Scienze religiose

/ Overview

The Undergraduate Degree Programme in Scienze religiose (Religious Studies) offers a broad and interdisciplinary education that brings together theology, Sacred Scripture, philosophy, Church history and the study of religions, providing students with the knowledge and critical tools needed to understand Christianity and interpret contemporary society.

Set within the academic environment of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and drawing on the long-established tradition of theological studies at the Brescia campus, the programme is distinguished by its academic rigour and interdisciplinary approach.

The organisation of teaching is designed to accommodate both study and professional commitments. Classes are held on Tuesdays (5.20 p.m. to 8.30 p.m., online), Thursdays (5.20 p.m. to 8.30 p.m., on campus) and Saturdays (8.30 a.m. to 1.20 p.m., on campus). The programme takes place at the Mompiano Campus, a welcoming and well-equipped environment that encourages active participation in university life.

Classes typically comprise around twenty students, creating an interactive learning environment and fostering close, ongoing engagement with academic staff within a diverse community of young people, adult learners and professionals pursuing a range of educational and personal goals.

The degree also provides access to the subsequent two-year Licentiate programme, which is required to complete the qualifications needed for the teaching of Catholic Religion in schools. At the same time, it equips students with knowledge and skills that can be applied in pastoral settings and within ecclesial communities.

The programme is equally suited to those who wish to deepen their understanding of Christianity through a structured academic course of study, without necessarily pursuing an immediate professional objective.

Download the ISSR leaflet

Why choose Scienze religiose at Università Cattolica?

The undergraduate degree programme in Scienze religiose (Baccalaureato) offers rigorous and interdisciplinary training, aimed both at those who wish to build a professional path and at those who want to deepen their cultural preparation and understanding of Christianity.

Quality of academic training

Rigorous study of theological disciplines within the academic environment of Università Cattolica, characterised by scholarly excellence and an interdisciplinary perspective

Interdisciplinary approach

Integration of theology, Sacred Scripture, philosophy, Church history and the history of religions to explore and interpret the complexity of contemporary society

Cultural and personal growth

Tools to develop a critical understanding of Christianity and deepen the great questions related to human experience, the meaning of life and relationships

Organizational flexibility

Classes are scheduled in the evenings, with a blended-learning component, and on Saturday mornings, enabling students to balance study with professional and personal commitments. Recorded lectures are also available to support independent learning and revision

Participatory teaching

Small class sizes encourage discussion, active participation and close, ongoing engagement with academic staff

Perspective towards teaching

Possibility to continue in the two-year specialist course and complete the preparation necessary for teaching the Catholic religion

Opening to different profiles

Proposal suitable for young people, adults and professionals, with objectives related to training, personal growth or the development of new professional prospects

Tradition and scientific updating

Inclusion in a consolidated theological center, characterized by research activities and attention to the contemporary cultural debate

University experience and community

Welcoming environment on the Mompiano campus, which fosters relationships, exchange and participation in academic life

The programme allows students to combine academic preparation, personal growth and flexibility, offering a structured path to understand the Christian heritage and its relationship with the challenges of the contemporary world.

/ Study Plan

Choose your path

The Undergraduate Degree in Scienze religiose (Baccalaureato) is a three-year programme worth 180 ECTS credits.

The curriculum provides a progressive and interdisciplinary education that integrates theology, Sacred Scripture, philosophy, Church history and the history of religions. Through this broad academic foundation, students develop a structured understanding of Christianity and acquire the intellectual tools needed to interpret its historical, cultural, social and spiritual development.

First year

The first year introduces students to the principal sources, disciplines and conceptual foundations of theological and philosophical study. The curriculum focuses on:

Sacred Scripture: general introduction to the biblical texts and in-depth study of the Old Testament.
Fundamental and Dogmatic Theology: study of the foundations of Revelation and the Christian faith, with particular focus on God, Jesus Christ and Mary.
Moral Theology: introduction to the principles and foundations of moral reflection.
Church History: exploration of the origins of Christianity, the Church Fathers and the medieval period.
Philosophy: study of ancient and medieval thought as a foundation for understanding subsequent theological and cultural developments.

Second year

The second year broadens students’ theological and philosophical education through further study of the New Testament Scriptures and key themes in Christian life and ecumenical dialogue. Areas of study include:

Sacred Scripture: in-depth study of the Synoptic Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles.
Dogmatic Theology: exploration of topics relating to the Church and the sacraments.
Moral and Spiritual Theology: examination of ethical issues concerning physical, sexual and family life, together with the spiritual dimension of Christian experience.
Ecumenism: study of the historical development and theological foundations of dialogue among Christian denominations.
Philosophy and Church History: study of modern philosophy and the history of the Church in the modern era.

