Master of Science in Religious Studies with Three Profiles: 1. Interfaith Dialogue; 2. Religious Education; and 3. Religious Leadership

This program offers education for students interested in building their professional careers in both the public and private sectors within the field of Humanities, including human rights, diplomacy, justice, interfaith dialogue, and social sciences such as sociology, philosophy, psychology, anthropology, etc. The program lasts for two years and is designed to provide students with an intellectual horizon by presenting a variety of conceptual frameworks and perspectives in the Humanities.

The interdisciplinary Master in Interfaith Dialogue provides students with the opportunity to reflect on the role of religion in peace and conflict in society. This master’s program aims to enhance students' cultural, political, and religious awareness, raising their consciousness about the importance of living in harmony with people who have different religious or political worldviews. Interfaith dialogue is seen as a tool that can contribute to removing misunderstandings and accepting differences, with the goal of creating an environment where harmony and peaceful coexistence prevail in society.

Mission

The mission of the Master of Science in Religious Studies program is to develop individuals who embody the qualities and skills of reading and interpreting fundamental sources in the Humanities, who closely follow the needs and progression of information in this field, are inquisitive, active, collaborative, integrated into society, and possess ethical, aesthetic, cultural, and professional qualities.

Students in this program are active and willing to collaborate, are integrated into society and socialized properly, possess universal values, and represent their profession in the most appropriate manner concerning Albanian and European culture and tradition, in alignment with the developments of the 21st century.

Vision

The Master of Science in Religious Studies program aims to assist students in acquiring skills to read and evaluate both classical and contemporary Humanities resources; educating students in such a way that they acquire deep knowledge regarding aspects of interfaith and intercultural dialogue in harmony with the Humanities field, as well as preparing and shaping them through the integration of tradition, culture, and contemporary reality.

Program Type, Duration, Credits, etc.

The Master of Science in Religious Studies is a full-time program with a duration of 2 academic years/4 semesters. Students must complete 120 ECTS credits to graduate. The program is offered in English. Upon completion, students will receive a “Master of Science” degree in “Religious Studies” with one of the three profiles: 1. Interfaith Dialogue; 2. Religious Education; or 3. Religious Leadership.

Opportunities

For students aiming to build their professional and academic careers in the field of Humanities, the Master of Science in Religious Studies with three profiles offers:

1. Preparation of qualified specialists in Humanities who can serve as personnel in various state institutions, non-governmental organizations promoting interfaith dialogue, educational and cultural institutions in Albania and around the world.

2. Graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Sciences and continuing studies at the second and third cycles not only in Islamic Sciences but also in other Humanities and Social Sciences fields, such as history, psychology, sociology, philosophy, etc., both domestically and abroad, provides graduates with employment opportunities in other public and private institutions in Albania, the region, and globally.

3. Opportunities to undertake professional internships, exchange programs, organize extracurricular activities by students, student conferences, and study opportunities through “Erasmus +” programs.

4. Providing students with knowledge, skills, and experience in various directions of the Islamic Sciences discipline intertwined with social sciences and disciplines such as sociology, philosophy, psychology of religion, pedagogy, etc.

5. Opportunities to participate in advanced studies or undertake professional internships both domestically and abroad.

6. Training specialists in intercultural and interfaith relations in government institutions and various national and international NGOs.

7. The program offers the potential to become a national, regional, and international center for Religious Studies and Interfaith Dialogue.

8. The possibility to participate in various national and international projects primarily in the field of Humanities, Islamic Studies, Interfaith Dialogue, Religious Studies, social projects, countering radicalization and violent extremism, etc.

Strengths

1. The Master of Science in Religious Studies program is the only program offering studies in Interfaith Dialogue in Albania. As such, it enables students to gain training that encompasses the qualities and skills of reading and interpreting fundamental Humanities resources, religious studies, and interfaith dialogue.

2. The need to graduate in this field through a specialized program such as Religious Studies in Albania, the region, and the West, which not only focuses on the academic aspect but also on preserving the Albanian tradition of interfaith harmony as a model for Europe and the world.

3. High mobility opportunities for students, provided by the department for professional internships and training both within and outside the country at various educational, cultural, and academic institutions, offer them valuable experiences for their careers.

4. The department's contribution to maintaining interfaith harmony and coexistence in Albania and beyond through periodic and ongoing organization of panels, seminars, symposia, and national and international conferences on interfaith dialogue in collaboration with universities and various academic and non-academic institutions.

5. The Master of Science in Religious Studies program aligns with and best serves the national strategy for combating radicalization and violent extremism.

6. Integration of teaching with scientific research, encouraging students to organize and participate in scientific student activities.

Admission Criteria

Students for the Master of Science in Religious Studies program offered by the Department of Islamic Sciences are admitted based on three main criteria, each with a specified percentage:

1. Average of first-cycle studies, 70%.

2. Interview by the scientific committee of the respective department, 30%.

3. Completion of the requirement of proficiency in one of five foreign languages at B1 level, according to the guidelines of Instruction No. 52, dated 3.12.2015.

Curriculum / Program Structure

The Master of Science in Religious Studies program, offered by the Department of Islamic Sciences, aims to prepare professionals for implementing the latest theories in Islamic Sciences integrated with Social Sciences.

The curriculum, organization of modules by subjects, and formative activities for the Master of Science in Religious Studies program are presented in the tables below: