Bachelor in Religious Studies

About this programme

The Bachelor in Religious Studies is the comprehensive undergraduate degree in the pathway. Building on the associate-level foundation, it moves you from introductory knowledge toward critical interpretation, theological analysis, research, comparative reflection and practical application. The programme keeps Scripture, systematic theology, philosophy, liturgy, sacramental life, Church history, ethics, canon law, pastoral studies and Cistercian formation integrated rather than separated. You learn to interpret religious and theological sources responsibly, analyse complex questions of doctrine and practice, conduct undergraduate research, understand the institutional and historical life of the Church, and apply academic learning to contemporary religious, pastoral, ethical and social contexts. The curriculum content is developed together with Sacred Hearts International Seminary, under the academic responsibility of Luis Brion University.

Who is this for?

This programme is intended for:

• Graduates of the Associate Degree in Religious Studies or a comparable foundation
• Pastoral workers, chaplaincy volunteers and congregational leaders who want academic depth
• Teachers and educators working with religious and ethical subject matter
• Students preparing for graduate study in theology and philosophy

What you will be able to do

• Interpret biblical, historical, philosophical and theological texts using appropriate academic methods
• Analyse major doctrines, traditions and practices within the Christian theological heritage
• Explain the relationship among ecclesiology, apostolic tradition, liturgy and sacramental life
• Apply ethical reasoning to pastoral, ministerial and contemporary social questions
• Demonstrate introductory understanding of canon law and ecclesiastical order in an appropriate academic context
• Conduct and present independent undergraduate research in religious studies
• Integrate spiritual tradition, academic study and responsible practical application without confusing academic degree completion with ecclesiastical authorisation

Programme content

1. 01Advanced Sacred Scripture and Biblical Interpretation
2. 02Systematic Theology and Christian Doctrine
3. 03Church History and Apostolic Tradition II
4. 04Philosophy of Religion and Christian Thought
5. 05Ecclesiology and the Nature of the Church
6. 06Sacramental Theology and Practice
7. 07Eucharistic Theology and Sacramental Communion
8. 08Liturgical Theology and Practice
9. 09Moral Theology and Ministerial Ethics
10. 10Introduction to Ecclesiastical and Canon Law
11. 11Matrimonial Theology and Canonical Foundations
12. 12Safeguarding, Ecclesiastical Discipline and Responsible Ministry
13. 13Pastoral Ministry
14. 14Pastoral Practice
15. 15Cistercian and Religious Formation
16. 16Research Methods in Religious Studies
17. 17Senior Capstone or Undergraduate Thesis

Provisional module outline — the final module breakdown is confirmed before the start of each cohort.

Entry requirements

Placeholder: admission requirements, progression rules from the associate level and recognition of prior learning are still to be determined through LBU's academic approval process.

Important conditions

• This programme is presented as a draft academic proposal, submitted for LBU academic approval. Programme duration, credit values, course codes and capstone requirements are not yet final.
• This is an academic degree programme. It does not grant ordination, canonical standing or authorisation for ecclesiastical ministry; any such recognition remains reserved to the competent religious or ecclesiastical authority.
• Curriculum content is developed in collaboration with Sacred Hearts International Seminary, subject to Luis Brion University's academic governance, assessment and degree-awarding requirements.

Luis Brion University reserves the right to change, amend or withdraw the texts on this website, program content, curricula and learning outcomes at any time.