Overview

The Theology and Religious Studies PhD programme at the University of Helsinki has a strong international and dynamically developing scholarly profile. Recent years have seen increased links to, among other fields, the philosophy of suffering, brain research, psychotherapy research, medicine, economics as well as the DNA and protein analyses of manuscripts.

Key Facts

The programme’s doctoral researchers can acquire in-depth skills in individual disciplines or investigate topics that transcend academic boundaries (e.g., wellbeing, values and sustainability or religious changes and societal structures). In their research, they can focus on cross-disciplinary topical questions, such as where a sense of security stems from and how it differs from actual security.

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

Compared with other fields, our programme provides a deeper understanding of both the roots of civilisation and current issues. Every human being and community is affected by societal and existential questions, as well as group dynamics.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-16 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

92

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PTE Academic

68

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Helsinki, Finland

Disciplines

Theology and Religious Studies

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

92

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

68

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must have completed a Finnish second-cycle (master’s) degree or a foreign degree that makes you eligible for doctoral education in the country where the degree was completed. You must also demonstrate that you have academic level language skills.

The University of Helsinki will verify your eligibility for doctoral education from the documents you have submitted.

The institution that confers the foreign qualification must be recognised as an official higher education institution with degree-conferring authority by the official authorising body of the country in question.

All the studies included in your eligibility giving degree - including a possible thesis - must be completed, approved and registered by the end of the application period.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Helsinki and/or in Finland, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

Free
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

Free

Additional Details

No tuition fees for PhD students.

Living costs

Helsinki

Finland

975 - 1584 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Theology and Religious Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key Facts

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

EU/EEA Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Helsinki

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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