Christian Theology
Source: https://english.spbu.ru/admission/programms/graduate/christian-theology Parent: https://english.spbu.ru/admission/programms/graduate
48.04.01 In Russian
Level of education Master
Type of instruction Full-time
Duration 2 years
With additional qualifications 'Specialist in National and Religious Relations'/'Social Science Teacher'
Programme description
- The master's degree programme 'Christian Theology' is focused on the study of biblical theology, hermeneutics and exegesis, Orthodox liturgics, patristics, and anthropology. Significant emphasis is placed on the philosophical interpretation of theological knowledge in contemporary society
- Given that one of the programme's primary objectives is to develop skills in critically assessing methods of theological research and the critical reading of Sacred Texts, graduates are exceptionally well-prepared for a diverse range of professional fields, including research, library services, teaching, public awareness, and expert consultancy
Main courses
- Biblical Theology
- Theological Anthropology
- Theology of Science
- Religious Components of the Russian Civil Identity
- Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism in the History and Contemporary Life of Russia
- Theology and Philosophy of Western Confessions
- Theological Religious Studies
Our advantages
- Students gain the opportunity to learn how to work with texts fundamental to Orthodox doctrine at various levels: from analysing variant readings in ancient manuscripts to the conceptual interpretation of Orthodox anthropology
- Students are introduced to current research trends in the field of Biblical Studies
- Students explore contemporary issues in the theology of science
- Students participate in research projects studying both ancient historical matters (studies of Sacred Scripture and patristics) and pressing contemporary issues (studies of the theology of science and interconfessional relations)
Teaching staff
- D. Shmonin – Doctor of Philosophy, Professor, Editor-in-Chief of the journal 'Issues of Theology', Chairman of the Expert Council of the Higher Attestation Commission under the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation in Theology. Furthermore, he is a member of the Committee for the Development of Theological, Religious, and Spiritual-Moral Education of the Council for Coordination with Religious Organisations under the President of the Russian Federation
- R. Svetlov – Doctor of Philosophy, Professor, Chairman of the Central Board of the Interregional Public Organisation 'Platonic Philosophical Society', a member of the Expert Council of the Higher Attestation Commission under the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation in Theology
- E. Meshcherskaya – Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor, a member of the Council for the Christian Orient at the State Hermitage Museum and a specialist in Eastern Christian literature, palaeography, and Syriac writing
- A. Sizikov – Candidate of Sciences in Philology and a specialist in biblical textual criticism, theology, and palaeoslavistics
- D. Fedchuk — Doctor of Philosophy, Associate Professor. He specialises in the history of medieval philosophy and theology
Career opportunities
Students undertake practical training concurrently with their studies, enabling continuous refinement of the educational process to address individual learning needs effectively.
Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will have the following career prospects:
- Education and Science (including positions requiring the sought-after additional qualification 'Social Science Teacher')
- Expert consultancy for state, municipal, and public organisations
- Work in religious organisations
- Culture and the Arts (in the spheres of public enlightenment and museum work)
- Positions in research libraries
- Administrative, managerial, and office-based roles (including positions that require the additional qualification 'Specialist in National and Religious Relations')
- Mass media, publishing, and the printing industry (involving the collection, preparation, and presentation of information related to religious topics)