The mag.theol. programme is designed specifically to train pastors following a BA in theology.
The programme is 120 ECTS and is organised as two years of full-time study.
The programme is made up of:
This is a two-year theoretical programme at the Master’s level.
After completing the programme, students should, for example:
To be ordained as a pastor in the Church of Iceland, students must also complete vocational training at the Church of Iceland. The Faculty does not offer this training.
BA degree in theology with a first class grade (7.25) as well as a 10 ECTS BA thesis in theology.
A mag. theol. degree shall require at least 120 ECTS following completion of a 180 ECTS BA degree in theology. Normal student progression is based on 30 ECTS per semester. Students are required to complete a certain number of credits in each of the main fields of theology, in accordance with the course list. The final project is 30 ECTS and students may choose between writing a conventional research thesis or completing a Master's project.
Further information on supporting documents can be found here
Check below to see how the programme is structured.
This programme does not offer specialisations.
What kind of phenomenon is religion and what is the relationship between religion and social developments? In this course, students will be introduced to how such questions have been answered from a sociological point of view. The course is an introductory course and will discuss the most important theories, methods, and concepts in the field of sociology of religion. Prominent topics will be modernization and the formation of secularities. In the course, students explore the role of religion in intercultural society and how theories, methods, and concepts of sociology religion can be employed to analyse the lived reality of religion in light of Icelandic circumstances.
What is the relationship between humans and more-than-human nature? Is nature an independent source of value or is the value of nature explained by its usefulness to humans? Do humans overestimate their own place in creation? These and other questions form the basis of the selection of the ethical and theological content of this course. View of nature, theological anthropology and religious worldviews are the main analytical issues and concepts. Special attention will be given to the watercycle of earth and how it relates to climate change in the Arctic surroundings of Iceland.
The course discusses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations from various perspectives, with a special emphasis on SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14.
This course will start out with the prolegomena of Christian Theology, dealing with questions about sources and methods in theological studies. The remaining of the course will focus on three fundamental doctrines, namely about the creation, God and the Trinity.
The course offers methodological grounding for the practices and working environment of ordained ministry and children/youth ministry. Key features include vocation, leadership, collaboration and professionalism. Professional ethics based on codex ethicus will be discussed. The course provides professional and spiritual resources to ministry, collaborating with other professions, how to set boundaries, communicate constructively and resolve conflicts. The course discusses the leadership roles of ministry, volunteer work and theories to identify roles and responsibilities. The course presents teaching methods that help to develop skills for religious education, study materials and effective teaching in relation to youth ministry and confirmation classes. Teaching methods in the course include lectures and active participation of students through short study trips, seminars, meetings with other professions, and exercises.
The course includes a close reading of selected passages from the letters of Paul and the Gospel of Luke in Greek, with support from commentaries and other exegetical tools. The literary form of these writings will be studied, as well as their historical context and primary themes in terms of theology and ethics. The history of interpretation will be discussed, and so will current scholarly debates.
The Hebrew Book of Ruth will be read in order to introduce Biblical Hebrew syntax to students who have finished the Hebrew Course GFR326G, to expand their vocabulary, and to enhance their understanding of Biblical Hebrew phonology, morphology and grammar. Furthermore, students will practice deciphering the apparatus criticus, Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia’s textcritical commentary system.
Anthropology and christology will be the focus of this course. While anthropology asks questions about human nature, as well as sin and grace, Christology focuses, on one hand, on the identity of the person of Jesus Christ, and on the other hand on the soteriological significance of his life and death.
Overview of the role of the Psalms in rituals and the significance of their religious phenomena. Exegesis of 10-15 Psalms of the total of 25 to be read for the examination. Emphasis is placed on liturgical language, background, terminology and relevance to the present. Examples taken from the afterlife of the texts in Christian life and culture. The original Hebrew texts will be consulted
The history of Christianity and art history are interconnected and overlap. This course will explore the relationship between Christianity and various kinds of artistic creation with examples from literature, visual arts, music, and film. Although the course will geographically center on Christianity in Europe, it will also include, for contrast and comparison, examples from other regions and religions. Source work will concentrate on primary sources from Northern Europe but also include sources from other regions. The course will furthermore contain a particular focus on the visual arts and literature. With regards to the visual arts, it will discuss differing ideas about their significance in different denominations and religious movements. Particular attention will be given to notions of iconoclasm and aniconism. In regard to literature, the course will focus on the concept of literature, the distinction between secular and religious literature, and the application of literary theory and methods in the analysis of Christian religious texts.
The course is an advanced course in Homiletics where students are prepared for proclamation in contemporary society. Apart from the occasional lecture, the class is mainly focused on the students own work, through exercises in diction, presentations, workshops, evaluations and seminars. 75% attendance is mandatory.
What kind of phenomenon is religion and what is the relationship between religion and social developments? In this course, students will be introduced to how such questions have been answered from a sociological point of view. The course is an introductory course and will discuss the most important theories, methods, and concepts in the field of sociology of religion. Prominent topics will be modernization and the formation of secularities. In the course, students explore the role of religion in intercultural society and how theories, methods, and concepts of sociology religion can be employed to analyse the lived reality of religion in light of Icelandic circumstances.
