Master’s Program in International Relations and Ecumenism (120 ECTS credits)

This is a two-year program in which students take a number of different courses within the field of International Relations and Ecumenism, learn to conduct independent research at an advanced level and develop high-level analytical and communication skills.

Program director: Cyril Hovorun, cyril.hovorun@ehs.se
Director of Studies: Johan Andersson, johan.andersson@ehs.se
Length: 2 years (full-time) 120 ECTS credits
Type of instruction: On-campus or online
Study Pace: Full-time
Teaching Hours: Daytime
Language of Instruction: English
Location: Campus Bromma, Stockholm
How to apply? Apply through www.universityadmissions.se or www.antagning.se (from March 15)

Why study for a Master’s in International Relations and Ecumenism?

Relations between Christian communities continuously evolve. Old models of cooperation and conflict between churches decline and new ones emerge instead. These processes depend on both theological and socio-political factors. The Sankt Ignatios MTh program in International Relations and Ecumenism develops the skills necessary for analyzing and improving the models of relations between Christian communities as well as the churches’ relations with society and other religions.

Program objectives

The program aims at providing students with the necessary knowledge and skills to think critically and independently about themes and issues within the field of International Relations and Ecumenism. Graduates of this program are qualified to deal with a range of topics related to international relations, including church diplomacy, religious politics and security, inter-Christian and inter-faith dialogues. The program prepares students for different leading roles in their churches and research at a higher (doctoral) level.

Program outcomes

By the end of the program, students will possess an in-depth comprehension of the central issues pertinent to international relations and ecumenism; they will be able to understand and critically evaluate various methods applied in this field, independently formulate and conduct research programs, critically analyze and assess relevant ideas and theories and convincingly present them to a range of audiences.

Ability to develop one’s own ideas and to communicate them clearly and logically is a prerequisite for successful completion of the program.

Program Requirements

The entry requirement for studies is equivalent to the English 6 course at Swedish upper secondary school. Students from outside Sweden, or students who cannot verify, proficiency in English, are required to make an internationally recognized test, e. g. TOEFL IELTS or equivalent.To be eligible for the program, an applicant must either have either a bachelor’s degree in theology/religious studies, comprising 180 ECTS credits, or a degree in another subject which includes Religious Studies or courses in theology amounting to at least 60 ECTS credits, including a thesis worth at least 15 ECTS credits. At least 15 ECTS credits should be in Eastern Christian Studies or equivalent subject areas. Students with other relevant subjects or an equivalent degree from an institution outside Sweden may be admitted based on the basis of individual assessment and examination by the Academic Dean.

Students may also be admitted to later parts of the program (61-120 ECTS credits) based on a special application, provided that the relevant prerequisites have been met. For more information about such special application please contact the Director of Studies.

An applicant needs to submit a letter of motivation.

English language proficiency: the English proficiency requirement for academic studies at Sankt Ignatios is equivalent to the English 6 course in Swedish upper secondary school. Students from outside Sweden, or students who cannot verify proficiency in English, are required to take an internationally recognized test (e. g. TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent). More information about the required score on internationally recognized English tests can be found at English language requirements (universityadmissions.se); see section Meeting the English requirements with an English test.

Cost of study

The program is tuition-free for citizens of Sweden, citizens of an EU / EEA country or of Switzerland who hold a valid Swedish residence permit. Students coming from countries other than those listed above are required to pay tuition fees. See Fees&Finance

As a new student at EHS, you automatically become a member of SEHS – the Student Union at Enskilda Högskolan Stockholm. Membership is free. If you want to leave the union, you can write an email to sehs@ehs.se and we will cancel your membership. Read more about the student union’s work: Membership in the Student Union.

Career prospects

Those who successfully complete the course are qualified to work in ecumenical relations and foreign affairs for Christian non-governmental organizations and other international organizations. The program also provides the foundation for research at the doctoral level.

Structure of the program

YEAR 1

Fall

  • History of the Ecumenical Movement and WCC 7,5
    5IR410 / 5IR420 on-line
  • Evolution of the Church, 7,5 5IR413 / 5IR423 online
  • Interorthodox Relations and Ecumenism, 7,5 5IR411 / 5IR421 online
  • Public Ecclesiology and International Relations, 7,5 5IR416 / 5IR426 online

Spring

  • Church Polity: Primacy, Authority and Decision Making, 7,5 5IR412 / 5IR422 online
  • Religion and Public Diplomacy 7,5 5IR415 / 5IR425 online
  • Elective course 7,5 x 2

YEAR 2

Fall

  • Conflict and Cooperation: Ecumenism as Vision and Praxis, 15 5IR510 / 5IR520 online
  • Thesis Preparation, 15 5OT550 / 5OT560 online

Spring

  • MTh Thesis, 30 5OT551