Tilburg School of Catholic Theology

Thinking through faith

Bachelor's programme


Studying theology
During your studies at the Tilburg School of Catholic Theology (TST), you will be encouraged to ask some of the most profound questions concerning God and humanity. You will learn more about the history and traditions of the Christian faith and what this faith means to people today.

What does theology include?
Theology is comprised of many disciplines, such as biblical sciences, church history, systematic theology, spirituality and practical theology. It is also connected to other areas of expertise. For example, there is a fertile exchange with philosophy, sociology, psychology and religious studies.

Focus
Our Bachelor's programme has a strong literary-historic and anthropological focus. This means that you study a variety of texts and their place in history as well as people's experiences with religion. Besides theological subjects, you will be introduced to philosophy, literary studies, history, social sciences and religious studies.

Language
The BA in Theology is taught in Dutch. Non-native Dutch speakers have to possess the diploma State Examination Dutch as a second language (NT2, Programme II) or the Certificate of Dutch as a Foreign Language (Profile language proficiency higher education or Profile academic language proficiency) to apply for the programme.

Courses
During the first year of study, you will have the opportunity to find out if this is the right programme for you and if you are able to study at an academic pace and level.

You will be introduced to the following subjects:
  • Introduction to the Bible
  • Overview of the history of church and theology
  • Theological workshop
  • Basics of dogmatic theology
  • Introduction to moral theology and spirituality
  • Introduction to practical theology
  • Introduction to liturgy and the phenomenology of religion
  • History of philosophy
  • Systematic philosophy
  • Introduction to the sociology and psychology of religion
  • Greek and Hebrew
In the second and third years of study, these subjects will be further explored. Latin and a choice of minors will be added to the programme as well.

Course duration and location
The BA in Theology is taught as a 3-year full-time or 5-year part-time programme. Teaching takes place in two locations: Tilburg and Utrecht.

Further studies
The BA degree in Theology gives access to a number of Master's programmes at Tilburg University: Canonical degrees
The School has been granted permission by the Holy See to deliver
canonical degrees. Students who obtained a degree at a Catholic theological institution in the Netherlands or abroad, can receive a Bachelor's, Licentiate and Doctor's degree in Sacred Theology from the Tilburg School of Theology.

More information
For enquiries, please contact the School of Catholic Theology or visit our Dutch webpages.