STUDY OPTIONS
The Institute of Theology of the EELC offers following study options:
1) professional higher education or Master’s degree studies in the Faculty of Theology;
2) studies in the Pastoral Seminary if you have the desire and sense the call to serve in ministry as priest or deacon;
3) further studies in Church Music courses if you are a musician and seek to develop your church music skills;
4) continuing education courses if you have a theology-related job and wish to make yourself better equipped for your career, or are interested in matters of religion.
Faculty of Theology
Professional Higher Education in Theology
(The qualification awarded: professional higher education. In addition to the major studies it is possible to take a minor in Pastoral Counselling.
The purpose of professional higher education is to give foundational knowledge in different areas of academic theology, which also is one of the requirements for becoming an ordained minister, and to provide competencies for lay ministry or for being employed in areas which require foundational theological knowledge.
The study period is tree years (180 ECTS). The four-day study sessions are held once a month from Wednesday to Saturday, ten to eleven study sessions per study year, in Tallinn at Pühavaimu St. 6, or for theology students minoring in Pastoral Counselling also in Tartu Academy of Theology.
Master of Arts Program in Theology
(The degree awarded: MA in Theology)
The purpose of master’s studies is to provide in-depth specialised theological education and competencies for working in professions which require higher theological education. The Master’s degree is also one of the admissions requirements for the Pastoral Seminary and a prerequisite for doctoral studies.
General theological studies are followed by theological studies in a specialised minor program.
The study period is two years and is divided into study sessions.
MA Program in Studies in Christian Culture
(The degree awarded: MA in Theology (Studies in Christian Culture)).
The purpose of the master’s studies in Christian Culture is to give a broad academic overview of European and Estonian Christian culture and its formation, the role of Christianity in the formation of European identity and the influence of both Christian and other religious understandings on Western history and philosophy.
The studies provide competencies for working in professions which require the knowledge of Christian culture (media, education, cultural establishments etc.). Completion of the program opens up the possibility to enter doctoral studies.
The study period is two years and is divided into study sessions.
Pastoral Seminary
Priestly Training
The Pastoral Seminary provides professional training for the future ministry of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church.
The candidates study practical theology subjects such as homiletics and liturgics, religious education, poimenics, mission, Christian social work, ecumenism, cybernetics, and professional ethics for ordained ministry.
Study forms include individual learning, introductory lectures, internship, reflections and study days. The individual study is led by the head of Seminary, as are the reflections and study days. Introductory lectures are conducted by subject specialists and the internship is led by a supervisor appointed from among ordained ministers in our Church.
In addition to this, the candidates explore in depth the main confessional writings of the Lutheran Church, such as The Augsburg Confession, reflecting on its meaning in contemporary context. The students also attend liturgical singing and rhetoric lessons.
The main emphasis of the Pastoral Seminary study year is on the spiritual growth (praxis pietatis) through regular communal prayer and worship life of the Seminary, Bible study, spiritual counselling and pastoral care. Corporate and personal spiritual growth are of crucial importance for the candidate’s formation process and future ministry as a priest.
For entering priestly training, the candidate has to pass the pro venia concionandi examination that gives the right to proclaim the Word of God in the EELC. At the end of the studies the candidate will have to pass the pro ministerio concionandi examination, the prerequisite for the ordination to the priesthood in the EELC. The admission of new priest candidates is announced by the Consistory of the EELC. The duration of studies is one year.
Diaconal Training
Completion of the diaconal training is one of the prerequisites for being called to the diaconal examination and later ministry as a deacon in the EELC. Classroom work in the Seminary is integrated with internship in a local congregation or other place of church ministry.
Diaconal training courses are held at least once per study year.
Continuous Education Department
Continuous Education Courses
The Continuous Education Department of the Institute of Theology of the EELC in collaboration with other Institute departments organises several continuous education courses.
Church Music Department
Level D Course in Church Music
An all-encompassing continuing education course for church musicians.
Duration of studies is two years. Completion of the course opens up the possibility to apply for the professional Category D Certificate in Church Music.
Level C Course in Church Music
A continuous education course for church musicians.
The prerequisite is the completion of the D-Course.
Duration of studies is two years. Completion of the course opens up the possibility to apply for the professional Category C Certificate in Church Music.
Preliminary Course in Church Music
The Preliminary Course in Church Music is designed for those who need additional preparation for being accepted to the Church Music Course D. Duration of the course is one year.