What is the relationship between humans and more-than-human nature? Is nature an independent source of value or is the value of nature explained by its usefulness to humans? Do humans overestimate their own place in creation? These and other questions form the basis of the selection of the ethical and theological content of this course. View of nature, theological anthropology and religious worldviews are the main analytical issues and concepts. Special attention will be given to the watercycle of earth and how it relates to climate change in the Arctic surroundings of Iceland.
The course discusses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations from various perspectives, with a special emphasis on SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14.
This course will start out with the prolegomena of Christian Theology, dealing with questions about sources and methods in theological studies. The remaining of the course will focus on three fundamental doctrines, namely about the creation, God and the Trinity.
The course offers methodological grounding for the practices and working environment of ordained ministry and children/youth ministry. Key features include vocation, leadership, collaboration and professionalism. Professional ethics based on codex ethicus will be discussed. The course provides professional and spiritual resources to ministry, collaborating with other professions, how to set boundaries, communicate constructively and resolve conflicts. The course discusses the leadership roles of ministry, volunteer work and theories to identify roles and responsibilities. The course presents teaching methods that help to develop skills for religious education, study materials and effective teaching in relation to youth ministry and confirmation classes. Teaching methods in the course include lectures and active participation of students through short study trips, seminars, meetings with other professions, and exercises.
The course includes a close reading of selected passages from the letters of Paul and the Gospel of Luke in Greek, with support from commentaries and other exegetical tools. The literary form of these writings will be studied, as well as their historical context and primary themes in terms of theology and ethics. The history of interpretation will be discussed, and so will current scholarly debates.
The Hebrew Book of Ruth will be read in order to introduce Biblical Hebrew syntax to students who have finished the Hebrew Course GFR326G, to expand their vocabulary, and to enhance their understanding of Biblical Hebrew phonology, morphology and grammar. Furthermore, students will practice deciphering the apparatus criticus, Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia’s textcritical commentary system.
Anthropology and christology will be the focus of this course. While anthropology asks questions about human nature, as well as sin and grace, Christology focuses, on one hand, on the identity of the person of Jesus Christ, and on the other hand on the soteriological significance of his life and death.
Overview of the role of the Psalms in rituals and the significance of their religious phenomena. Exegesis of 10-15 Psalms of the total of 25 to be read for the examination. Emphasis is placed on liturgical language, background, terminology and relevance to the present. Examples taken from the afterlife of the texts in Christian life and culture. The original Hebrew texts will be consulted
The history of Christianity and art history are interconnected and overlap. This course will explore the relationship between Christianity and various kinds of artistic creation with examples from literature, visual arts, music, and film. Although the course will geographically center on Christianity in Europe, it will also include, for contrast and comparison, examples from other regions and religions. Source work will concentrate on primary sources from Northern Europe but also include sources from other regions. The course will furthermore contain a particular focus on the visual arts and literature. With regards to the visual arts, it will discuss differing ideas about their significance in different denominations and religious movements. Particular attention will be given to notions of iconoclasm and aniconism. In regard to literature, the course will focus on the concept of literature, the distinction between secular and religious literature, and the application of literary theory and methods in the analysis of Christian religious texts.
The course is an advanced course in Homiletics where students are prepared for proclamation in contemporary society. Apart from the occasional lecture, the class is mainly focused on the students own work, through exercises in diction, presentations, workshops, evaluations and seminars. 75% attendance is mandatory.
The course is an option for those mag.theol. students who wish to complete a master’s project instead of traditional mag.theol. thesis. The option is between two kinds of projects, on the one hand a practical evaluation project or developmental project, and, on the other hand, a practical homiletical project, in accordance with the more detailed description in the rules for the master’s project. The aim of the course is primarily to enhance and show the skill of the students to work independently, to organize and explain the subject in question, and to apply academic sources in a scientifically acknowledged way.
The course is an option for those mag.theol. students who wish to complete a master’s project instead of traditional mag.theol. thesis. The option is between two kinds of projects, on the one hand a practical evaluation project or developmental project, and, on the other hand, a practical homiletical project, in accordance with the more detailed description in the rules for the master’s project. The aim of the course is primarily to enhance and show the skill of the students to work independently, to organize and explain the subject in question, and to apply academic sources in a scientifically acknowledged way.
The course is an option for those mag.theol. students who wish to complete a master’s project instead of traditional mag.theol. thesis. The option is between two kinds of projects, on the one hand a practical evaluation project or developmental project, and, on the other hand, a practical homiletical project, in accordance with the more detailed description in the rules for the master’s project. The aim of the course is primarily to enhance and show the skill of the students to work independently, to organize and explain the subject in question, and to apply academic sources in a scientifically acknowledged way.
The final thesis for mag.theol. exam is an individual study that the student works on independently under the guidance of a supervisor. The supervisor is usually chosen from among the permanent teachers of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies. The choice of subject is primarily the student's responsibility, but in consultation with the instructor. It is assumed that the work on the thesis will take a full semester for a full-time student. The work can be divided into two semesters if the students so choose.
The final thesis for mag.theol. exam is an individual study that the student works on independently under the guidance of a supervisor. The supervisor is usually chosen from among the permanent teachers of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies. The choice of subject is primarily the student's responsibility, but in consultation with the instructor. It is assumed that the work on the thesis will take a full semester for a full-time student. The work can be divided into two semesters if the students so choose.
