Bachelor in Religion and Social Science

Program structure

Full-time students who are residents in Norway will follow a structured study program comprised of 30 credits/ECTS per semester for 3 years, making a total of 180 credits/ECTS, distributed among the following modules:

• Basic studies in Christianity (60 credits ECTS)
• One-year study in Social Science (60 ECTS)
• Core courses (30 ECTS)
• Advanced courses (30 ECTS)

Our full-time study program is designed in a flexible way providing students with an optimal balance between classroom teaching and self-study. The modules are made up of different courses and each course takes most often six weeks to complete. Lectures at HLT usually take place in the first, third and fourth week of each course. We also have other activities such as Chapel, Holy Communion services, and extra time to interact with other students or HLT staff during lecture weeks. Participation in Chapel and Holy Communion services is voluntary, but we encourage participation in these practices since they build fellowship and provide students with the opportunity to practice their faith.

Basic studies in Christianity provides an introduction to Christian theology, spirituality and faith (KRI, RLE – Religion, worldview and ethics). This is followed by a one-year study program (60 credits/ECTS) consisting of social science courses (SAM). Finally, the study program consists of a module of 30 ECTS core subjects and 30 credits/ECTS of Advanced courses (VEL – value-based leadership, PAL – pastoral leadership, and KTR – Conflict resolution and transformation). SAM2110E Research, Method and Design (10 credits/ECTS) and SAM2120E Bachelor Thesis (10 credits/ECTS) are an integral part of this module and compulsory subjects for all bachelor students. The course in research methodology provides a practical introduction to thesis writing and is taught in the Autumn semester. The bachelor thesis is thus usually placed in the Spring semester. Together with the one-year units in Christianity and Social Science, the
Advanced courses fulfil the necessary requirement of 80 credits/ECTS within the primary field of study. The Advanced courses also ensure that the requirement of a minimum of 20 credits at the 2000 level is met.

The main objective of the study

The main objective of the study is to provide an introduction to religion and society. The program will provide the student with knowledge of world religions, biblical and global history, ethical approaches, central themes in sociology, social anthropology, global justice, Norwegian and international social development, as well as issues surrounding the problem of modern-day slavery. The study also aims to give the student opportunities to develop skills in the use of scientific methods and how research assignments should be presented. After completing their studies, the student should be able to take an active role in society and understand the importance of evaluating one’s own and others’ point of view.

Target group and admission requirements

The education will provide relevant professional competence to students who want to work among voluntary, non-profit, and public organizations, and especially where a combination of social, religious and cultural knowledge is important. This can include work with mission and aid organizations, ethnic and/or religious minorities, and with disadvantaged or vulnerable groups in society. In addition, international organizations working for global justice, such as the fight against human trafficking, or organizations working for integration, will be relevant workplaces.
The program is also suitable for students who want to work with teaching in the private and public sector, both in primary and secondary school. Please consult the respective course descriptions for further information.

HLT uses the same admissions criteria as NOKUT (the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education) for students who wish to study at higher education level (bachelor degree and above) in Norway. These criteria relate to both educational background and language proficiency and differs from country to country. Therefore, new applicants need to check the requirements for their respective country by studying the information on NOKUT’s webpage.
For individuals with relevant work experience (for example previous volunteer work in churches), it may be possible to be enrolled based on individual evaluation (Mature student program). See the school’s admission regulations available on our website for further details.

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