Welcome to the Department of Social Theology and Religious Studies, School of Theology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA).

Profile and Mission

The Department of Social Theology and Religious Studies is a modern, interdisciplinary academic environment dedicated to the study of Theology and Religion and to their relationship with the human person, society and culture.

Its distinctive academic profile brings Social Theology into dialogue with Religious Studies. The Christian theological tradition is studied through biblical, patristic, historical, dogmatic, canonical, liturgical and ethical fields, while religion is also approached as a historical, social and cultural phenomenon. This perspective is enriched through engagement with the social sciences and humanities and through the study of religious and cultural diversity and interreligious dialogue.

The Department’s mission is to provide comprehensive and contemporary university education in Theology and Religious Studies, while fostering critical thinking, research competence and scholarly independence. Graduates are equipped to address complex religious, social and cultural questions on a sound academic basis and to apply their knowledge and skills creatively in education, research, culture and society.

This mission is further supported by an international outlook, quality assurance and student-centred learning, equality and accessibility, the use of contemporary technologies, and a commitment to academic freedom, integrity and social responsibility.

A Brief History

The School of Theology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is directly linked to the foundation of the University itself. In 1837 it was one of the four original Schools of the newly established University of Athens, alongside Law, Medicine and Philosophy. Since then, it has maintained continuous teaching and research activity and has contributed substantially to the development of theological scholarship.

Within this historic academic setting, the present Department of Social Theology and Religious Studies has evolved in response to scientific, social and educational change, progressively broadening the scope of its teaching and research.

A major milestone in its modern development was its renaming, from the academic year 2018–2019, from the “Department of Social Theology” to the “Department of Social Theology and Religious Studies”. The change reflected the broadening of its academic profile and the strengthening of the systematic study of religions and religious pluralism alongside theological scholarship.

This development has been accompanied by curriculum renewal, greater interdisciplinarity and the expansion of academic and international cooperation. Today, the Department continues to develop its educational and research work by combining respect for the historical heritage of the School of Theology with the needs of contemporary scholarship and society.