The final thesis for mag.theol. exam is an individual study that the student works on independently under the guidance of a supervisor. The supervisor is usually chosen from among the permanent teachers of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies. The choice of subject is primarily the student's responsibility, but in consultation with the instructor. It is assumed that the work on the thesis will take a full semester for a full-time student. The work can be divided into two semesters if the students so choose.
What kind of phenomenon is religion and what is the relationship between religion and social developments? In this course, students will be introduced to how such questions have been answered from a sociological point of view. The course is an introductory course and will discuss the most important theories, methods, and concepts in the field of sociology of religion. Prominent topics will be modernization and the formation of secularities. In the course, students explore the role of religion in intercultural society and how theories, methods, and concepts of sociology religion can be employed to analyse the lived reality of religion in light of Icelandic circumstances.
What is the relationship between humans and more-than-human nature? Is nature an independent source of value or is the value of nature explained by its usefulness to humans? Do humans overestimate their own place in creation? These and other questions form the basis of the selection of the ethical and theological content of this course. View of nature, theological anthropology and religious worldviews are the main analytical issues and concepts. Special attention will be given to the watercycle of earth and how it relates to climate change in the Arctic surroundings of Iceland.
The course discusses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations from various perspectives, with a special emphasis on SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14.
This course will start out with the prolegomena of Christian Theology, dealing with questions about sources and methods in theological studies. The remaining of the course will focus on three fundamental doctrines, namely about the creation, God and the Trinity.
The course offers methodological grounding for the practices and working environment of ordained ministry and children/youth ministry. Key features include vocation, leadership, collaboration and professionalism. Professional ethics based on codex ethicus will be discussed. The course provides professional and spiritual resources to ministry, collaborating with other professions, how to set boundaries, communicate constructively and resolve conflicts. The course discusses the leadership roles of ministry, volunteer work and theories to identify roles and responsibilities. The course presents teaching methods that help to develop skills for religious education, study materials and effective teaching in relation to youth ministry and confirmation classes. Teaching methods in the course include lectures and active participation of students through short study trips, seminars, meetings with other professions, and exercises.
The course includes a close reading of selected passages from the letters of Paul and the Gospel of Luke in Greek, with support from commentaries and other exegetical tools. The literary form of these writings will be studied, as well as their historical context and primary themes in terms of theology and ethics. The history of interpretation will be discussed, and so will current scholarly debates.
The Hebrew Book of Ruth will be read in order to introduce Biblical Hebrew syntax to students who have finished the Hebrew Course GFR326G, to expand their vocabulary, and to enhance their understanding of Biblical Hebrew phonology, morphology and grammar. Furthermore, students will practice deciphering the apparatus criticus, Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia’s textcritical commentary system.
Anthropology and christology will be the focus of this course. While anthropology asks questions about human nature, as well as sin and grace, Christology focuses, on one hand, on the identity of the person of Jesus Christ, and on the other hand on the soteriological significance of his life and death.
Overview of the role of the Psalms in rituals and the significance of their religious phenomena. Exegesis of 10-15 Psalms of the total of 25 to be read for the examination. Emphasis is placed on liturgical language, background, terminology and relevance to the present. Examples taken from the afterlife of the texts in Christian life and culture. The original Hebrew texts will be consulted
The history of Christianity and art history are interconnected and overlap. This course will explore the relationship between Christianity and various kinds of artistic creation with examples from literature, visual arts, music, and film. Although the course will geographically center on Christianity in Europe, it will also include, for contrast and comparison, examples from other regions and religions. Source work will concentrate on primary sources from Northern Europe but also include sources from other regions. The course will furthermore contain a particular focus on the visual arts and literature. With regards to the visual arts, it will discuss differing ideas about their significance in different denominations and religious movements. Particular attention will be given to notions of iconoclasm and aniconism. In regard to literature, the course will focus on the concept of literature, the distinction between secular and religious literature, and the application of literary theory and methods in the analysis of Christian religious texts.
The course is an advanced course in Homiletics where students are prepared for proclamation in contemporary society. Apart from the occasional lecture, the class is mainly focused on the students own work, through exercises in diction, presentations, workshops, evaluations and seminars. 75% attendance is mandatory.
What kind of phenomenon is religion and what is the relationship between religion and social developments? In this course, students will be introduced to how such questions have been answered from a sociological point of view. The course is an introductory course and will discuss the most important theories, methods, and concepts in the field of sociology of religion. Prominent topics will be modernization and the formation of secularities. In the course, students explore the role of religion in intercultural society and how theories, methods, and concepts of sociology religion can be employed to analyse the lived reality of religion in light of Icelandic circumstances.
What is the relationship between humans and more-than-human nature? Is nature an independent source of value or is the value of nature explained by its usefulness to humans? Do humans overestimate their own place in creation? These and other questions form the basis of the selection of the ethical and theological content of this course. View of nature, theological anthropology and religious worldviews are the main analytical issues and concepts. Special attention will be given to the watercycle of earth and how it relates to climate change in the Arctic surroundings of Iceland.
The course discusses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations from various perspectives, with a special emphasis on SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14.
