The Department of Diaconal Studies, Church Music and Theology offers courses in theology and diaconal studies.
The diaconal education is a one year formation programme commissioned by the Swedish Church. The studies extend over two terms and qualify participants to be permanent deacons in the Church of Sweden. Eligibility requires a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Social Work (or equivalent). The diaconal formation programme provides three layers of training for ordinands. One layer consists of the usual academic disciplines of Biblical Studies, Doctrine, Church History, Ethics, Pastoral Practice, Worship, Communication, and so on. A second layer is the integration of the students professional skills in Nursing and Social Work with the role of the ordained deacon. The third layer consists of a continuous pastoral experience through engagement with the parish life of Ersta and Stora Sköndal throughout the year.
The theological programme consists of The Basic Course in Theology (60 ECTS credits) which qualifies the students to a number of further theological courses (of 15 credits respectively) on a higher academic level. The courses qualify for a University degree in theology.
All programmes benefit from the quality of staff research and scholarship. Research studies are pursued in Psychology of Religion, Biblical Studies, Church History, Faith and Ideologies, Health Care Ethics, and Philosophy of Religion. An important aim is to develop Diacony as a research subject. The Department also benefits from the diversity of research competence at the Ersta Sköndal University College. Many external contacts are provided by commissioned education.
Church Music
Ersta Sköndal University College offers Sweden’s sole education leading to a University Degree in Church Music. The study programme, covering two years, is conducted under the supervision of the Educational Board of the Church of Sweden and the Swedish Government.
The main subject is church music, including among other things liturgical organ playing, choral and ensemble conducting and liturgical and biblical science. Other subjects, to mention some, are singing and piano playing.
The training obtained by the music students through participating in the local church services at Stora Sköndal are often found very inspiring.
The job of a church musician is an exciting profession in music with the church as a base. A natural part of the job therefore is organ playing, but also conducting choirs and perhaps teaching organ or piano playing. The work is independent with own responsibilities and much room for the musician's own musical initiatives. In many places, the church has been the centre of an active music life thanks to devoted church musicians. The forecasts are promising for the cantor profession within the Church of Sweden. Church musicians will be an important occupational group in the future and the Ersta Sköndal University College education offers a very good start in this stimulating profession.
