Theology BA

Program  content

You can also study Theology part-time at Tilburg University. You can study the bachelor Theology in Dutch in Utrecht or in English in Tilburg.

The program covers various fields from biblical sciences to spirituality, and you become competent in reflecting from various disciplines such as history, philosophy, literature and social sciences. This variety of perspectives helps you to approach a topic from different angles, to reason logically and to write creatively. You learn to understand existential issues and questions about the meaning of life, the forming of identity, traditions and values both in the past and present.

• In the first year of Theology, you will get an overview of the major fields of study within theology, their similarities and differences. You will also receive an introduction into the languages of Greek and Hebrew.
• In the second year, you will delve deeper into the various theological disciplines. In addition, you will be introduced to Latin as a third language. You will also continue to work on your academic skills in the second year.
• The third year is devoted to broadening the courses you take. In the first semester you have a mobility window which you can fill in according to your personal interests. You can choose from the elective courses of the theology program, but also from courses from other programs or even courses abroad. Our School of Catholic Theology has good contacts with institutions abroad. In addition, you will conclude the bachelor's degree with a bachelor's thesis, on a topic that appeals to you personally. To write the bachelor's thesis, you will use the writing, thinking and research skills you have acquired during the course of the program.

Typical courses are:

• Comparative Religion
  Learn the foundations of three great world religions: Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism and learn to discuss a topic in religious sciences.
• Biblical Hebrew, Greek and Latin 
  Learn to read the Bible and other texts in their original languages: Hebrew, Greek and Latin.
• Systematic Philosophy
  Identify, understand, and systematically reflect on fundamental philosophical questions, e.g. free will, by analysing texts. The course pays special attention to the relationship between philosophical problems and Christian religion and theology.

Theology in part-time

Interested in Theology but not in full-time? You can also study Theology on a part-time basis, enabling you to combine your studies more easily with a job or your personal life. Theology as a part-time study program entails:

• a 5-year program 
• If you already have a bachelor's degree, you are eligible for the part-time bachelor's degree in Theology (150 ECTS), which you can complete in four years, regardless of your previous studies
• an average of 20-24 hours of study a week, including lectures
• courses are taken together with full-time students
• in English in Tilburg and in Dutch in Utrecht

Want to learn more about your options for studying Theology part-time? Then make an appointment with the student advisor via bureautst@tilburguniversity.edu

More on the program and courses

Beyond your Bachelor: Extracurricular Activities

• Join one of our student organizations. A great way to meet like-minded students and make friends.
• Challenge yourself by participating in one of the programs of excellence.

View all extracurricular activities

Careers and subsequent Master’s programs

As a theologian, you can respond to changes in society - think of developments in medical care, the rise of artificial intelligence or the major ecological challenges. You are alert to what drives people and you can assist them in the areas of meaning, philosophy of life, ethics and spirituality.

After obtaining your Bachelor's degree in Theology, you can continue your studies with a Master's program. Then you will have excellent career perspectives for example as a spiritual counsellor in health care, in the military or as a first-degree teacher of Religion and Philosophy, policy advisor orresearcher for the government or an NGO.

Graduates work at, for example, the Ministry of Justice and Security, Cordaid and Stanislas college.

 Discover what you can do after your Bachelor’s

Please follow the national application and admission procedure (in Dutch) if you are applying based on a Dutch vwo or hbo-p diploma, regardless of your nationality. A general description of the national application procedure is also available in English.

Admission requirements

• To be eligible for admission to a research university such as Tilburg University, you must have a high school diploma equal to the highest level of secondary education in the Netherlands (the Dutch vwo diploma).
• As this Bachelor’s program is taught entirely in English, you must prove your English language proficiency. 

You can find more detailed information about the admission requirements on this program's 'Application and admission' page.

Go to application and admission