This course will start out with the prolegomena of Christian Theology, dealing with questions about sources and methods in theological studies. The remaining of the course will focus on three fundamental doctrines, namely about the creation, God and the Trinity.
The course offers methodological grounding for the practices and working environment of ordained ministry and children/youth ministry. Key features include vocation, leadership, collaboration and professionalism. Professional ethics based on codex ethicus will be discussed. The course provides professional and spiritual resources to ministry, collaborating with other professions, how to set boundaries, communicate constructively and resolve conflicts. The course discusses the leadership roles of ministry, volunteer work and theories to identify roles and responsibilities. The course presents teaching methods that help to develop skills for religious education, study materials and effective teaching in relation to youth ministry and confirmation classes. Teaching methods in the course include lectures and active participation of students through short study trips, seminars, meetings with other professions, and exercises.
The course includes a close reading of selected passages from the letters of Paul and the Gospel of Luke in Greek, with support from commentaries and other exegetical tools. The literary form of these writings will be studied, as well as their historical context and primary themes in terms of theology and ethics. The history of interpretation will be discussed, and so will current scholarly debates.
The Hebrew Book of Ruth will be read in order to introduce Biblical Hebrew syntax to students who have finished the Hebrew Course GFR326G, to expand their vocabulary, and to enhance their understanding of Biblical Hebrew phonology, morphology and grammar. Furthermore, students will practice deciphering the apparatus criticus, Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia’s textcritical commentary system.
Anthropology and christology will be the focus of this course. While anthropology asks questions about human nature, as well as sin and grace, Christology focuses, on one hand, on the identity of the person of Jesus Christ, and on the other hand on the soteriological significance of his life and death.
Overview of the role of the Psalms in rituals and the significance of their religious phenomena. Exegesis of 10-15 Psalms of the total of 25 to be read for the examination. Emphasis is placed on liturgical language, background, terminology and relevance to the present. Examples taken from the afterlife of the texts in Christian life and culture. The original Hebrew texts will be consulted
The history of Christianity and art history are interconnected and overlap. This course will explore the relationship between Christianity and various kinds of artistic creation with examples from literature, visual arts, music, and film. Although the course will geographically center on Christianity in Europe, it will also include, for contrast and comparison, examples from other regions and religions. Source work will concentrate on primary sources from Northern Europe but also include sources from other regions. The course will furthermore contain a particular focus on the visual arts and literature. With regards to the visual arts, it will discuss differing ideas about their significance in different denominations and religious movements. Particular attention will be given to notions of iconoclasm and aniconism. In regard to literature, the course will focus on the concept of literature, the distinction between secular and religious literature, and the application of literary theory and methods in the analysis of Christian religious texts.
The course is an advanced course in Homiletics where students are prepared for proclamation in contemporary society. Apart from the occasional lecture, the class is mainly focused on the students own work, through exercises in diction, presentations, workshops, evaluations and seminars. 75% attendance is mandatory.
The course is an option for those mag.theol. students who wish to complete a master’s project instead of traditional mag.theol. thesis. The option is between two kinds of projects, on the one hand a practical evaluation project or developmental project, and, on the other hand, a practical homiletical project, in accordance with the more detailed description in the rules for the master’s project. The aim of the course is primarily to enhance and show the skill of the students to work independently, to organize and explain the subject in question, and to apply academic sources in a scientifically acknowledged way.
The course is an option for those mag.theol. students who wish to complete a master’s project instead of traditional mag.theol. thesis. The option is between two kinds of projects, on the one hand a practical evaluation project or developmental project, and, on the other hand, a practical homiletical project, in accordance with the more detailed description in the rules for the master’s project. The aim of the course is primarily to enhance and show the skill of the students to work independently, to organize and explain the subject in question, and to apply academic sources in a scientifically acknowledged way.
The course is an option for those mag.theol. students who wish to complete a master’s project instead of traditional mag.theol. thesis. The option is between two kinds of projects, on the one hand a practical evaluation project or developmental project, and, on the other hand, a practical homiletical project, in accordance with the more detailed description in the rules for the master’s project. The aim of the course is primarily to enhance and show the skill of the students to work independently, to organize and explain the subject in question, and to apply academic sources in a scientifically acknowledged way.
The final thesis for mag.theol. exam is an individual study that the student works on independently under the guidance of a supervisor. The supervisor is usually chosen from among the permanent teachers of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies. The choice of subject is primarily the student's responsibility, but in consultation with the instructor. It is assumed that the work on the thesis will take a full semester for a full-time student. The work can be divided into two semesters if the students so choose.
The final thesis for mag.theol. exam is an individual study that the student works on independently under the guidance of a supervisor. The supervisor is usually chosen from among the permanent teachers of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies. The choice of subject is primarily the student's responsibility, but in consultation with the instructor. It is assumed that the work on the thesis will take a full semester for a full-time student. The work can be divided into two semesters if the students so choose.
The final thesis for mag.theol. exam is an individual study that the student works on independently under the guidance of a supervisor. The supervisor is usually chosen from among the permanent teachers of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies. The choice of subject is primarily the student's responsibility, but in consultation with the instructor. It is assumed that the work on the thesis will take a full semester for a full-time student. The work can be divided into two semesters if the students so choose.
