The main purpose of studying theology is to develop a detailed, critical understanding of fundamental Christian texts, the Christian tradition and various historical, philosophical, theological and ethical currents of thought, as well as contemporary expressions of Christianity. Theology also takes a critical look at church practices.
The Bachelor’s degree comprises several disciplines characterised by a range of different approaches, but with close connections and interactions between them. These are:
Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
New Testament and ancient Christian literature
History of Christianity
Systematic theology
Ethics
Practical theology
Study of religions, psychology of religion and sociology of religion
Career prospects depend partly on the choice of Master’s course.
Areas of activity
After your Master of Theology course (having taken the “practical theology” option) and a pastoral placement, you will have the option of practising as a pastoral minister, which offers a variety of opportunities, including facilitating events, celebrations, catechism, support, chaplaincy, missions, educational and mutual support initiatives, etc. If you do not wish to work in the church, you may be interested in a range of other professional sectors, including journalism, social work, teaching, non-governmental organisations, publishing, etc.
Joining the ministry
If you are thinking about practising as a minister in a Reformed Church in French-speaking Switzerland (associated with the Conférence des Eglises réformées de Suisse romande - Conference of Reformed Churches in French-speaking Switzerland), it is possible to complete a so-called “exploratory” placement in a church during your studies. This involves shadowing a minister for one to three months and is an excellent opportunity to make contacts and gain initial experience.
To practise as a minister, you will need a university Master of Theology qualification (“practical theology” option), followed by an 18-month placement. After your placement and some initial practical experience (as a suffragant or deputy), you can apply to your church’s ordination committee to be ordained as a pastoral minister.
Pedagogical supervision of your placement and its accompanying courses is provided by the Office protestant de la formation (Protestant Training Office).
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 Theololgy graduates online:
Results of the survey for UNIL graduates specifically
Océane Pittet
Alumni
How did you choose your studies?
«Whether you're an atheist, agnostic or believer, there's a place for you here. What's more, the programme is not solely focused on Christianity. There are optional subjects, including religious studies, which opens the door to other cultures and religious traditions.»
The path that led me to theology wasn't linear: first I went to the École de culture générale, then I took a bridge course to get a Secondary School Diploma that would allow me to go to university. Once at university, I did a year in literature (in art history and ancient history), after which I decided to switch to theology. I made this choice because, although I've loved history since I was a little girl, the more I learned, the more frustrated I became with the feeling that I couldn't share it. My faith was also a determining factor: I believe in God and I think I'm destined to study theology to become a pastor. I like knowing that what I'm learning won't just be for me, that I'll be able to pass it on. That motivates me to learn! What's more, theology encompasses many other subjects, such as history, biblical studies and languages. Yes, we learn Greek and Hebrew! It's very open, which makes it an extremely enriching course.
There's an incredible diversity of people in theology! For example, the majority of students go into pastoral ministry because we're a Protestant theology faculty, but it's open to all denominations. Some go into chaplaincy, whether in schools or hospitals, or even journalism! And there are plenty of other possibilities. So it's not at all a prerequisite to have faith in order to study theology; on the contrary, I think it's extremely enriching to compare different points of view. The most important thing is to be curious. So whether you're an atheist, an agnostic or a believer, there's a place for you in this course. What's more, the programme doesn't just focus on Christianity. There are optional subjects, including religious studies, which opens the door to other cultures and religious traditions.
One of the advantages of the theology faculty is that we have small classes, so you're really considered as a person and not just as a student number: everyone knows everyone else, the professors know us, and there's a real bond that develops. The atmosphere is great, both in terms of our faith, because it's so enriching to share our experiences, and in terms of our studies, because we know who we're working with. We have the heart of the faculty, which we share with the religious studies students, and it's a pleasant place to meet up, study, eat... There are even sofas for comfortable conversation! Since there aren't many of us in the classes, we have to work on a subject on our own, but sometimes we work in groups.
I'd give two pieces of advice to future students: for those who come here because of a call they feel deep down: don't get discouraged. We sometimes see things in class that put our faith to the test (which is ultimately very enriching) and it's important to know how to keep moments to recharge our batteries in order to create a balance between the very rational side offered by studies and the spiritual side. And for those who are not in this situation: you have to be open to discovery and ready to be challenged in your preconceptions, to be surprised. These are very rich studies!
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.
