2026 FACULTY AT A GLANCE
Faculty of Theology and Religion
Fakulteit Teologie en Religie Lekala la Thutatumelo le Bodumedi
MAKE TODAY MATTER
The University of Pretoria (UP) is one of Africa’s leading research-intensive universities and the largest contact university in South Africa. We produce relevant, socially impactful research to find solutions for the world’s most pressing issues. We believe that in every moment lies the potential to make a positive impact on the future and, in doing so, change the world for the better.
We have a high quality of teaching and learning in the classroom, online and in communities. We have support in place for our students to graduate on time as well-rounded, responsible citizens - fully prepared for the world beyond university. Our degrees are locally accredited and internationally recognised. We have agreements in place with the relevant legal accreditation bodies around the world to ensure the recognition of our academic programmes.
Guided by a vision for global research leadership, our mission is to excel in our core functions of research, teaching and learning — integrating engagement with society and the communities we serve. The University uses the following elements as its navigational markers:
QUALITY RELEVANCE DIVERSITY SUSTAINABILITY
PROMOTING RESEARCH WITH REAL-WORLD IMPACT
UP’s research and collaborative efforts with its partners are key to transforming the lives of people by providing African solutions to global concerns. UP is rated among the top 1% of universities globally in 14 of the 22 Essential Science Indicator (ESI) fields. Our theme-based approach leverages knowledge fields and research platforms for the greatest impact. Transdisciplinary research projects with the potential to make a real-life difference are strongly encouraged.
FOSTERING EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING
Our educational approach has a strong focus on inclusivity and equitable access to education, but ultimately on equity of outcomes. Our committed academics have multiple approaches to teaching to ensure that students with a variety of learning strengths succeed. UP believes that a vibrant student experience encompasses more than successful grades. The University therefore offers a wide range of support services to foster resilient students. We believe our multi-layered support systems play a significant role in student success.
We produce graduates who understand the world of work and can make a valuable contribution to their communities. Our ready-for-work courses help our students to prepare for the workplace, and our entrepreneurship programmes foster the entrepreneurial spirit to encourage innovation.
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FACULTY OF THEOLOGY AND RELIGION
The Faculty’s teaching and research focuses on constructive, critical, relevant, contextual and engaging theologies. It offers a space for differing epistemologies, inter-religious dialogue and new technologies to facilitate engagement in the critical reading of texts from religious, historical and life experiences. Our mission is to nurture transformative leaders who serve academia, faith-communities and society by promoting justice, peace, integrity and diversity.
ACADEMIC OFFERING
Undergraduate degree programme
1
Undergraduate diploma programme
4
Postgraduate degree programmes
By exploring cultural and spiritual diversity and promoting universal values such as peace, love, tolerance, kindness, and social welfare, we strive to positively impact our world.
JOIN OUR WORLD-CLASS INSTITUTION
#76 GLOBALLY for theology, divinity and religious studies
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
#1 #14
GLOBALLY FOR RESEARCH IMPACT
58 600
citations produced from 6 780 theology papers by March 2025 placement rate for graduates
92%
At our Faculty, we embrace the UP Way. This means providing our students with exceptional teaching and comprehensive support systems to ensure timely graduation as creative and critical thinkers.
Our rankings and statistics demonstrate the Faculty’s academic excellence, research quality, and commitment to preparing students for successful careers in theology and related fields.
100%
Academic staff members with a doctorate
RESEARCH DISCIPLINES
Specialists in all six traditional theological disciplines
FACULTY RESEARCH PROFILE
23 11
NRF-rated researchers International partnerships and agreements
ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS
Old Testament and Hebrew Scriptures New Testament and Related Literature
Religion Studies Practical Theology and Mission Studies
Systematic and Historical Theology
CENTRE FOR FAITH AND COMMUNITY
Through the Centre for Faith and Community, the Faculty is at the forefront of engagement between the academy and the local community. All the programmes of the Centre attempt to provide life-long and continued educational opportunities to people actively involved in community transformation.
O UP CRPLSA [ ]
The Oxford (UP) Centre for Religion, Public Life and Security in Africa (OCRPSA) is a significant role player to support and advance academic research and to contribute to knowledge about the impact of religion in all areas of society, particularly public life and security, and to train leaders to engage with public life issues from a theological perspective. Although the main focus of the Centre is vested in research on and within the context of Africa, the involvement of the global society and how it influences the continent of Africa is included.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
UNIT FOR SOCIAL COHESION AND RECONCILIATION VILLAGE OF SUPPORT URBAN STUDIO
Focus on early childhood development, street homelessness and religion’s role in sustainable development, among others.