What kind of phenomenon is religion and what is the relationship between religion and social developments? In this course, students will be introduced to how such questions have been answered from a sociological point of view. The course is an introductory course and will discuss the most important theories, methods, and concepts in the field of sociology of religion. Prominent topics will be modernization and the formation of secularities. In the course, students explore the role of religion in intercultural society and how theories, methods, and concepts of sociology religion can be employed to analyse the lived reality of religion in light of Icelandic circumstances.
What is the relationship between humans and more-than-human nature? Is nature an independent source of value or is the value of nature explained by its usefulness to humans? Do humans overestimate their own place in creation? These and other questions form the basis of the selection of the ethical and theological content of this course. View of nature, theological anthropology and religious worldviews are the main analytical issues and concepts. Special attention will be given to the watercycle of earth and how it relates to climate change in the Arctic surroundings of Iceland.
The course discusses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations from various perspectives, with a special emphasis on SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14.
This course will start out with the prolegomena of Christian Theology, dealing with questions about sources and methods in theological studies. The remaining of the course will focus on three fundamental doctrines, namely about the creation, God and the Trinity.
The course offers methodological grounding for the practices and working environment of ordained ministry and children/youth ministry. Key features include vocation, leadership, collaboration and professionalism. Professional ethics based on codex ethicus will be discussed. The course provides professional and spiritual resources to ministry, collaborating with other professions, how to set boundaries, communicate constructively and resolve conflicts. The course discusses the leadership roles of ministry, volunteer work and theories to identify roles and responsibilities. The course presents teaching methods that help to develop skills for religious education, study materials and effective teaching in relation to youth ministry and confirmation classes. Teaching methods in the course include lectures and active participation of students through short study trips, seminars, meetings with other professions, and exercises.
The course includes a close reading of selected passages from the letters of Paul and the Gospel of Luke in Greek, with support from commentaries and other exegetical tools. The literary form of these writings will be studied, as well as their historical context and primary themes in terms of theology and ethics. The history of interpretation will be discussed, and so will current scholarly debates.
The Hebrew Book of Ruth will be read in order to introduce Biblical Hebrew syntax to students who have finished the Hebrew Course GFR326G, to expand their vocabulary, and to enhance their understanding of Biblical Hebrew phonology, morphology and grammar. Furthermore, students will practice deciphering the apparatus criticus, Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia’s textcritical commentary system.
Anthropology and christology will be the focus of this course. While anthropology asks questions about human nature, as well as sin and grace, Christology focuses, on one hand, on the identity of the person of Jesus Christ, and on the other hand on the soteriological significance of his life and death.
Overview of the role of the Psalms in rituals and the significance of their religious phenomena. Exegesis of 10-15 Psalms of the total of 25 to be read for the examination. Emphasis is placed on liturgical language, background, terminology and relevance to the present. Examples taken from the afterlife of the texts in Christian life and culture. The original Hebrew texts will be consulted
The history of Christianity and art history are interconnected and overlap. This course will explore the relationship between Christianity and various kinds of artistic creation with examples from literature, visual arts, music, and film. Although the course will geographically center on Christianity in Europe, it will also include, for contrast and comparison, examples from other regions and religions. Source work will concentrate on primary sources from Northern Europe but also include sources from other regions. The course will furthermore contain a particular focus on the visual arts and literature. With regards to the visual arts, it will discuss differing ideas about their significance in different denominations and religious movements. Particular attention will be given to notions of iconoclasm and aniconism. In regard to literature, the course will focus on the concept of literature, the distinction between secular and religious literature, and the application of literary theory and methods in the analysis of Christian religious texts.
The course is an advanced course in Homiletics where students are prepared for proclamation in contemporary society. Apart from the occasional lecture, the class is mainly focused on the students own work, through exercises in diction, presentations, workshops, evaluations and seminars. 75% attendance is mandatory.
What kind of phenomenon is religion and what is the relationship between religion and social developments? In this course, students will be introduced to how such questions have been answered from a sociological point of view. The course is an introductory course and will discuss the most important theories, methods, and concepts in the field of sociology of religion. Prominent topics will be modernization and the formation of secularities. In the course, students explore the role of religion in intercultural society and how theories, methods, and concepts of sociology religion can be employed to analyse the lived reality of religion in light of Icelandic circumstances.
What is the relationship between humans and more-than-human nature? Is nature an independent source of value or is the value of nature explained by its usefulness to humans? Do humans overestimate their own place in creation? These and other questions form the basis of the selection of the ethical and theological content of this course. View of nature, theological anthropology and religious worldviews are the main analytical issues and concepts. Special attention will be given to the watercycle of earth and how it relates to climate change in the Arctic surroundings of Iceland.
The course discusses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations from various perspectives, with a special emphasis on SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14.
This course will start out with the prolegomena of Christian Theology, dealing with questions about sources and methods in theological studies. The remaining of the course will focus on three fundamental doctrines, namely about the creation, God and the Trinity.
