Studies
The two main fields of study at the school are Theology and Religious Studies. Both can be studied at Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels. While some of the courses are shared by both specialisations (such as basic introductory courses to world religions, history, psychology, philosophy, Old and New Testaments, etc.), much of the study path differs. Students in the study of religion specialisation can concentrate on topics such as Eastern religions, religion in contemporary Western society, New Age movements and Ancient Near East languages, cultures and religions. Students of theology will focus on church history, systematic theology, practical theology and the New and Old Testaments.
At Bachelor’s and Master’s level the main language of study is Estonian, with some courses in English. At the PhD level it is possible to study both in Estonian and English. However, it is possible for a foreign student to study at a Bachelor’s or Master’s level, provided the student is willing to learn Estonian. The University of Tartu has a special one-year intensive language study programme for foreigners based on English and Russian. In practice this means that once a student is admitted to a programme, he or she will start with the language year and then continue with regular studies. This means that the studies will last a year longer, but with the added advantage of having learnt Estonian in the process.
Study in Estonia is free (no tuition fees) and full-time doctoral students receive a small monthly stipend (660 euros, also a 400 euro bonus scholarship is offered to the ones who continue to complete full credit load every semester).
For short-term exchange students some courses are taught in English (see here for the full list of the whole university for the current academic year and here for courses that have been taught in English at the school in the past).