Master 2 Concentration: Biblical Studies

YEAR 2 OF THE MASTER’S IN THEOLOGY – CONCENTRATION: BIBLICAL STUDIES

The second year of the Master’s Degree in Theology (M2 – Master 2), with a concentration in Biblical Studies, offers advanced and specialized training designed for students who wish to deepen their understanding of the Scriptures in a rigorous academic framework. As its title indicates, this program focuses specifically on the scientific, historical, literary, and theological study of the Bible, enabling students to engage critically and methodically with biblical texts.

This year represents a decisive stage in the academic journey of theology students. It builds upon the foundational knowledge acquired during the first year (M1) and leads students toward a high level of scholarly competence. The program is structured to foster both intellectual autonomy and methodological precision. Students are encouraged not only to interpret biblical texts but also to situate them within their historical, linguistic, and cultural contexts.

A central objective of the program is to introduce students to a variety of hermeneutical approaches. These include historical-critical methods, literary analysis, narrative criticism, canonical approaches, and contemporary interpretative frameworks. By exploring these diverse methodologies, students gain the tools necessary to approach Scripture with both rigor and openness, understanding the complexity and richness of biblical traditions.

In addition to methodological training, the program places strong emphasis on the in-depth study of specific books or corpora within the Bible. Students engage closely with selected texts from both the Old and New Testaments, analyzing their structure, themes, theological significance, and reception history. This close reading is supported by the study of biblical languages—primarily Hebrew and Greek—as well as by an exploration of the historical and cultural environments in which these texts emerged. Such interdisciplinary grounding allows students to grasp the Bible not as an isolated document, but as a living corpus embedded in the ancient world.

A key component of the M2 year is the writing of a substantial research thesis. Under the supervision of a qualified professor, each student undertakes an original research project that reflects their academic interests and specialization. The thesis must demonstrate the student’s ability to formulate a clear research question, engage critically with existing scholarship, and develop a coherent and well-argued analysis. With a required length of approximately 350,000 characters (including spaces), the thesis represents a significant scholarly achievement.

The research process culminates in a formal defense before a jury. This defense is an essential moment in the student’s academic formation, as it provides an opportunity to present and discuss their work in a scholarly setting. It also serves as a preparation for future academic endeavors, particularly doctoral studies.

Successful completion of the Master’s degree in Theology – Concentration: Biblical Studies opens several pathways. Graduates are qualified to teach in academic or ecclesial contexts, depending on their background and professional orientation. Moreover, the program provides the necessary preparation for pursuing doctoral studies (PhD), both in theology and in related disciplines such as religious studies, history, or philosophy.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

The program is carefully structured to balance coursework and research, ensuring a comprehensive and progressive learning experience. It consists of two main components:

An Educational Component, which includes specialized courses and interactive online seminars. These courses are designed to deepen knowledge in specific areas of biblical studies while reinforcing methodological skills.
A Research Component, centered on the writing of a thesis under the supervision of a research director. This component allows students to apply their knowledge in an original and sustained research project.
The distribution of credits (ECTS) reflects this dual structure:

Courses and Assignments:
4 courses – 24 ECTS
These courses provide advanced instruction in key areas of biblical studies and require regular assignments and evaluations.
Online Seminar and Assignments:
1 seminar – 6 ECTS
The seminar complements the courses by fostering collaborative research and discussion among students.
Research (Thesis):
1 thesis – 30 ECTS
The thesis constitutes the core of the academic year and represents half of the total credits.
This balanced structure ensures that students develop both specialized knowledge and research skills, preparing them for advanced academic or professional work.

The list of courses available in the Master 2 program – Concentration: Biblical Studies is provided with detailed descriptions. Students are invited to choose their courses after completing their administrative registration. This choice is then reviewed and validated by the Board of Studies, ensuring coherence with the student’s academic profile and research objectives.

SEMINARS

The pedagogical approach of Domuni Universitas goes beyond individual reading and written assignments. A distinctive feature of the program is the integration of interactive online seminars, which play a central role in the academic experience of Master’s students.

These seminars are designed as true research workshops. They are conducted synchronously, meaning that all participants meet at scheduled times and engage in collective study. This format encourages active participation, intellectual exchange, and real-time dialogue between students and professors.

During the seminars, students are invited to present their research, discuss methodological questions, and critically engage with the work of others. This collaborative environment fosters a dynamic and stimulating academic culture, where knowledge is constructed through dialogue rather than transmitted unilaterally.

The seminars are led by experienced professors who guide the discussions and ensure their academic rigor. They also provide personalized feedback, helping students refine their research questions and methodologies.

Importantly, the work carried out in these seminars may lead to publication opportunities. Selected contributions can be published in Telos, the university’s academic journal. This possibility offers students an introduction to scholarly publishing and enhances their academic profile.

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE

Assessment in the Master 2 program is designed to evaluate both the acquisition of knowledge and the development of analytical and writing skills.

Each course is assessed through two main components:

A 10-question quiz, which tests the student’s understanding of key concepts, texts, and methodologies.
A long research paper (10–15 pages), which allows the student to explore a specific topic in depth, demonstrating their ability to analyze sources, construct arguments, and engage with scholarly literature.
These assessments ensure a balanced evaluation of both factual knowledge and critical thinking.

At the end of the academic year, the thesis defense constitutes the final and most significant assessment. This oral examination, conducted before a jury, evaluates the quality of the research, the coherence of the argument, and the student’s ability to present and defend their work.

FLEXIBILITY

One of the strengths of the Domuni Universitas program is its high degree of flexibility, which is particularly well suited to students with professional or personal commitments.

Students have the possibility to spread one academic year over two calendar years. This allows them to adapt their pace of study to their individual circumstances without compromising the quality of their learning experience. Importantly, this extension does not require re-enrollment or additional tuition fees.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, assessments—including thesis defenses—can be conducted via videoconferencing. This innovation has proven to be both efficient and beneficial. The thesis defense, which lasts approximately one hour, is recorded and conducted in front of a jury, ensuring the same level of academic rigor as in-person examinations.

This approach offers several advantages: it reduces the need for travel, thereby saving time and financial resources; it contributes to environmental sustainability by limiting carbon emissions; and it ensures continuity of academic activities in situations where physical presence is not possible.

ACCESS AND ENROLLMENT

Another notable feature of the program is the flexibility of enrollment. Registration is open throughout the year, allowing students to begin their studies at a time that suits them.

Once the registration process is completed, students receive a personal access code to the Domuni online learning platform, known as MyDomuni. This platform provides access to all course materials, assignments, and communication tools. Students can therefore begin their studies immediately, without having to wait for a fixed academic calendar.

As mentioned above, the possibility of extending the academic year over two calendar years provides additional flexibility. This system is particularly advantageous for international students and for those balancing studies with professional or family responsibilities.

In summary, the second year of the Master’s in Theology – Concentration: Biblical Studies at Domuni Universitas offers a rigorous, flexible, and research-oriented program. It combines academic excellence with innovative pedagogy, preparing students for advanced scholarly work and for meaningful engagement with the biblical tradition in contemporary contexts.

Choose 4 courses and 1 research seminar from below - to be approved by the Director of Studies