The course offers methodological grounding for the practices and working environment of ordained ministry and children/youth ministry. Key features include vocation, leadership, collaboration and professionalism. Professional ethics based on codex ethicus will be discussed. The course provides professional and spiritual resources to ministry, collaborating with other professions, how to set boundaries, communicate constructively and resolve conflicts. The course discusses the leadership roles of ministry, volunteer work and theories to identify roles and responsibilities. The course presents teaching methods that help to develop skills for religious education, study materials and effective teaching in relation to youth ministry and confirmation classes. Teaching methods in the course include lectures and active participation of students through short study trips, seminars, meetings with other professions, and exercises.
The course includes a close reading of selected passages from the letters of Paul and the Gospel of Luke in Greek, with support from commentaries and other exegetical tools. The literary form of these writings will be studied, as well as their historical context and primary themes in terms of theology and ethics. The history of interpretation will be discussed, and so will current scholarly debates.
The Hebrew Book of Ruth will be read in order to introduce Biblical Hebrew syntax to students who have finished the Hebrew Course GFR326G, to expand their vocabulary, and to enhance their understanding of Biblical Hebrew phonology, morphology and grammar. Furthermore, students will practice deciphering the apparatus criticus, Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia’s textcritical commentary system.
Anthropology and christology will be the focus of this course. While anthropology asks questions about human nature, as well as sin and grace, Christology focuses, on one hand, on the identity of the person of Jesus Christ, and on the other hand on the soteriological significance of his life and death.
Overview of the role of the Psalms in rituals and the significance of their religious phenomena. Exegesis of 10-15 Psalms of the total of 25 to be read for the examination. Emphasis is placed on liturgical language, background, terminology and relevance to the present. Examples taken from the afterlife of the texts in Christian life and culture. The original Hebrew texts will be consulted
The history of Christianity and art history are interconnected and overlap. This course will explore the relationship between Christianity and various kinds of artistic creation with examples from literature, visual arts, music, and film. Although the course will geographically center on Christianity in Europe, it will also include, for contrast and comparison, examples from other regions and religions. Source work will concentrate on primary sources from Northern Europe but also include sources from other regions. The course will furthermore contain a particular focus on the visual arts and literature. With regards to the visual arts, it will discuss differing ideas about their significance in different denominations and religious movements. Particular attention will be given to notions of iconoclasm and aniconism. In regard to literature, the course will focus on the concept of literature, the distinction between secular and religious literature, and the application of literary theory and methods in the analysis of Christian religious texts.
The course is an advanced course in Homiletics where students are prepared for proclamation in contemporary society. Apart from the occasional lecture, the class is mainly focused on the students own work, through exercises in diction, presentations, workshops, evaluations and seminars. 75% attendance is mandatory.
The course is an option for those mag.theol. students who wish to complete a master’s project instead of traditional mag.theol. thesis. The option is between two kinds of projects, on the one hand a practical evaluation project or developmental project, and, on the other hand, a practical homiletical project, in accordance with the more detailed description in the rules for the master’s project. The aim of the course is primarily to enhance and show the skill of the students to work independently, to organize and explain the subject in question, and to apply academic sources in a scientifically acknowledged way.
The course is an option for those mag.theol. students who wish to complete a master’s project instead of traditional mag.theol. thesis. The option is between two kinds of projects, on the one hand a practical evaluation project or developmental project, and, on the other hand, a practical homiletical project, in accordance with the more detailed description in the rules for the master’s project. The aim of the course is primarily to enhance and show the skill of the students to work independently, to organize and explain the subject in question, and to apply academic sources in a scientifically acknowledged way.
The course is an option for those mag.theol. students who wish to complete a master’s project instead of traditional mag.theol. thesis. The option is between two kinds of projects, on the one hand a practical evaluation project or developmental project, and, on the other hand, a practical homiletical project, in accordance with the more detailed description in the rules for the master’s project. The aim of the course is primarily to enhance and show the skill of the students to work independently, to organize and explain the subject in question, and to apply academic sources in a scientifically acknowledged way.
The final thesis for mag.theol. exam is an individual study that the student works on independently under the guidance of a supervisor. The supervisor is usually chosen from among the permanent teachers of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies. The choice of subject is primarily the student's responsibility, but in consultation with the instructor. It is assumed that the work on the thesis will take a full semester for a full-time student. The work can be divided into two semesters if the students so choose.
The final thesis for mag.theol. exam is an individual study that the student works on independently under the guidance of a supervisor. The supervisor is usually chosen from among the permanent teachers of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies. The choice of subject is primarily the student's responsibility, but in consultation with the instructor. It is assumed that the work on the thesis will take a full semester for a full-time student. The work can be divided into two semesters if the students so choose.
The final thesis for mag.theol. exam is an individual study that the student works on independently under the guidance of a supervisor. The supervisor is usually chosen from among the permanent teachers of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies. The choice of subject is primarily the student's responsibility, but in consultation with the instructor. It is assumed that the work on the thesis will take a full semester for a full-time student. The work can be divided into two semesters if the students so choose.
What kind of phenomenon is religion and what is the relationship between religion and social developments? In this course, students will be introduced to how such questions have been answered from a sociological point of view. The course is an introductory course and will discuss the most important theories, methods, and concepts in the field of sociology of religion. Prominent topics will be modernization and the formation of secularities. In the course, students explore the role of religion in intercultural society and how theories, methods, and concepts of sociology religion can be employed to analyse the lived reality of religion in light of Icelandic circumstances.
