Strategy 2030

Knowledge – Responsibility – Commitment: Understand Religion – Change the World

The Faculty of Theology is the only one of its kind at a public university in Norway. As part of the University of Oslo, the Faculty of Theology conducts research and provides education at a high, international level. Since it was founded in 1811, the Faculty has made contributions in research and education, towards facing contemporary challenges shared by both church and society and towards being a key agent in change-making processes.

Over the next decade, the Faculty aims to continue these efforts by:

Prioritising research

Providing education that is closely linked to research, and training candidates who have the capacity to change the world for the better when tackling challenges in society

Imparting knowledge that brings about change, a knowledge-based foundation for communication and close collaboration with key partners in church and society, strengthening competence in the areas of theology and religion

Being an an organisation that actively supports the pursuits of employees, a work environment based on a structure that encourages participation, and a culture that is inclusive, inspirational and attractive for all members of the staff

Background

The Faculty of Theology was founded in an era when freedom of religion had not yet been introduced, and at a time when the official religion was the Evangelical Lutheran faith. The right to study at the university was reserved for men only. Society, the university and the Faculty itself have undergone substantial change since then. Over the next decade, society and culture will experience increased diversity, differentiation, pluralisation and polarisation. Climate change, pandemics and migration are all global phenomena that represent challenges on the national, local and personal level, entailing demands for new areas of collaboration with regard to changes in the job market. With its expertise in the fields of theology, ethics, and religion, the Faculty has a responsibility to make provisions for producing knowledge that will better enable society to deal with the challenges such changes represent. Issues include how the community is developed as a bulwark to counter polarisation, how candidates are educated to contribute in enlightened and critical discussions on religion, ethics, human dignity, justice, and sustainability. It also involves engagement in research that sustains both the knowledge produced and the candidates themselves. Research comes first and lays the foundations upon which the Faculty of Theology can help to change the world for the better.

The University of Oslo‘s strategy is based on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and one of the University’s main goals is a sustainable world. This also entails requirements for the Faculty of Theology. During the coming strategy period, the Faculty plans to develop a culture and structure for long-term, excellent and fundamental research. Some 80% of the world’s population has some form of religious affiliation. Research and knowledge in the fields of religion, ethics and theology will thus play a decisive role in understanding and interpreting the world, enabling contributions towards more sustainable developments. The Faculty of Theology’s strategy 2030 focuses on sustainability as a cohesive force. This involves the provision of knowledge that enables trust and belongingness, and that makes society robust in its diversity. At the time of this writing, the type of secularisation that impacts mentality and life views is at its strongest in the Nordic countries and Northern Europe. Despite this, the majority of Norwegians still belong to the Church of Norway and other religious and belief communities. The ratio between followers of the Church of Norway and other religious and belief communities is anticipated to change over the next decade. The Faculty of Theology aims to conduct research and provide education so as to generate knowledge that will be of importance to the management of diversity. This requires expertise relating to the global developments in the field of religion, the ethical challenges represented by technology, climate and health, and the emerging theological and inter-religious conflicts. The digital revolution within research, academic pursuits and working life in the period to come will require educational renewal and increased cross-sector interaction with relevant fields of practice.

Throughout its history, the Faculty has played an important role in the modernisation of theology as a science and in the exploitation of theology to generate change in the church and society. By means of basic research and subject-related studies, the Faculty has produced research of acknowledged international excellence and has educated candidates who have become excellent researchers of international stature. In turn, these successful researchers have contributed towards interdisciplinary development and renewal of the subject area and have helped bring about change in the church and society. In more recent times, the Faculty has assumed more responsibility for the plurality of beliefs in society and will continue to do so throughout the coming strategy period.

Research is prioritised

Vision

The Faculty of Theology shall carry out independent and long-term research and shall play a leading role nationally and internationally.

Goals

The Faculty of Theology shall:

Consolidate its role as a modern and leading faculty of theology by boosting and expanding its research expertise and enhancing its expertise in interdisciplinary research of the highest level.
Coordinate and reinforce the links between research and education in bachelor, master’s and doctoral programmes with a view to generating synergy between research and education and lay a solid foundation for high-quality research-based education.
Strengthen production of knowledge and innovation by increasing the number of PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows, in collaboration with national religious and social institutions, and international academic networks.
Expand and reinforce international networks for all academic employees with a view to facilitating the exchange of ideas and stimulating excellent research of high international level.
Ensure the capacity for high-quality research and production by securing externally funded projects.

