General description

The program leading to the Joint Degree Master in Religion – Economy – Politics is an interdisciplinary curriculum offered and taught by the University of Zurich together with the universities of Basel and Lucerne. It focuses on the interfaces between religion, economy and politics, and the many and diverse questions related to these interactions: How does religion mobilize people in modern societies? How does it legitimize state authority? How does it formulate critical views about state and society? What role do religions play in economic development? How does the ‘market of religions’ function? What challenges and opportunities are offered by the religious diversity in modern societies and in public and private organizations?
In order to productively discuss those questions, the Master’s program combines the perspectives of several disciplines. At the same time, it is an integral part of the Center for Religion, Economy, and Politics (ZRWP), a network founded in 2006 by the universities of Basel, Lausanne, Lucerne and Zurich and the Collegium Helveticum. Students can profit in many ways from the large teaching and research network offered by these institutions through the Center. The study program focuses on the multiple connections between religion, economy and politics and offers students an opportunity to specialize in their own area of interest. Either in future research or in the field of politics, economics, or in work withinstitutions it enables the development of creative solutions to address the new challenges of our time.

Admission requirements

The precondition for admission is a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification of at least the same standard in the study of religion, theology, political science or economics. Graduates from other disciplines can possibly be admitted after individual consideration of their records; admission may depend on the fulfillment of further conditions. Students are expected to be fluent in German and have a good command of English. A good command of French is also desirable.

Branch of studies

Business administration / Management, Economics, Political science, Science of Religion, Theology

Educational goals

The interdisciplinary education provided by the Joint Degree Master's program will equip students with the ability to independently identify, analyze and evaluate the relationship between religion, economy and politics in a focused way. As a result students will be ideally placed to address the challenges posed by a global economy and society, cross-border politics and increasing religious and cultural diversity, and to take an active role in dealing with the issues that arise.

Career possibilities

· Academic professions
· Consulting and management
· International organizations, NGOs
· State institutions
· Media, publishing
· Cultural, social and (inter)religious organizations and institutions
· Political parties, associations of civil society · Adult education

ECTS credits

120 ECTS Credits

Degree

Master of Arts in Religion – Wirtschaft – Politik der Universitäten Basel, Luzern und Zürich

Program structure

The Joint Degree Master’s program Religion – Economy – Politics as a full degree course (120 credits) consists of the following modules:
a*) Introductory module, made up of lectures on fundamental issues and seminar dealing with methodologies (Fall semester)
b*) 2 out of the 3 core modules «Religion», «Economy», «Politics», namely those that did not form part of the previous academic study program (Fall semester)

Religion and Economy (in Basel)
Religion and Politics (in Lucerne)
Religion and Public Life (in Zürich)
World Society and Globalization (alternating)
Institutions, Associations, Religious communities (alternating)
d*) Master class (taught with Fellows of the ZRWP)
e*) Integration module, consisting of research colloquium, Master’s thesis and its defense
In addition to these modules, students also have to pursue their specializations throughout the entire period of study.

Part-time studies

Part-time students can extend the period of study.

Examination and assessment regulations

Students are assessed at the end of each module.
Assessments are graded on a scale of 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest and 1 the lowest grade. Half-grades are given. A mark below 4 is regarded as a fail.
Assessments can also be graded on a pass/fail basis.

Language of instruction

German