What is the relationship between humans and more-than-human nature? Is nature an independent source of value or is the value of nature explained by its usefulness to humans? Do humans overestimate their own place in creation? These and other questions form the basis of the selection of the ethical and theological content of this course. View of nature, theological anthropology and religious worldviews are the main analytical issues and concepts. Special attention will be given to the watercycle of earth and how it relates to climate change in the Arctic surroundings of Iceland.
The course discusses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations from various perspectives, with a special emphasis on SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14.
This course will start out with the prolegomena of Christian Theology, dealing with questions about sources and methods in theological studies. The remaining of the course will focus on three fundamental doctrines, namely about the creation, God and the Trinity.
The course offers methodological grounding for the practices and working environment of ordained ministry and children/youth ministry. Key features include vocation, leadership, collaboration and professionalism. Professional ethics based on codex ethicus will be discussed. The course provides professional and spiritual resources to ministry, collaborating with other professions, how to set boundaries, communicate constructively and resolve conflicts. The course discusses the leadership roles of ministry, volunteer work and theories to identify roles and responsibilities. The course presents teaching methods that help to develop skills for religious education, study materials and effective teaching in relation to youth ministry and confirmation classes. Teaching methods in the course include lectures and active participation of students through short study trips, seminars, meetings with other professions, and exercises.
The course includes a close reading of selected passages from the letters of Paul and the Gospel of Luke in Greek, with support from commentaries and other exegetical tools. The literary form of these writings will be studied, as well as their historical context and primary themes in terms of theology and ethics. The history of interpretation will be discussed, and so will current scholarly debates.
The Hebrew Book of Ruth will be read in order to introduce Biblical Hebrew syntax to students who have finished the Hebrew Course GFR326G, to expand their vocabulary, and to enhance their understanding of Biblical Hebrew phonology, morphology and grammar. Furthermore, students will practice deciphering the apparatus criticus, Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia’s textcritical commentary system.
Anthropology and christology will be the focus of this course. While anthropology asks questions about human nature, as well as sin and grace, Christology focuses, on one hand, on the identity of the person of Jesus Christ, and on the other hand on the soteriological significance of his life and death.
Overview of the role of the Psalms in rituals and the significance of their religious phenomena. Exegesis of 10-15 Psalms of the total of 25 to be read for the examination. Emphasis is placed on liturgical language, background, terminology and relevance to the present. Examples taken from the afterlife of the texts in Christian life and culture. The original Hebrew texts will be consulted
The history of Christianity and art history are interconnected and overlap. This course will explore the relationship between Christianity and various kinds of artistic creation with examples from literature, visual arts, music, and film. Although the course will geographically center on Christianity in Europe, it will also include, for contrast and comparison, examples from other regions and religions. Source work will concentrate on primary sources from Northern Europe but also include sources from other regions. The course will furthermore contain a particular focus on the visual arts and literature. With regards to the visual arts, it will discuss differing ideas about their significance in different denominations and religious movements. Particular attention will be given to notions of iconoclasm and aniconism. In regard to literature, the course will focus on the concept of literature, the distinction between secular and religious literature, and the application of literary theory and methods in the analysis of Christian religious texts.
The course is an advanced course in Homiletics where students are prepared for proclamation in contemporary society. Apart from the occasional lecture, the class is mainly focused on the students own work, through exercises in diction, presentations, workshops, evaluations and seminars. 75% attendance is mandatory.
What kind of phenomenon is religion and what is the relationship between religion and social developments? In this course, students will be introduced to how such questions have been answered from a sociological point of view. The course is an introductory course and will discuss the most important theories, methods, and concepts in the field of sociology of religion. Prominent topics will be modernization and the formation of secularities. In the course, students explore the role of religion in intercultural society and how theories, methods, and concepts of sociology religion can be employed to analyse the lived reality of religion in light of Icelandic circumstances.
What is the relationship between humans and more-than-human nature? Is nature an independent source of value or is the value of nature explained by its usefulness to humans? Do humans overestimate their own place in creation? These and other questions form the basis of the selection of the ethical and theological content of this course. View of nature, theological anthropology and religious worldviews are the main analytical issues and concepts. Special attention will be given to the watercycle of earth and how it relates to climate change in the Arctic surroundings of Iceland.
The course discusses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations from various perspectives, with a special emphasis on SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14.
This course will start out with the prolegomena of Christian Theology, dealing with questions about sources and methods in theological studies. The remaining of the course will focus on three fundamental doctrines, namely about the creation, God and the Trinity.
The course offers methodological grounding for the practices and working environment of ordained ministry and children/youth ministry. Key features include vocation, leadership, collaboration and professionalism. Professional ethics based on codex ethicus will be discussed. The course provides professional and spiritual resources to ministry, collaborating with other professions, how to set boundaries, communicate constructively and resolve conflicts. The course discusses the leadership roles of ministry, volunteer work and theories to identify roles and responsibilities. The course presents teaching methods that help to develop skills for religious education, study materials and effective teaching in relation to youth ministry and confirmation classes. Teaching methods in the course include lectures and active participation of students through short study trips, seminars, meetings with other professions, and exercises.