Third year

The third year completes the programme through the study of contemporary theological, philosophical and religious issues, with particular attention to their social and cultural implications. The curriculum includes:

Sacred Scripture: study of the writings of St Paul, St John and the other New Testament Epistles.
Dogmatic and Moral Theology: exploration of themes relating to the human person, life after death and the social doctrine of the Church.
Religions and Interreligious Dialogue: historical and theological study of world religions.
Canon Law and Liturgy: introduction to the foundations of canon law and liturgical theology.
Contemporary Thought: study of philosophical anthropology, contemporary philosophy and the history of the contemporary Church.
English Language and Final Examination: completion of language training and a final examination comprising both written and oral components.

The progression of studies makes it possible to build an organic preparation, from biblical sources and philosophical foundations to contemporary theological, social and cultural issues.

View the study plan

Teaching approach

The programme combines lectures, guided learning activities and opportunities for interdisciplinary discussion within a flexible structure designed to support both working students and those balancing study with other commitments.

Classes are held on Tuesdays (5.20 p.m. to 8.30 p.m., online), Thursdays (5.20 p.m. to 8.30 p.m., on campus) and Saturdays (8.30 a.m. to 1.20 p.m., on campus). Recorded lectures, available throughout the academic year, further support study and independent review.

The learning experience is enriched by conferences, thematic modules and Summer Schools dedicated to specific areas of interest, as well as meetings with academics and practitioners that encourage reflection on the relationship between theology, culture and contemporary education.

The programme also benefits from partnerships with educational and publishing organisations, including the La Scuola Publishing Group, which provides resources and materials of particular value to those interested in the teaching of Catholic Religion.

University life at the Mompiano Campus offers spaces, services and opportunities for participation that foster study, dialogue and meaningful engagement within the academic community.

Students may also attend individual modules to deepen their knowledge of specific areas of theological study without enrolling in the full degree programme.

The programme’s flexible structure and wide range of learning opportunities create an educational experience that encourages critical engagement, intellectual exploration and dialogue with the challenges of the contemporary world.

Teaching at a glance

Hours compatible with study and work

Online classes and recorded lectures available throughout the academic year

Seminars and interdisciplinary meetings

Summer school and continuing education

Collaborations with publishing and training companies

University life on the Mompiano campus

/ Admission

How to enrol

You can find here the information on admission, which varies according to your qualification (Italian or foreign) *

For the programme in Scienze religiose (Baccalaureato) 100 places are available.

Candidates with a qualification suitable for access to Università Cattolica can enrol as ordinary students.

Here are the main steps to follow:

01

See admission dates and procedures

For the current academic year (2026-27) it is no longer possible to enrol in this degree programme, as the available places are exhausted.

The admission procedures for the academic year 2027-28 will be published shortly.

02

Prepare the required documentation

Make sure you have all the necessary documents for the submission of the application.

In-depth analysis: Required documents

Passport photo - format: jpg, jpeg; Maximum size: 10MB

ID - ID card, passport, driver's license are accepted. Format: png, jpg, jpeg, tiff, pdf; Maximum size: 10MB

Tax code - format: png, jpg, jpeg, tiff, pdf; Maximum size: 10MB

Residence permit - if required. Format: png, jpg, jpeg, tiff, pdf; Maximum size: 10MB

Baptismal certificate or, if you do not have it, the replacement documentation on which you will have information later

03

Register or access the Enrolment Portal

Log in to the Università Cattolica Enrolment Portal with your credentials or register on the portal if you do not have an account yet; From there you can proceed with the choice of the course and the opening of the application.

04

Reserve your place

Pay the first instalment of university fees via the Enrolment Portal. It is possible to do so even before graduating.

05

Complete your enrolment

After graduation, complete enrolment. At this stage you will be asked for an accompanying letter from a priest, according to the model indicated

* The information provided is subject to the approval of the competent bodies and may be subject to change

Useful information

Some useful information to enrol and take your first steps at the University with peace of mind.

Candidates with disabilities or SLD

Students with disabilities or SLD can benefit from compensatory tools. All information can be found in the Services for Inclusion section of the university.

Discover the services for inclusion

Transfers, transfers, second degrees and career resumption

Candidates wishing to transfer to a programme within Università Cattolica, transfer from another university, enrol in a second degree or resume their university career must meet the Admission Requirements.

Go to the dedicated section

Notices

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/ Fees and funding

Tuition fees and financial support

Tuition fees and scholarships

Starting university often involves questions about fees, deadlines and the support available. Clear information about financial support and accommodation options helps students plan their studies with confidence, allowing them to focus on their academic progress and personal development.

Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, through EDUCatt, offers income- and merit-based scholarships and graduation awards, providing financial support to help students continue their studies.

Visit the dedicated section for information on tuition fees and other costs, use the online fee simulator, and find out about available financial support.

Find out more

Dedicated financial support for ISSR students

The Istituto Superiore di Scienze Religiose is committed to ensuring that the programme remains both accessible and financially sustainable. The annual tuition fee is set at €1,250 for all students and may be paid in four instalments.

