Established in 1432 by papal bull, Louvain’s Faculty of Theology has long played a significant role in the development and dissemination of Catholic theological thought. Among the anciens lovanistes, names that stand out include Adrian of Utrecht (later Pope Hadrian VI, the last non-Italian pope before Pope John Paul II), Ruard Tapper, Michael Baius, Desiderius Erasmus, and Cornelius Jansenius. That Louvain theologians had a special role to play in the deliberations at the Second Vatican Council is internationally recognized. Louvain’s contribution to the Council included the return to Sacred Scripture, respect for other confessions, and openness to the world. One Louvain theologian, Monsignor Gerard Philips, was especially prominent in the deliberations that led to the formulation of the dogmatic constitution Lumen gentium and the pastoral constitution Gaudium et spes. True to the spirit of the Council, the years following Vatican II witnessed an attempt by the university’s theologians to enter even more vigorously into dialogue with scientists, artists, and all others who apply themselves to the study of the human condition, in the hope of developing a theological language both faithful to tradition and in touch with the mentality and situation of modern times.

The Faculty of Theology is proud of its excellent library facilities, according to some the best in the world. The “Maurits Sabbe” Library came into being through the combination of theological libraries originally scattered throughout the greater Leuven area. Through continued acquisition, the library has increased to the size of 1.2 million volumes, making it possibly the largest theological library in the world.

Theology Programs

Theological formation is organized in three stages or cycles:

The first cycle, leading to the degree of Sacrae Theologiae Baccalaureus (STB), provides a basic formation in theology and also serves as an introduction to later personal study. A wide range of courses is taught in the major fields of theology: biblical exegesis, dogmatic theology, moral theology, history of the Church and theology, and pastoral theology. A synthesis of the major questions in each of these fields is given in such a way that the students are also introduced to the method of theological investigation. In addition to these core courses, courses are also given in the biblical languages, spirituality, religious studies, and canon law.

The second cycle, leading to the degree of Sacrae Theologiae Licentiatus (STL), offers an extensive number of core courses in which special questions in the major fields of theology are discussed. This program attempts to combine a broad theological formation on the research level with extensive specialization in one area, through the choice of optional courses in the student’s own field and in the writing of a licentiate thesis. The thesis is an important step in individual theological research.

The third cycle, which leads to the degree of Sacrae Theologiae Doctor (STD), is mainly devoted to the preparation of the doctoral dissertation, which should form a personal contribution to research in one of the major fields of theology.

In order to provide theological training in such a way as to be more flexible and adaptable to the different expectations of students coming from countries all over the world, the Faculty also grants BA, MA, and PhD degrees. The courses are chosen from the equivalent cycles of the Theology Programs. The civil degrees are conferred upon students of the ecclesiastical degree programs without additional course work.

For a full listing of the current curriculum, please click here.