Religion is powerful and plays an influential role in the present - a glance at the media is daily proof of this. How can religions mobilize people in modern societies? How do they legitimize state rule? How do they formulate criticism of the state and society? What do religions mean for economic development? How does the "market of religions" function? What challenges and opportunities are presented by religious diversity in modern societies and businesses? What role do religious morals and symbols play in the public sphere? How does religion interact with the media?

Questions like these characterize the intersections of religion, business and politics. The Joint Masters Degree Program in Religion - Economy - Politics is dedicated to their investigation. In order to analyze the interrelationships between religion, business and politics, the perspectives and specific expertise of religious studies, theology, political science and economics are brought together in a productive exchange, creating a deeper, more appropriate understanding of the role of religion in modern societies.

Requirements for admission to the Join Masters Degree Program in Religion - Economy - Politics is the successful completion of a Bachelors program in Religious Studies, Theology, Economics or Political Science. A degree from a related Bachelors program (e.g. Sociology, Social Sciences, Islamic Studies, etc.) which has at least 60 credits in one of the three areas Religion - Economy - Politics can be permissible, provided that certain conditions are fulfilled.

The course can be completed in four semesters, in which a total of 120 credit points must be earned in accordance with ECTS. For students studying part-time, the study duration can easily be extended. Enrolments are possible for each semester at any of the three universities under the conditions applicable there.

In the first semester, students must take an introductory module and at least two of the three basic modules on religion, economics or politics. Basic knowledge is acquired in those disciplines which have not yet been the subject of previous academic studies.

The second and third semesters are dedicated to five specialization modules:

• Religion and Economics: Individual, Markets, Social Order (Religious Economics)
• Religion and Politics: Political System, Political Culture, Civil Society (Political Science)
• Religion and Public Sphere: Media and Representation, Conflict and Cohesion, Education and Knowledge Transfer
• Global Society and Globalization
• Institutions, Associations, Religious Communities

Each university has its own scientific focus within the framework of the activities of the CREP: Business and Religion are represented by Basel, Politics and Religion by Lucerne and World Society and Globalization by Zurich.

Broadly diversified profiling makes it possible to pursue and deepen individual study and self-determined research interests.

In the third and fourth semesters, students write an interdisciplinary Masters thesis (guidelines for Masters thesis).

The structure of the program, which is only briefly presented here, is fully described in the guidelines and the study and examination regulations of the three locations.

The main language of instruction is German. However, students must also be able to read texts in English.

Currently about 50 students are enrolled, mainly from Switzerland and Germany, but also from other EU states and some non-European countries.

Graduates of the REP Masters program are able to analyze and evaluate the interrelationships between religion, economics and politics. They are thus equipped to take up and actively shape the challenges posed by a global economy, complex politics, and growing religious and cultural diversity. The acquired skills will enable them to work in business and science, international organizations, government institutions, the media, political parties, associations and religious organizations.

Registration- and late registration dates

Please note for matriculation the closing dates for registration, as well as the  closing dates for late registration (subject to charge):

Basel, Fall semester: 30. April / deadline for late registration: 31. Juli (150.-),
Informationen Basel

Luzern, Fall semester: 30. April / deadline for late registration: 31. August (150.-),
Informationen Luzern

Zürich, Fall semester: 30. April / deadline for late registration 31. Juli (400.-),
Informationen Zürich

Deadlines for submission of seminar papers

Please contact the lecturer of the relevant course.

Registration deadlines for the final phase

Please consult the relevant website pages of the faculty concerned:

Theological Faculty of the University of Basel

Theological Faculty of the University of Luzern

Cultural and Social Sciences Faculty of the University of Luzern

Theological Faculty of the University of Zürich

During your studies, you will have the opportunity to spend a mobility period at another university in Switzerland or abroad. You will find the deadlines and the registration procedure on the website of the university where you are enrolled.

For students of the Joint Masters Dergree Program in Religion - Economy - Politics, non-university internships during the period of study for this program can be credited as free program achievements after consultation with the head of the program. The head of the program decides what can be credited. A maximum of 15 credits can be awarded (with an internship duration of at least 3 months). A prerequisite for credits is an academic, written reflection on the internship work within the scope of a proseminar paper (maximum 15 pages).