The course includes a close reading of selected passages from the letters of Paul and the Gospel of Luke in Greek, with support from commentaries and other exegetical tools. The literary form of these writings will be studied, as well as their historical context and primary themes in terms of theology and ethics. The history of interpretation will be discussed, and so will current scholarly debates.
The Hebrew Book of Ruth will be read in order to introduce Biblical Hebrew syntax to students who have finished the Hebrew Course GFR326G, to expand their vocabulary, and to enhance their understanding of Biblical Hebrew phonology, morphology and grammar. Furthermore, students will practice deciphering the apparatus criticus, Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia’s textcritical commentary system.
Anthropology and christology will be the focus of this course. While anthropology asks questions about human nature, as well as sin and grace, Christology focuses, on one hand, on the identity of the person of Jesus Christ, and on the other hand on the soteriological significance of his life and death.
Overview of the role of the Psalms in rituals and the significance of their religious phenomena. Exegesis of 10-15 Psalms of the total of 25 to be read for the examination. Emphasis is placed on liturgical language, background, terminology and relevance to the present. Examples taken from the afterlife of the texts in Christian life and culture. The original Hebrew texts will be consulted
The history of Christianity and art history are interconnected and overlap. This course will explore the relationship between Christianity and various kinds of artistic creation with examples from literature, visual arts, music, and film. Although the course will geographically center on Christianity in Europe, it will also include, for contrast and comparison, examples from other regions and religions. Source work will concentrate on primary sources from Northern Europe but also include sources from other regions. The course will furthermore contain a particular focus on the visual arts and literature. With regards to the visual arts, it will discuss differing ideas about their significance in different denominations and religious movements. Particular attention will be given to notions of iconoclasm and aniconism. In regard to literature, the course will focus on the concept of literature, the distinction between secular and religious literature, and the application of literary theory and methods in the analysis of Christian religious texts.
The course is an advanced course in Homiletics where students are prepared for proclamation in contemporary society. Apart from the occasional lecture, the class is mainly focused on the students own work, through exercises in diction, presentations, workshops, evaluations and seminars. 75% attendance is mandatory.
The course is an option for those mag.theol. students who wish to complete a master’s project instead of traditional mag.theol. thesis. The option is between two kinds of projects, on the one hand a practical evaluation project or developmental project, and, on the other hand, a practical homiletical project, in accordance with the more detailed description in the rules for the master’s project. The aim of the course is primarily to enhance and show the skill of the students to work independently, to organize and explain the subject in question, and to apply academic sources in a scientifically acknowledged way.
The course is an option for those mag.theol. students who wish to complete a master’s project instead of traditional mag.theol. thesis. The option is between two kinds of projects, on the one hand a practical evaluation project or developmental project, and, on the other hand, a practical homiletical project, in accordance with the more detailed description in the rules for the master’s project. The aim of the course is primarily to enhance and show the skill of the students to work independently, to organize and explain the subject in question, and to apply academic sources in a scientifically acknowledged way.
The course is an option for those mag.theol. students who wish to complete a master’s project instead of traditional mag.theol. thesis. The option is between two kinds of projects, on the one hand a practical evaluation project or developmental project, and, on the other hand, a practical homiletical project, in accordance with the more detailed description in the rules for the master’s project. The aim of the course is primarily to enhance and show the skill of the students to work independently, to organize and explain the subject in question, and to apply academic sources in a scientifically acknowledged way.
The final thesis for mag.theol. exam is an individual study that the student works on independently under the guidance of a supervisor. The supervisor is usually chosen from among the permanent teachers of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies. The choice of subject is primarily the student's responsibility, but in consultation with the instructor. It is assumed that the work on the thesis will take a full semester for a full-time student. The work can be divided into two semesters if the students so choose.
The final thesis for mag.theol. exam is an individual study that the student works on independently under the guidance of a supervisor. The supervisor is usually chosen from among the permanent teachers of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies. The choice of subject is primarily the student's responsibility, but in consultation with the instructor. It is assumed that the work on the thesis will take a full semester for a full-time student. The work can be divided into two semesters if the students so choose.
The final thesis for mag.theol. exam is an individual study that the student works on independently under the guidance of a supervisor. The supervisor is usually chosen from among the permanent teachers of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies. The choice of subject is primarily the student's responsibility, but in consultation with the instructor. It is assumed that the work on the thesis will take a full semester for a full-time student. The work can be divided into two semesters if the students so choose.
The timetable shown below is for the current academic year and is FOR REFERENCE ONLY.
Changes may occur for the autumn semester in August and September and for the spring semester in December and January. You will find your final timetable in Ugla when the studies start. Note! This timetable is not suitable for planning your work schedule if you are a part-time employee.
The University of Iceland collaborates with over 400 universities worldwide. This provides a unique opportunity to pursue part of your studies at an international university thus gaining added experience and fresh insight into your field of study.
Students generally have the opportunity to join an exchange programme, internship, or summer courses. However, exchanges are always subject to faculty approval.
Students have the opportunity to have courses evaluated as part of their studies at the University of Iceland, so their stay does not have to affect the duration of their studies.
Most people who qualify to be ordained as pastors work within the Church of Iceland.
An education in this area can open up opportunities in:
This list is not exhaustive.
The organisation for theology students is called Fiskurinn. Fiskurinn advocates for students at the University of Iceland Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies.
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