Strategy

Research must be independent and open. It may be triggered by curiosity or developed on the basis of subject-related projects. Research is developed by means of collaboration and via a creative and intellectually stimulating environment. The Faculty therefore aims to further develop a strong and focused research culture in which independent researchers form communities, share faculty identity and work as teams on the development of excellent research. This requires mutual sharing of knowledge enabled by reinforced collaboration with strategic partners both at home and abroad. The research groups represent the most important academic and social environment for our researchers, and it is the key context for recruitment of temporary academic employees. Those groups of researchers that are most active will be ensured a financial base, allowing them to further strengthen their potential.

At the same time, interaction between the research groups and different disciplines is of key importance for innovation and quality. With this goal in mind, the Faculty aims to reinforce and develop its platforms for in-house sharing of research and information. In addition, we will develop new interdisciplinary networks with a view to boosting the flow of information between the Faculty and other faculties and departments at the University of Oslo. The development of a dynamic relationship between the research groups and the Faculty’s platforms for knowledge sharing will be decisive for the evolution of the Faculty over the coming decade, within both basic research and research triggered by challenges. In an increasingly complex world, researchers must help solve major social challenges.

Due to the increase in religious pluralisation, the Faculty must introduce a more offensive policy for research development and communication. This will require strategic development of resources. With a focus on sustainability in research, education and society, the Faculty aims – over the period of the strategy period – to boost multi-religious competence in history and present-day status related to Christianity, Islam and Judaism. This aim is in line with the University of Oslo’s expressed objective to contribute towards creating a better world via research and research-based education. If we are to achieve this objective, we must make strategic investments in increasing the impact in academia and society by means of targeted efforts relating to open research and Open Access publications in recognised and predominant channels.

In the course of the coming decade, digital resources will transform research. It is essential that the Faculty of Theology acquire and sustain the necessary expertise within the digital humanities to support ongoing research and develop new research across the different subject areas. The Faculty therefore aims to establish close collaboration with relevant environments working with digital humanities and information technology, locally at the University of Oslo as well as internationally, with the objective to improve infrastructure and stimulate research activity within this field. We can create a modern and innovative faculty profile by means of a combination of such digital skills and a constructive integration of theology and religious studies. This is also a platform for excellent results within research and education. It is essential to establish links between our research profile and study programme across the traditional borderline between theology and religious studies if we are to reinforce research-based education and recruitment of innovative researchers among the Faculty’s own students.

The Faculty aims to intensify research production by increasing the number of PhD candidates at the faculty via collaboration with relevant religious and non-profit organisations, in particular the Church of Norway and other social actors. This will also enhance collaboration between academia and working life. The Faculty of Theology shall conduct research to help boost competence among those involved in the church, religious and belief communities and in society in general. Research-based knowledge shall create the ramparts upon which to combat polarisation and prejudice and shall help create a socially sustainable society. In collaboration with relevant actors from the church, society and the cultural sector, the Faculty aims to develop research projects that address relevant challenges both at home and abroad.

To achieve a high level of expertise among researchers relies on international collaboration in education and research. During the course of the coming decade, the Faculty therefore plans to focus on long-term and mutually binding collaboration with a selected number of prominent universities. One part of the plan is to establish joint PhD degrees. International activities and programme management will receive financial support. International guest lecturers visiting the Faculty will be affiliated with research groups and will thereby also the students.

Opportunities for comprehensive, high-quality research production will be ensured by attracting a sufficient number of externally funded projects. A positive research culture represents a collective boost and requires cooperation between different groups of employees. Joints efforts are underway and will continue to enhance competence in writing and following up applications so as to ensure the Faculty a strong base of externally funded research projects. Work on research project applications will be a key part of career development for temporary academic staff and new recruits. Strategic incentive schemes will be introduced to enable academic staff to develop applications and take part in and manage externally funded research projects both nationally and internationally. The Faculty shall fully exploit the full range of opportunities for external research financing. This emphasis on external research projects is to be an integral part of comprehensive quality assurance and further development of education at the Faculty.

Learning for the world

Vision

The Faculty of Theology shall provide excellent education within the fields of theology and religion, and shall help to shape the social actors of the future.

