Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies 36 months Undergraduate Programme By KU Leuven |TopUniversities
Subject Ranking

# 15QS Subject Rankings

Programme Duration

36 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

3,093 EURTuition Fee/year

Application Deadline

01 Mar, 2026Application Deadline

Programme overview

Main Subject

Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies

Degree

BA

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

Register for KU Leuven's Webinar Days to get a genuine glimpse into studying in Belgium, including student life, KU Leuven's international programmes, study costs and more. With general information webinars on 29 January and programme-specific webinars from 2 to 12 February, these events are the ideal opportunities to ask our dedicated staff, professors and students all the questions you have in mind.

Interested in the study of theology and religion? The Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies will prepare you for a vast array of professions with great social relevance. Graduates end up working in education, business, publishing, the media, and the pastoral and socio-cultural sector. But you will be even better prepared for the  job market with a master's degree. Your bachelor degree will give you access to both the Master of Theology and Religious Studies and the Research Master.

The three-year Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies explores the study of Christianity and other religions. As an intercultural programme with students from every part of the globe, it aims for a broad development of knowledge in all theological areas whilst encouraging specialisation in particular areas of interest. Students hone skills in research, communication, cultural engagement and inquiry, as well as developing their critical and creative writing skills. The programme initiates students in all areas that together constitute Christian theology. Particular emphasis is placed on: developing a deeper understanding of the Christian tradition and the history of the Church; improving students' abilities in modern and Biblical languages; philosophy and other human sciences; a critical broadening and maturing of faith in conversation with contemporary culture; stimulating an interest in the mutual relationships between the various Christian churches, and between Christianity and other world religions. This solid basis is laid through challenging lectures, interactive seminars in small groups, and personal guidance in the writing of papers and essays to prepare students to enter into the world of independent theological research. 


Theology and religious studies are distinct disciplines; each offers a different perspective, yet they are closely related.


1. Theology: You study various aspects of the Christian tradition:


  • Systematic Theology: You focus on the central ideas of Christianity and their relationship with contemporary cultural, philosophical, and societal trends.
  • Ethics: You delve into Christian thought on what is considered good and how this is shaped on personal, social, and political levels.
  • Biblical Studies: You study and interpret biblical texts using historical-critical and literary methods.
  • History of Church and Theology: You explore the origins and development of Christianity and how churches have evolved over the centuries.
  • PPastoral Theology: You investigate how people today experience religion and spirituality and how they can be supported in this journey.

2. Religious Studies: You become acquainted with various world religions and interreligious dialogue. You learn how to study religions in a scientific manner, for example, by critically engaging with sources.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies

Degree

BA

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

Register for KU Leuven's Webinar Days to get a genuine glimpse into studying in Belgium, including student life, KU Leuven's international programmes, study costs and more. With general information webinars on 29 January and programme-specific webinars from 2 to 12 February, these events are the ideal opportunities to ask our dedicated staff, professors and students all the questions you have in mind.

Interested in the study of theology and religion? The Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies will prepare you for a vast array of professions with great social relevance. Graduates end up working in education, business, publishing, the media, and the pastoral and socio-cultural sector. But you will be even better prepared for the  job market with a master's degree. Your bachelor degree will give you access to both the Master of Theology and Religious Studies and the Research Master.

The three-year Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies explores the study of Christianity and other religions. As an intercultural programme with students from every part of the globe, it aims for a broad development of knowledge in all theological areas whilst encouraging specialisation in particular areas of interest. Students hone skills in research, communication, cultural engagement and inquiry, as well as developing their critical and creative writing skills. The programme initiates students in all areas that together constitute Christian theology. Particular emphasis is placed on: developing a deeper understanding of the Christian tradition and the history of the Church; improving students' abilities in modern and Biblical languages; philosophy and other human sciences; a critical broadening and maturing of faith in conversation with contemporary culture; stimulating an interest in the mutual relationships between the various Christian churches, and between Christianity and other world religions. This solid basis is laid through challenging lectures, interactive seminars in small groups, and personal guidance in the writing of papers and essays to prepare students to enter into the world of independent theological research. 


Theology and religious studies are distinct disciplines; each offers a different perspective, yet they are closely related.


1. Theology: You study various aspects of the Christian tradition:


  • Systematic Theology: You focus on the central ideas of Christianity and their relationship with contemporary cultural, philosophical, and societal trends.
  • Ethics: You delve into Christian thought on what is considered good and how this is shaped on personal, social, and political levels.
  • Biblical Studies: You study and interpret biblical texts using historical-critical and literary methods.
  • History of Church and Theology: You explore the origins and development of Christianity and how churches have evolved over the centuries.
  • PPastoral Theology: You investigate how people today experience religion and spirituality and how they can be supported in this journey.

2. Religious Studies: You become acquainted with various world religions and interreligious dialogue. You learn how to study religions in a scientific manner, for example, by critically engaging with sources.

Admission Requirements

79+
6.5+

Students with a degree obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community:

For admission to this programme, the general admission requirements for a bachelor programme apply:

1°      a Flemish degree of secondary education; awarded in the school year 2024-2025 or earlier;

1°/1   a Flemish degree of secondary education, educational qualification level 4, awarded as of the school year 2024-2025;

2°      a Flemish degree of short-course higher education;

3°      a Flemish degree of higher education for social advancement, with the exception of the certificate of pedagogic aptitude (Getuigschrift Pedagogische Bekwaamheid), or

4°      a degree or certificate, awarded in the context of the Flemish HBO (hoger beroepsonderwijs)

4°/1   a Flemish bachelor's or master's degree

Students with a degree obtained at an institution outside the Flemish Community:

Applicants should be holder of (or be pursuing) a degree or certificate which, pursuant to a law, decree or European guideline or another international agreement, is deemed equivalent to the certificates mentioned under “Students with a degree obtained in the Flemish Community”. Examples of this are: - European Baccalaureate - International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP)
Students not holding such a degree can be admitted provided their degree is sufficiently equivalent to a Flemish secondary school diploma and gives access to university studies in the country in which the degree was initially obtained.
Prospective students or who are citizens of Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the United States of America, speaking English as their mother tongue, are not required to submit a certificate demonstrating their English knowledge.
All prospective students (regardless of their background) are allowed to submit an application file without including a TOEFL/IELTS test. However, prospective students must submit an English motivation letter, CV and writing sample. The faculty admissions committee will assess the application file without TOEFL/IELTS test and decide whether the student will be admitted based on the submitted file or whether the student has to present a TOEFL/IELTS Academic certificate after all. 

01 Mar 2026
3 Years
Sep

Tuition fees

International
3,093 EUR

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

More programmes from the university

Videos & media

media_view_gallery View Gallery
Undergrad Programmes 105