Pre-Master's at our Stockholm School of Eastern Christian Studies.

Please contact the Dean of Students by email at deanofstudents@sanktignatios.org for further information based on your specific situation. Students are assigned a priest or mentor who guides them through the process of choosing the path that best suits their situation.

Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Requirements

Attendance is compulsory. Participants are expected to take part in all course activities, both by attending and actively participating in scheduled sessions and by completing assignments outside scheduled lessons. If participants miss lessons, they may need to complete additional assignments to meet the course’s learning objectives. To be considered as having completed the course, 80% attendance and active participation are required.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

Religious Educator

Master's programme in Eastern Christian Studies (1 year), 60 credits, with a further 1 year of full-time study at Sankt Ignatios Folkhögskola. 

A religious educator is a teacher and theologian who plays a key role in the life and future development of the church. They inspire clergy and laypeople to deepen their understanding and relate their faith to the surrounding world. Therefore, educators must possess in-depth knowledge of church tradition and the skills to communicate it effectively to others, as well as the ability to use theology as a tool to support the development of civil society in relation to representative governance.

Students in this program receive a theological education at the Master's level through the Stockholm School of Eastern Christian Studies. In addition, they learn how to create a safe and stimulating learning environment within a church parish or diocese and how to encourage participation in the life of the church by clergy and laity, as well as learning how the church can participate in public discourse, particularly in relation to governments at local, regional, national and international level. The successful student will be well equipped to help the church meet the challenges it faces today, both within church governance and in society.

The program can be taken over two years (for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in a theological or biblical subject) or over two and a half years (for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in a humanities subject other than theology).

Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Master's programme in Eastern Christian studies for teachers of religious education, applicants must have:

  1. A Bachelor's degree in the humanities, social sciences, educational sciences, theology, law or health sciences, or the equivalent, comprising 180 ECTS including 60 ECTS in the study of religions/theology, or Eastern Christian studies, or equivalent competence (as part of, or in addition to, the Bachelor's degree).
  2. An independent project demonstrating the applicant's academic writing skills;
  3. Skills equivalent to (Swedish) English 6 level, or the international CEFR B2 level. If the applicant's skills in English cannot be verified, the Director of Studies may decide on an assessment of prior learning in English.

Students with a background in other relevant subjects may apply for admission. These students must take our Pre-Master in Religious Studies and Theology (60 ECTS) which includes writing an independent thesis.

If a foreign qualification cannot be verified, the Dean of Students may decide on an assessment of prior learning.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

Parish Priest Program in the Tewahedo Tradition (50%)

This program offers the environment, structure and guidance necessary for the intellectual and personal formation of priests wishing to serve within the pastoral ministry of the Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The two-year course is taught in Tigrigna or Amharic and requires no knowledge of Swedish or English.

The program includes instruction in Ziema (liturgy and hymns), giving candidates the opportunity to lead services. In addition, participants are expected to complete four theological training modules over the two years.

Autumn term Spring term
Year 1 Dogmatic Theology
Ziema level 2		 Liturgics
Ziema level 2
Year 2 Church law and administration/Ecclesiology
Ziema level 2		 Homiletics
Ziema level 2
Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course, participants are expected (individually and collectively) to be able to:

  • lead services with an understanding of both tradition and the congregation's spiritual needs;
  • apply administrative routines for parish leadership and balance the demands of canon law with the reality of the parish;
  • develop pastoral skills through collaborative exercises and mentoring based on diverse experiences; and
  • Reflect on their development as a congregational leader, and share how group learning has helped them to integrate liturgical, theological, and administrative knowledge with their personal calling to serve the congregation.
Requirements

Attendance is compulsory. Participants are expected to take part in all course activities, both by attending and actively participating in scheduled sessions and by completing assignments outside scheduled lessons. If participants miss lessons, they may need to complete additional assignments to meet the course’s learning objectives. To be considered as having completed the course, 80% attendance and active participation are required.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information. In the event of any discrepancies, the English version takes precedence.

2026-2027

Parish Priest Program in the Tewahedo Tradition (100%)

This program offers the environment, structure and guidance necessary for the intellectual and personal formation of priests wishing to serve within the pastoral ministry of the Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The two-year course is taught in Tigrigna or Amharic and requires no knowledge of Swedish or English.

The program includes in-depth studies in Ge’ez and Ziema (liturgy and hymns), enabling participants to lead sacramental and liturgical services. In addition to this, participants are to complete nine theological training modules over the two years.

