The main aim of the Study of Religions programme is to develop precise and critical knowledge of the phenomenon of religion in general, and in particular the great religious traditions (Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, etc) as well as more marginal religious currents or other reconstructions. The methods used are mainly those of the human and social sciences, such as comparative history, anthropology and sociology.
The Bachelor degree comprises a major in the Study of Religions and an optional minor.
Major in the Study of Religions
The major in the study of religions allows a detailed study of three areas, chosen from:
Religions of South Asia
Polytheistic Religions of the Ancient Worlds
History of Ancient and Modern Judaism
History of Ancient and Modern Christianity
Socio-anthropology and History of Islams
Religious and Spiritual Plurality in Contemporary Societies
The course also covers a range of approaches (history, sociology of religions, anthropology of religions, psychology of religions and religions and migrations in the social sciences), the languages associated with the areas studied, and historiography, concepts and methods.
Career prospects depend partly on the choice of Master’s course.
Areas of activity
This field of study allows students to develop critical analytical skills in religious practice and apply them to various sectors of society. These are useful in professions such as journalism, documentation, social work and administration, as well as culture and international organisations, which already rely on skills acquired in other generalist areas.
Every two years, the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (OFS) conducts a survey on graduate employment, one year after students have completed their course. View the results for graduates in the study of religions online:
Results of the survey for UNIL graduates specifically
Piera Honegger
Master of Arts in the Study of Religions
How did you choose your studies?
"Studying the sciences of religion does not mean that you have to practise them! On the contrary, we take a critical and historical look at the issues linked to different religions. For example, we take account of geopolitical contexts to put cultural practices into perspective. So these are very topical studies, because they enable you to develop the skills of intercultural dialogue."
I was admitted to the University by application. Before coming here, I was an actress for thirteen years and then became a yoga teacher. Practising yoga made me want to get to know the context and the plural history of its ramifications, which is why the South Asia department appealed to me. For this reason, I chose to focus on South Asian religions during my Bachelor's degree. I also had an old dream of doing philosophy, so I chose it as a minor. As I love the field, I then focused my studies on anthropology and ethnography. I've even discovered a passion for visual anthropology, and am currently making a film for my dissertation. It's a nice way of linking my career path with an artistic aspect. What's more, I was lucky enough to receive a grant from the faculty to finance my fieldwork in Kenya!
I'm lucky enough to have a grant, which means I don't have to work 100% on top of my studies. I'm a mum, so it's a bit of a juggling act to combine all that, but it works! The main thing I've had to learn is to make choices about what to research, because I tended to want to find out everything in depth, but at some point you also have to be able to be efficient. These are studies that require a great deal of adaptability, because the curriculum leaves you with a lot of choice. For example, I've done Sanskrit, philosophy, anthropology, film, sociology, psychology and so on. So you have to be able to adapt to each discipline, its methods and requirements.
The great thing about the faculty is that, over time, you often find the same people on different courses. This allows you to form bonds based on common interests. The classes are generally small, which also means that you get very personal supervision from your teachers. It's an immense privilege!
Don't let the title of the course mislead you: studying religious studies doesn't mean you have to practise religion! On the contrary, we take a critical and historical look at the issues surrounding different religions. For example, we take account of geopolitical contexts to put cultural practices into perspective. So these are very topical studies, because they enable you to develop the skills of intercultural dialogue. It's a course that can lead to a variety of careers, particularly in museums, culture, journalism, diplomacy, etc.
Exchanges and mobility
Going on a university exchange is a unique and highly rewarding experience, provided you prepare well. The first thing to remember is that you need to start taking steps well in advance. For example, if you're planning to go away in your 3rd year of a bachelor's degree, you should start taking steps at the beginning of your 2nd year at the latest.
