Stockholm School of Eastern Christian Studies
Stockholm School of Eastern Christian Studies
Welcome to the Stockholm School of Eastern Christian Studies
Historically, theology has been regarded as the ”queen of the sciences” due to its engagement with the question of humanity's relationship with the divine.
In the contemporary context, theologians remain well positioned to address existential questions of enduring significance, as the concept of the divine has increasingly come to encompass broader considerations regarding ultimate reality and meaning.
Saint Ignatios College is established as an independent higher education institution
Sankt Ignatios College now has an independent higher education institution under the name Sankt Ignatios Högskola (SIH). In English, the name is Stockholm School of Eastern Christian Studies.
We currently offer
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Master's Program
Deepen your knowledge of Eastern Christian Studies through advanced theological studies. The program covers, amongst other things, the biblical, patristic, liturgical and ecclesiastical traditions of the Eastern churches, and provides you with tools for independent and critical academic work.
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Religious Educator Program
A 2-3 year program for those who want to work with teaching, learning and development within the church. The programme combines advanced theological studies with pedagogical knowledge and practical tools to create inclusive and stimulating learning environments in parishes and dioceses.
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Pastoral Program
The Pastoral Program prepares you for ministry and leadership within the church through academic, practical and spiritual training. The studies comprise Eastern Christian theology and pastoral training, and are adapted according to your previous academic qualifications and theological studies.
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Pre-Master in Religious Studies and Theology
A second-cycle course package for those wishing to prepare for the Master's Program in Eastern Christian Studies. The education provides a broad foundation in the science of religion and theology, and develops your ability to analyse religions, sacred texts, traditions and their significance in history and the present day.
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Standalone courses
Choose from single-subject courses in religious studies, theology and Eastern Christian Studies. The courses provide the opportunity to specialise in areas such as biblical studies, liturgics, patristics, church history, philosophy and religious traditions. Several of the courses are offered via distance learning.
Programs
Standalone courses
You can choose to apply for individual courses.
Faculty and Staff
Leadership
Associate Professor Miriam Lindgren Hjälm
miriam.hjalm@sanktignatios.org
Andrea Samuelson
andrea.samuelson@sanktignatios.orgBiblical Studies and Reception History
Associate Professor Miriam Lindgren Hjälm
miriam.hjalm@sanktignatios.org
Very Reverend Dr. Haileyesus Alebachew
haileyesus.molaw@sanktignatios.org
Reverend Dr. Calum Samuelson
calum.samuelson@sanktignatios.org
Veljko Birač
veljko.birac@sanktignatios.orgChurch History and Patristics
Docent Thomas Arentzen
thomas.arentzen@sanktignatios.org
The Very Reverend Dr Youhanon Habil
youhanon.habil@sanktignatios.org
Dr. Ralph Lee
ralph.lee@sanktignatios.org
Very Reverend Dr. Abate Gobena
abate.gobena@sanktignatios.org
Daniel Öhrvall
daniel.ohrvall@sanktignatios.orgLiturgics
Dr. Grant White
grant.white@sanktignatios.org
Reverend Dr. Gabriel Bar-Sawme
gabriel.barsawme@sanktignatios.org
Johan Andersson
johan.andersson@sanktignatios.orgEcclesiology
Dr. Michael Hjälm
michael.hjalm@sanktignatios.org
Professor Dr. Cyril Hovorun
cyril.hovorun@sanktignatios.org
Professor Dr. Eugene Sensenig
eugenesensenig@sanktignatios.org
The Very Reverend Dr Milutin Janjić
milutin.janjic@sanktignatios.org
Dr. Tetiana Kalenychenko
tetiana.kalenychenko@sanktignatios.org
Very Reverend Serafim Smensgård
serafim.smensgard@sanktignatios.orgFrequently Asked Questions and Answers
Who can apply for university courses?
Applicants must have completed upper secondary education and demonstrate a good command of English. The eligibility requirements for undergraduate studies in Sweden correspond to English level 6 at upper secondary school. Students from countries other than Sweden and students who cannot prove a good command of English need to take an internationally recognised test, such as TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent. Additional requirements may apply, so please check the program or course page.
How do I apply for university courses and programs?
For courses and programs offered by the Stockholm School of Eastern Christian Studies you can apply via universityadmissions.se (in English) or antagning.se (in Swedish).
Applicants from both within the EU and from countries outside the EU are welcome to apply. You can read more about our courses and programs on their respective webpages.
For applicants from countries outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland, there is an application fee of 900 SEK.
Do you have any questions about the application process? Contact us at admission@sanktignatios.org.
How do I apply for student aid from CSN?
Students at the Stockholm School of Eastern Christian Studies can apply for student finance from The Swedish National Board of Student Aid. You apply for student aid yourself via CSN's website.
Your entitlement to student aid and the amount you can receive depends on your situation, such as previous studies, citizenship, and residence permit. If you are not a Swedish citizen or do not have a residence permit in Sweden, you should contact CSN to find out if you are eligible for student aid.
When you apply, you need to be able to provide information about previous studies, as this may affect your entitlement to study grants.
You can apply for student finance before you are registered on the course. After the course starts, the school will report your registration to CSN.
Read more about student finance on CSN's website (In Swedish and English).
Who needs to pay tuition fees?
Students at Stockholm School of Eastern Christian Studies do not need to pay tuition fees if they are citizens of Sweden or another EU country, or if they have been granted a residence permit in Sweden.
Current tuition fees can be found in our course catalogue.
Do you have questions? Contact the Dean of Students at deanofstudents@sanktignatios.org.
Career
Higher-level education can lead to many different job options or further studies. During your time with us, you can receive support from a study counsellor (SYV) who will help you choose your future direction.
Although our training takes place independently of the churches, the vocational training courses have the approval of the churches so that students who have completed the training are able to work as a priest, teacher, cantor or deacon in the church. Each church is responsible for its own employment and the possibility of getting work after the training naturally depends on the availability of vacant positions, which means we cannot guarantee students a job.
In both the general and specialised courses, you will develop your knowledge and increase your understanding of the church and the world, something most employers value. You will take many skills with you after you finish your education, such as critical thinking, communication, and experience of how to meet other people wisely – not least those with whom you have little in common. All of these are valuable qualities for the workplace.
Students will be well prepared for jobs in church organisations, charities and non-governmental organisations, as well as in the media and government workplaces.
The education is at a high academic level, which will prepare you well for further studies.