Goals

The Faculty of Theology shall:

Bolster a community of learning where the link between research and education is carefully considered and is evident in all learning activities
Educate students throughout their studies, providing the opportunities to develop skills, knowledge, attitudes, discernment and leadership that meet the requirements and challenges in society
Strengthen the relationship between studies and relevance to working life.
Provide education that features a high level of educational quality and digital competence
Develop and focus on internationalisation, interdisciplinary studies and interdisciplinary collaboration

Strategy

The current scope of religious diversity requires the Faculty to adopt an offensive approach to development of competence within research and education. The Faculty shall adopt a new master plan for education at the start of the strategy period. This includes the reduction and specialisation of the programme portfolio. The programmes of study shall reflect strengths related to research. Specialisation shall be based on high-quality research and resources for research at the Faculty. The focus on the link between research and education shall reinforce the learning community, where the students are clearly an integral, active part of the academic environment, have close ties with research throughout their studies and receive both proper administrative follow-up and skilled academic supervision.

The Faculty aims to attract inquisitive and motivated students who want to study at a higher education institution that imposes both high ambitions and stringent requirements. The Faculty’s programmes of study shall provide the students with research competence and practical skills that are suitable to meet the needs and challenges in society. The students shall be equipped with the skills required to work as leaders within their field of study. Throughout the professional programme of study in theology, the focus on clear learning pathways and reinforced studies targeting professions shall further enhance the value and reputation of the programme. With this professional programme of study, the Faculty of Theology shoulders a national responsibility for church and society. At the same time, the study programme’s close links with and similarities to other forms of education for a profession in theology provide opportunities for new forms of internationally binding collaboration, and these will be tested during the strategy period. Focusing on religion in modern day society, the study programme in Religion and Society educates students and enables them to contribute towards sustainable development. The focus during the programme on creating active students and the clear specification of knowledge and skills shall help develop the students’ research competence and strengthen the programme’s relevance to working life. The thematic initiatives in the programme open the door to inter-faculty and international collaboration.

During the strategy period, the Faculty aims to reinforce the relationship between studies and relevance to working life. All study programmes spanning several years shall include experience from periods of supervised professional training that is relevant to working life. The development of the programme portfolio shall correspond to the particular requirements for high competence within theology, religion and society, and the need in working life for continuing and further education (lifelong learning).

The educational initiatives at the Faculty recognise students as resources with critical roles in the development of knowledge. A high level of academic skills training and learning methods requiring active students is a point of focus in all education offered. The focus on educational development work shall also be supported by developing the competence of employees in the field of SoTL (Scholarship of Teaching and Learning) and relevance for advancement and merit schemes. Digitalisation shall be an integral part of the Faculty’s educational efforts. The Faculty aims to offer flexible and adapted educational programmes by means of increased interaction between physical and digital learning activities, within both ordinary studies and continuing and further education.

The Faculty’s programme portfolio shall continue to reflect breadth and depth, and we will intensify our efforts to develop and reinforce internationalisation, interdisciplinary studies and interdisciplinary collaboration for the education we offer. The Faculty aims to stimulate and promote strategic partnerships involved in research-based education in an international context. By building upon the University of Oslo’s international network, we will establish more robust international collaboration and exchange with selected and recognised higher educational institutions throughout the coming strategy period. The goal is to create a learning community in which we draw upon international research relationships. The studies in English offered at the Faculty shall provide ample opportunities to both employees and students for innovative learning and mobility. We are a Faculty of Theology at a public university, and as such, we are unique in Norway. The University of Oslo provides exceptionally good facilities for interdisciplinary collaboration. The Faculty’s students have the opportunity to take part in learning communities across faculty borders. By collaborating with other academic environments at the University, the subject of theology and religion shall be incorporated into a wider interdisciplinary learning context.

Knowledge that brings about change

Vision

The Faculty aims to highlight the role of religion in society and in social development both past and present, at home and abroad, by exploiting knowledge.

Goals

The Faculty of Theology shall:

Assume a clear role in public, and target active communications of research-based knowledge of religion and theology
Be more extrovert and develop collaboration and partnership regarding research, education and communication with relevant social actors within the field of religion and beliefs
Carry out efficient communication dissemination to contribute critical knowledge enabling co-existence between different religious and other groups and to combat polarisation
Boost communications regarding the positive societal contribution of research in connection with research applications

Strategy

The Faculty’s area of expertise is within theology and religion, and the Faculty’s researchers aim to make a difference in disseminating knowledge within these areas. The Faculty, represented by its employees and candidates, shall assume an ethical responsibility for the administration of knowledge, and help ensure a more enlightened public debate on theology and religion, countering polarisation and supporting community and democracy. The Faculty aims to develop good structures that activate, motivate, support and simplify the dissemination efforts of researchers.