Autumn term Spring term
Year 1 Dogmatic Theology
Biblical studies
Ge'ez level 1–3
Ziema level 2		 Ecclesiology
Liturgics
Ge'ez level 1–3
Ziema level 2
Year 2 Patristics
Church History I
Ge'ez level 1–3
Ziema level 2		 Church History II
Ecclesiastical law and administration
Homiletics
Ge'ez level 1–3
Ziema level 2
Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course, participants are expected (individually and collectively) to be able to:

  • lead services with an understanding of both tradition and the congregation's spiritual needs;
  • apply administrative routines for parish leadership and balance the demands of canon law with the reality of the parish;
  • develop pastoral skills through collaborative exercises based on diverse experiences;
  • use musical notation for liturgical contexts and develop their skills through group practice and feedback;
  • tie liturgical texts to both personal experience and parish life and show how they enrich one another;
  • use advanced grammar and vocabulary for Ge’ez and, through collaboration with others, gain a deeper understanding; and
  • document their journey through training for ordained ministry and reflect on specific ways in which collaborative learning has transformed their understanding of ministry and how this connects to their personal calling and service.
Requirements

Attendance is compulsory. Participants are expected to take part in all course activities, both by attending and actively participating in scheduled sessions and by completing assignments outside scheduled lessons. If participants miss lessons, they may need to complete additional assignments to meet the course’s learning objectives. To be considered as having completed the course, 80% attendance and active participation are required.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information. In the event of any discrepancies, the English version takes precedence.

2026-2027

Mahlietay Program in the Tewahedo Tradition (50%)

The training programme in Mahlietay is designed for participants who want to study hymns and songs composed and arranged by Saint Yared. The education spans six years. The languages of instruction and communication in the course are Tigrinya and Amharic. This programme does not require any knowledge of Swedish or English.

The study of the hymns and songs within the Mahlietay program requires a longer learning period and cultural immersion. This applies particularly to those who lack prior knowledge of these hymns and songs. For this reason, a significant portion of the study time will be devoted to learning the hymns.

The following modules are included in the program: Dogmatic Theology, Ziema level 3, Liturgics, Canon Law and Administration/Ecclesiology, Homiletics.

Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course, participants are expected (individually and collectively) to be able to:

  • play traditional hymn instruments in a group setting and develop their skills through collaboration and practice;
  • conduct services on feast days that respond to the spiritual needs and traditions of the parish;
  • singing hymns and collaborating with others to improve technique and expression; and
  • reflect on how making music together has changed their experience of the church service by sharing personal examples of how group performances have deepened their connection to tradition and community.
Requirements

Attendance is compulsory. Participants are expected to take part in all course activities, both by attending and actively participating in scheduled sessions and by completing assignments outside scheduled lessons. If participants miss lessons, they may need to complete additional assignments to meet the course’s learning objectives. To be considered as having completed the course, 80% attendance and active participation are required.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information. In the event of any discrepancies, the English version takes precedence.

2026-2027

Mahlietay Program in the Tewahedo Tradition (100%)

The training programme in Mahlietay is designed for participants who want to study hymns and songs composed and arranged by Saint Yared. The education spans six years. The languages of instruction and communication in the course are Tigrinya and Amharic. This programme does not require any knowledge of Swedish or English.

The study of the hymns and songs within the Mahlietay program requires a longer learning period and cultural immersion. This applies particularly to those who lack prior knowledge of these hymns and songs. For this reason, a significant portion of the study time will be devoted to learning the hymns.

The following modules are included in the program: Dogmatic Theology, Ziema level 3, Liturgics, Canon Law and Administration/Ecclesiology, Homiletics.

Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course, participants are expected (individually and collectively) to be able to:

  • play traditional hymn instruments in a group setting and develop their skills through collaboration and practice;
  • conduct services on feast days that respond to the spiritual needs and traditions of the parish;
  • singing hymns and collaborating with others to improve technique and expression; and
  • reflect on how making music together has changed their experience of the church service by sharing personal examples of how group performances have deepened their connection to tradition and community.
Requirements

Attendance is compulsory. Participants are expected to take part in all course activities, both by attending and actively participating in scheduled sessions and by completing assignments outside scheduled lessons. If participants miss lessons, they may need to complete additional assignments to meet the course’s learning objectives. To be considered as having completed the course, 80% attendance and active participation are required.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information. In the event of any discrepancies, the English version takes precedence.

