Curriculum: Theology 2015

2015 2016 2017 2018

Curriculum consists of the compulsory general module for 35 ECTS, major specialty module for 45 ECTS, elective module for 10 ECTS and Master’s Thesis for 30 ECTS. In frames of the curriculum it is possible to choose a minor specialty: diakonia and pastoral care and counselling (45 ECTS).

Requirements for the Admission to the Curriculum
• Bachelor degree, higher education on the basis of curriculum of professional higher education or equivalent qualification and theology studies for at least 60 ECTS;
• At least one year work experience in the specialty which corresponds to the curriculum.

Entrance examination:
• Test encompassing main disciplines in theology;
• Interview encompassing study motives, theoretical and professional interest, attitudes and development.

Completion of the entire curriculum with positive results, defended Master’s thesis (30 ECTS) and no financial obligations towards the Institute of Theology of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Master of Theology

Diploma and Diploma Supplement in Estonian and in English

• Provide theological specialist education and competence to work in positions requiring higher education in theology;
• Establish conditions to pursue doctoral studies;
• Develop necessary qualities to present one’s candidature to the Pastoral Seminary;
• In-depth competencies of main disciplines of theology are developed in major specialisation on Theology;
• Objective of Diakonia and Pastoral Care and Counselling minor specialisation is to provide vocational and professional training in various fields of ecclesiastical social work and pastoral care and counselling.

Master of Arts in Theology (MA)

In frames of the curriculum it is possible to choose major specialisation on Theology (general module for 35 ECTS, specialty module for 45 ECTS, elective module for 10 ECTS and Master’s Thesis for 30 ECTS) or specialisation on minor specialty:
• Diakonia and Pastoral Care and Counselling (general module 35 ECTS, specialty module 45 ECTS, elective module 10 ECTS and Master’s Thesis on Diakonia or Pastoral Care and Counselling 30 ECTS).

On completion of the general curriculum, student:
• has broad knowledge on theological concepts, knows major schools of the specialty, their development trends, current problems and ways of application;
• knows and is able to reflect the spiritual ecclesiastical practices and is able to carry out activities, which support the religious development of his/her personal life, as well as work with the target groups;
• can recognise and find new interdisciplinary connections in theology and in areas where theology can be applied.

Additional outcomes in the major specialisation on Theology:
• willingness to work as a specialist in the field of theology, showing up initiative, and teamwork and leadership skills;
• is able to act ethically in difficult situations, is aware of the ethical aspects, opportunities, constraints and social role of clerical work, and is able to make reasoned judgments regarding the specialty of Theology;
• has in-depth knowledge of theology in some narrower field, is able to select and use the appropriate methods to solve problems and research questions, and can pass on his/her knowledge by teaching, coaching, or otherwise.

Specialty outcomes of Diakonia and Pastoral Care and Counselling:
• describes and analyses the ecclesiastic social work theories and practices in Europe and Estonia, and implements them in the context of Estonia;
• can support person in crisis and/or facing the challenges of life applying professional skills and experience in accordance with the needs of person in trouble.