The main aim of the Study of Religions programme is to develop precise and critical knowledge of the phenomenon of religion in general, and in particular the great religious traditions (Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, etc) as well as more marginal religious currents or other reconstructions. The methods used are mainly those of the human and social sciences, such as comparative history, anthropology and sociology.
The Bachelor degree comprises a major in the Study of Religions and an optional minor.
Major in the Study of Religions
The major in the study of religions allows a detailed study of three areas, chosen from:
- Religions of South Asia
- Polytheistic Religions of the Ancient Worlds
- History of Ancient and Modern Judaism
- History of Ancient and Modern Christianity
- Socio-anthropology and History of Islams
- Religious and Spiritual Plurality in Contemporary Societies
The course also covers a range of approaches (history, sociology of religions, anthropology of religions, psychology of religions and religions and migrations in the social sciences), the languages associated with the areas studied, and historiography, concepts and methods.
Minor: 1 from the list below:
- Religions, Languages and Texts
- Theological Studies
- Social Sciences
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Archaeology
- Ancient History
- South Asian Languages and Cultures
- History
- Philosophy
- History of Art
- Computer Science for the Humanities
- Geography
Organiser
Faculty of Theology and the Study of Religions
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in the Study of Religions
ECTS Credits
180
Duration
6 semesters
Teaching Language
French
Enrolment deadline
30 April. If you require a visa to study in Switzerland: 28 February.
Further information
Applications
Course description
Timetables
At UNIL, the following Master's programmes are open without further conditions to holders of the Bachelor or Arts (BA) in the Study of Religions:
- Master of Arts (MA) in the Study of Religions with or without Specialisation Focus on Interculturality
- Master of Arts (MA) in Digital Humanities
Career prospects depend partly on the choice of Master’s course.
Areas of activity
This field of study allows students to develop critical analytical skills in religious practice and apply them to various sectors of society. These are useful in professions such as journalism, documentation, social work and administration, as well as culture and international organisations, which already rely on skills acquired in other generalist areas.
In figures
Every two years, the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (OFS) conducts a survey on graduate employment, one year after students have completed their course. View the results for graduates in the study of religions online:
- “Premier emploi après les études” (“First job after graduating”) survey on employment among Swiss university graduates
- De l’UNIL à la vie active (From UNIL to working life) – results of the survey for UNIL graduates specifically
Examples of positions
- Social worker, Refugee Integration Centre
- Other testimonials on the website of the Faculty of Theology and the Study of Religions