2026-2027

Diaconal Program in the Tewahedo Tradition 50%

This program offers the environment, structure and guidance necessary for the intellectual and personal formation of deacons who wish to serve in the Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The program is flexible and taught in Tigrigna or Amharic, and does not require proficiency in Swedish or English.

The program includes Ziema training for sacramental and liturgical services, as well as four theological training modules.

Autumn term Spring term
Year 1 Dogmatic Theology
Ziema level 2		 Liturgics
Ziema level 2
Year 2 Church law and administration/Ecclesiology
Ziema level 2		 Homiletics
Ziema level 2
Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course, participants are expected (individually and collectively) to be able to:

  • lead worship services with an understanding of both traditional practice and the spiritual needs of the congregation;
  • Show how liturgical actions express theological meanings and how these are connected to the lived experiences of the community.;
  • using musical notation in liturgical contexts, developing skills through group exercises and feedback; and
  • reflect on their journey to becoming diaconal ministers, sharing how collaborative learning has helped them to integrate liturgical knowledge with their personal faith and community relationships.
Learning method

At Sankt Ignatios College, the overarching principle guiding learning is that all knowledge is intersubjective.

Knowledge is a dialogue that requires humility and empathy.

The course is based on collaborative and dialogic learning, where participants actively shape both their shared learning journey and the course itself. Content, materials, and methods are adapted in real-time based on the participants' needs, interests, and contributions. In addition to mastering the subject matter, a central goal is for each participant to become aware of how shared learning experiences and dialogue transform their thinking, practice, and identity. Through dialogue, storytelling, group discussions, joint reflection, creative expression, and collective exploration, participants develop an awareness of their own development while simultaneously supporting others. The learning community becomes a space where everyone's experiences and questions not only enrich understanding but also actively guide the course's direction, helping each individual integrate learning into their own life context in a meaningful and personally transformative way.

Requirements

Attendance is compulsory. Participants are expected to take part in all course activities, both by being present and actively participating in scheduled sessions, and by completing assignments outside scheduled lessons. If participants miss lessons, they may need to complete additional assignments to meet the course’s learning objectives. To be considered as having completed the course, 80% attendance and active participation are required.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

Training programme for deacons (Tewahedo tradition) 100%

This programme offers the environment, structure and guidance required for the intellectual and personal formation of deacons wishing to serve in the Orthodox Tewahedo Church. This two-year programme is taught in Tigrinya or Amharic and does not require proficiency in Swedish or English.

The programme includes Ge’ez and Ziema training for sacramental and liturgical services, as well as nine mandatory modules completed over the two years.

Autumn term Spring term
Year 1 Dogmatic Theology
Biblical studies
Ge'ez level 1–3
Ziema level 2 		Ecclesiology
Liturgics
Ge'ez level 1–3
Ziema level 2
Year 2 Patristics
Church History I
Ge'ez level 1–3
Ziema level 2 		Church History II
Ecclesiastical law and administration
Homiletics
Ge'ez level 1–3
Ziema level 2
Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course, participants are expected (individually and collectively) to be able to:

  • apply liturgical knowledge in practical worship contexts, supported by both traditional teachings and experiences from collaborative learning;
  • connect the theology in diaconal hymns to one's personal spiritual journey and the congregation's worship experience;
  • use basic knowledge of Ge'ez, collaborate with other participants to improve pronunciation and understanding; and
  • document their development as diaconal servants, describe how group learning and practical placement have changed their understanding of the ministry, and how this role connects with their personal spiritual identity.
Learning method

At Sankt Ignatios College, the overarching principle guiding learning is that all knowledge is intersubjective.

Knowledge is a dialogue that requires humility and empathy.

The programme is built on collaborative and dialogic learning, where participants actively shape both their shared learning journey and the courses themselves. Content, materials and methods are adapted in real time based on the participants' needs, interests and contributions. In addition to mastering the subject, a central goal is for each participant to become aware of how shared learning experiences and dialogue transform their thinking, practice and identity. Through dialogue, stories, group discussions, shared reflection, creative expression and collective exploration, participants develop an awareness of their own development whilst supporting that of others. The learning community becomes a space where everyone's experiences and questions not only enrich understanding but also actively guide the direction of the course and help each individual to integrate the learning into their own life context in a meaningful and personally transformative way.

Requirements

Attendance is compulsory. Participants are expected to take part in all course activities, both by being present and actively participating in scheduled sessions, and by completing assignments outside scheduled lessons. If participants miss lessons, they may need to complete additional assignments to meet the course’s learning objectives. To be considered as having completed the course, 80% attendance and active participation are required.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.