The Faculty shall contribute towards innovation in the public sector by strengthening partnerships with relevant social actors. New competence shall enable improved services and shall solve requirements. Digital change requires active collaboration on ideas regarding competency development at the intersection between education and working life. The Church of Norway will continue to be one of our candidates’ most important employers. Changes taking place within the Church of Norway and associated institutions will have an effect on research and education at the Faculty of Theology. The Faculty aims to play a role in the process of change as a critical collaborative partner, contributing towards constructive processes.

With their research-based competence within the fields of ethics and inter-religious relations, the Faculty shall help strengthen social coherence and contribute towards a sustainable development allowing room for diversity. Working in a secularised and multi-religious society, the Faculty shall target communications with decision-makers to help bolster knowledge in the field of religion using data upon which decisions can be made. The Faculty shall identify relevant social actors and establish partnerships with these in order to develop and utilise knowledge to improve the management of complex problems relating to standards, faith, values and beliefs.

The Faculty shall contribute communications that stimulate curiosity and a desire for knowledge and that place knowledge within broader historical and societal contexts. The use of proper digital surfaces and channels shall strengthen communication collaboration nationally and internationally. Descriptions of the significance of research and consequences for society are increasingly requested in research applications. The Faculty shall boost competence in formulating the potential societal contributions of research when compiling applications. As an extension of this, the Faculty will also reinforce its efforts to ensure that research has a positive impact on society.

A supportive organisation

Vision

The Faculty of Theology shall be an attractive and inclusive place of work and study.

Goals

The Faculty of Theology shall:

Ensure that all employees and students at the Faculty are met with a challenging, safe, generous and supportive learning and working environment
Reinforce leadership at all levels, establish a culture that is inclusive, inspirational and attractive for employees and students, and provide a diverse and equal working and learning environment
Organise activities so that they help to develop high international competence.
Ensure that all employees at the Faculty know how to use digital tools
Maintain dialogue with the University management regarding the move to new premises during the strategy period

Strategy

The Faculty of Theology shall be an attractive place to work and study, with opportunities for employees and students to develop themselves professionally and personally. The Faculty shall be marked by a spirit of dynamism and a willingness to change. An inclusive and generous culture shall pave the way for unbiased conflicts of opinion. All parties shall feel secure in expressing their views, and the Faculty shall have a culture in which everyone is met with respect. Decision-making processes shall be transparent and help engender an open culture. The Faculty will provide opportunities for PhD students and postdoctoral fellows to take part in academic contexts and arenas where they can develop their networks and future career paths. The Faculty shall ensure that its administration has the capacity to develop top competence within their respective fields, thereby supporting the academic activities at the Faculty. The social environment for students at the Faculty shall be further developed in collaboration with the student committee, Faculty management and programme management.

The Faculty shall be an institution distinguished for its comprehensive management, with clearly defined and predictable roles and responsibilities. The Faculty shall continuously take measures to develop its organisation, with a clearly defined management structure and organisation that facilitates internal and external interaction. The internal interaction between academic and administrative staff is a linchpin for Faculty activities and requires a mutual understanding of roles among the employees. The management shall support the Faculty’s values and ambitions, and exploit the totality of talent, qualifications, knowledge and ambitions among its employees. The Faculty management shall ensure the most appropriate utilisation possible of human resources and ensure that the scope of activities reflects these resources, so that the employees experience a good balance between work and leisure time. The Faculty shall take measures in terms of organisation, structure and culture to achieve a proper balance of genders among the employees, and to ensure equal opportunities and fair treatment of all.

Research, education, innovation and communication shall all be of a high international level. Academic staff members shall be recruited via international announcements. The Faculty shall ensure that its national responsibility with regard to education is fulfilled via processes based on international standards, by means of differentiated recruitment strategies. A supportive culture and good infrastructure shall efficiently bolster internationalisation in all fields. The administrative staff shall enjoy more direct integration in national and international collaborative projects.

Over the period of the coming decade, research, education and communication will require new methods of organising work. Digital developments offer new opportunities for collaboration and a new workflow. Faculty employees shall be provided opportunities to develop their digital competence so that all employees know how to make use of the new digital platforms. The administration shall assume a coordinating role in the work to adopt innovative organisational, working and learning methods with efficient utilisation of digital resources.

The new Life Sciences building will be completed before the end of the strategy period. This will affect the premises in both Nedre Blindern and Øvre Blindern. The target is for the Faculty’s employees and students to move in to modern and updated premises, affording opportunities for high-quality research, academic renewal, interdisciplinary collaboration and academic and social meeting places.