In addition, 15 financial support awards of €400 each are available every year through a dedicated call for applications: 8 awards are reserved for first-year students, while 7 awards are allocated to students in the second and third years of the programme.

Student accommodation

Università Cattolica offers a range of housing options to support students throughout their studies.

On campus residences

Nine residences are located on or near Università Cattolica campuses. They offer an educational experience that goes beyond accommodation, with cultural activities, meetings and workshops that complement university study. Residence life also provides opportunities to be part of an active community, exchange ideas and share experiences.

Explore on-campus residences

Residences in the city

Residences located across the city are well connected to Università Cattolica campuses. They offer students greater independence in their day-to-day life, while providing comfortable accommodation and the flexibility to balance study, social life and personal time.

Explore city residences

/ International experiences

Study, internships and volunteering abroad

During your studies at Università Cattolica, you can gain international experience as part of your academic journey. Studying, doing an internship or volunteering abroad gives you the chance to experience new academic, professional and cultural environments, improve your language skills and develop an international perspective that can enrich your studies and support your future career.

Discover the opportunities to study, undertake an internship or volunteer abroad:

Semester abroad

Double degrees

Language courses and certifications

Summer programmes

Internships abroad

International volunteering

Thesis abroad

Short programmes

Virtual programmes

You can include an experience abroad as part of your studies. For programmes involving exams abroad, you can check in advance whether they can be recognised, following the guidance provided by your Faculty and discussing this with the relevant academic staff.

Find out more

/ Internships and careers

Internships and career opportunities

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the Scienze religiose (Baccalaureato), graduates will have acquired a solid grounding in theology, philosophy, history and culture, enabling them to engage critically with Christianity, interpret religious and social phenomena, and communicate complex ideas effectively in a variety of educational, pastoral and community settings.

Theological knowledge

A rigorous and critical understanding of the foundations of Revelation and the Christian faith through the study of Sacred Scripture and dogmatic, moral, liturgical and spiritual theology

Critical reading of reality

Analysis of cultural, religious and social phenomena and their anthropological and existential implications

Historical-philosophical preparation

An understanding of the development of Christian thought and its relationship with philosophy, Church history, culture and social change

Interdisciplinary approach

Integration of theological, philosophical and humanistic perspectives to understand the complexity of the contemporary world

Communication and relationship

Clear and conscious presentation of religious and cultural content, adapted to different interlocutors and contexts

Participation in ecclesial life

Cultural and relational tools to contribute in a qualified way to pastoral, educational and community activities

Critical and reflective thinking

Independent judgement in dealing with issues related to faith, human experience and relationships

Preparation for the educational field

Necessary bases to continue in the two-year specialist course and complete the training for the teaching of the Catholic religion

Integration of knowledge and experience

The link between theological reflection and the personal, cultural and social dimensions of human experience

The preparation acquired allows one to deal with religious, cultural and educational issues with awareness and constitutes a structured basis for the continuation of studies and commitment in ecclesial and community contexts.

Career prospects

The undergraduate degree programme in Scienze religiose provides a solid cultural and theological foundation for engagement in ecclesial, educational and cultural contexts.

The three-year degree does not in itself qualify graduates to teach Catholic Religion in schools. To obtain the qualification required for this profession, students must complete the subsequent two-year Licenza in Scienze religiose (Licentiate programme in Religious Studies).

Teaching of the Catholic religion

Continuation in the two-year specialist course to complete the required preparation and obtain the qualification necessary for access to the profession

Pastoral activities

Collaboration with parishes, oratories, associations and other ecclesial realities in the planning and implementation of pastoral and community initiatives

Educational and entertainment services

Participation in activities aimed at children, young people, families and communities promoted by religious bodies and third sector organizations

Cultural and educational projects

Collaboration in dissemination, training and in-depth initiatives on religious, ethical and cultural issues

The training acquired can also integrate and enrich already established professional profiles, particularly in the educational, social, cultural and community fields.

Continuing your studies

The Undergraduate Degree in Scienze religiose (Baccalaureato) provides a foundation for further academic development through the subsequent two-year Licentiate programme, as well as a range of opportunities for continuing education and specialised study in theological, educational and cultural fields.

Licentiate in Religious Studies (Licenza in Scienze religiose): the natural continuation of the undergraduate programme, completing the five-year cycle of studies and enabling students to deepen both their theological knowledge and their pedagogical and educational preparation.
Pathway to the Teaching of Catholic Religion: completion of the three-year Baccalaureate followed by the two-year Licentiate leads to the qualification required for teaching Catholic Religion in schools.
Continuing Professional Development: conferences, training modules and Summer Schools designed to update and broaden knowledge, with particular attention to educational, school and ecclesial contexts.
Specialised Areas of Study: opportunities to attend individual modules and participate in initiatives dedicated to specific theological and cultural themes.

Progression to further study enables graduates to consolidate their academic preparation, specialise in educational contexts and develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between theology, religion and other fields of knowledge.

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Choosing your programme

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