Research

Religious radicalisation, immigration and other major societal changes have increased and also reshaped the demand for religious expertise and knowledge pertaining to religions. In addition to research-based knowledge of a high standard, the need for applied knowledge that responds to societal issues is increasing further. Gaining in-depth knowledge of the content of various religions and understanding the relationships between religions also require the study of sacred texts in their original language.

Several international assessments have found that the research conducted at the Faculty is of a high quality. In the field- and discipline-specific QS World University Rankings by Subject, the field of theology and religious studies at the University of Helsinki reached 20place in 2022. In the assessment of research at the University of Helsinki carried out in 2019, the Faculty of Theology was commended specifically for its research strategy, where strong historically-oriented research and known strengths are combined with the ability to identify and take up new and topical research topics.

Research focus areas at the Faculty are:

• Religious interaction in cultural contexts: Identities, conflicts, dialogue and peaceful interaction
• The establishment, historical development as well as societal and cultural impact of theological, religious and belief-based ideas and conceptual systems
• Religious diversity in global and local contexts
• The effect of religions, beliefs and values on wellbeing and sustainable development
• The multidisciplinary nature and methodological development of theology and religious studies

Read more about the research focus areas at the Faculty of Theology.

The Faculty of Theology is operationally divided into departments that correspond to the academic fields of theology (biblical studies, church history, practical theology, systematic theology) as well as into the comparably organised discipline of the study of religions, which is shared with the Faculty of Arts.