Religion and Politics

In the course you will learn how religious groups and individuals have influenced political issues – both historically and in the present day. You will study religious movements that have become politically active in recent decades. You will also explore how issues like democracy, the environment, and equality can be driven by religious conviction.

You will work with historical and sociological models to interpret religiously motivated activism. In addition, you will gain tools to understand why religion sometimes leads to social engagement.

Course syllabus

The syllabus contains the formal and legal details of the entire course. It’s a legal document outlining the course structure and requirements, intended mainly for administrative use.

Course literature

The course literature listed may be updated up to eight weeks before the course begins.

Teaching consists of lectures, seminars and a compulsory fieldwork assignment. The assessment is based on a written take-home exam.

This course gives you a deeper understanding of the role of religion in political contexts. It is suitable if you want to continue studying religious studies, sociology, or political science – or if you want to understand how belief and social engagement are connected.  

Religious Studies students go on to work in many different fields. They are employed in areas such as education, politics, and government agencies, or work as journalists, researchers, and regional analysts.  

Do you want to know how to get a degree using courses in Religious Studies? Contact the academic advisor at the Centre for Theology and Religious Studies. 

Entry requirements

General requirements for university studies in Sweden

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to the following: The general average (GPA) of your higher secondary school leaving certificate: 34 %, The Swedish national university aptitude test: 34 %, number of previous ECTS at application deadline (up to 165): 32 %. If students have equal credentials, seats are allocated based on their results on The Swedish National University Aptitude Test. If this too is equal, seats are allocated based on a draw.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 15,625
First payment: SEK 15,625

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.