About the Faculty of Theology

As the only theological faculty in a Norwegian University, the Faculty of Theology has a particular position as an agent in academia, church life and society at large.

Academic Breadth

Research within the classical theological disciplines and the vocational training in Theology make up the backbone of the faculty’s operations. At the same time, the faculty has in the course of the past 20 years emphasized building up its academic breadth in areas naturally bordering on Theology. The faculty is currently also focusing on inter-religious studies and diaconal studies.

Until 1990, the vocational training in Theology was the faculty’s sole study program. Today’s study programs currently include an additional five master programs, two bachelor programs, and a year-long study unit.

The faculty has about 500 students attending its various study programs, and an academic staff of 15 professors, 6 other academic positions and altogether 24 temporary academic positions.

Academic Excellence and Social Relevance

The Faculty considers its tasks to be to contribute to academic, research-based work on circumstances relating to church, religion and society. The faculty is to challenge and contribute in a thorough and relevant way to development and insight that will benefit society. The faculty’s employees are active agents in public debate concerning religion, society and church.

Researcher Recruitment

The faculty has at any one moment several research fellows on its staff. Most will be PhD students, but there will also be postdoctoral positions and other research fellowships. The faculty focuses hard on researcher recruitment, and considers the link between ph.d.-students and research projects or other ongoing research at the faculty vital.

Administration

The faculty currently also has a staff of 11 administrative employees. The administration is responsible for follow-up, quality control and evaluation functions, as well as all running accounts and budgeting functions, planning functions, information, and study and research administration.