Theological School of Mission and Leadership

Equipping leaders to bring the Gospel from Norway to nations.

📍 Stavanger, Norway 🇳🇴

Quick Facts about Theological School of Mission and Leadership

  • Type: Private
  • Students: 350
  • Campus: Urban
  • Language: English, Norwegian
  • Intakes: Fall, Spring

About Theological School of Mission and Leadership

The Theological School of Mission and Leadership (MHS) in Stavanger, Norway, is a specialized university with a rich history dating back to 1843, making it the third oldest institution of higher education in Norway. MHS is dedicated to high-quality education and research with a global perspective on the church's mission and religious and cultural encounters. It emphasizes academic rigor, practical mission training, and spiritual development.

Academics

MHS offers a broad range of study programs in theology, religion, culture, and social studies, including Bachelor's, Master's, M.Phil, and PhD degrees. The curriculum integrates academic excellence with practical ministry training, preparing graduates for roles in ministry, missions, and leadership. Notable programs include a Master of Global Studies and PhD programs, both taught in English. The faculty conducts extensive research related to the missional calling of the church and religious and cultural encounters.

International Students

MHS has a significant international student body, often with students from 15-20 countries. All Master's and PhD programs are taught in English, making them accessible to a global audience. While specific support services are not detailed, the institution fosters a close-knit community that encourages meaningful dialogue and spiritual formation. International students should be aware of specific visa and residence permit requirements for studying in Norway.

Campus & Location

MHS is located in Stavanger, Norway. In 2016, the School of Mission and Theology merged with several other institutions to become VID Specialized University, which has campuses in Bergen, Oslo, Sandnes, and Stavanger. Stavanger is a vibrant city, offering a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty. While specific campus features and transportation details for the Stavanger campus are not explicitly provided, the city itself is known for its picturesque surroundings and cultural attractions.

Career Outcomes

Graduates from MHS are well-equipped for future roles in ministry, missions, and leadership, often serving in diverse international and domestic contexts. The institution's strategic partnerships with churches and mission organizations provide valuable internship and fieldwork opportunities, enhancing career prospects. Career growth in theological fields can include advancing to leadership roles within religious organizations, academia, or non-profit sectors.

Information for International Students at Theological School of Mission and Leadership

Theological School of Mission and Leadership in Stavanger, Norway welcomes international students.

  • Visa support available
  • No on-campus work
  • Student housing available
  • Work placement / internship opportunities available
  • Teaching languages: English, Norwegian

Admissions Requirements for Theological School of Mission and Leadership

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Theological School of Mission and Leadership:

  • IELTS minimum: 5
  • TOEFL minimum: 60
  • Application deadline: March 1, 2026 (for non-EU/EEA students); April 15, 2026 (for EU/EEA and Norwegian residents)

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Programs at Theological School of Mission and Leadership (30 programs)

Theological School of Mission and Leadership offers 30 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (12)

  • Bachelor in Diaconal Studies (BA) — 36 months · Norwegian
    A program focused on social justice, community service, and compassionate care from a theological perspective, preparing students for diaconal ministry.
    Field: Diaconal Studies
    Career outcomes: Deacon, Social Worker (Faith-based), Community Organizer, Care Coordinator
  • Bachelor in Theology (BA) — 36 months · Norwegian
    This program provides a comprehensive foundation in Christian theology, biblical studies, and church history, preparing students for ministry or further academic pursuits.
    Field: Theology
    Career outcomes: Pastor, Youth Worker, Missionary, Religious Educator
  • Bachelor in Christian Education (BA) — 36 months · Norwegian
    This program focuses on the principles and methods of Christian education, preparing students to teach and lead in church, school, and community settings.
    Field: Christian Education
    Career outcomes: Religious Educator, Sunday School Director, Youth Leader, Camp Director
  • Bachelor in Practical Theology (BA) — 36 months · Norwegian
    This program integrates theological knowledge with practical skills for ministry, focusing on areas like pastoral care, evangelism, and church leadership.
    Field: Practical Theology
    Career outcomes: Pastor, Youth Pastor, Community Worker, Chaplain Assistant
  • Bachelor in Diaconal Studies (BA) — 36 months · Norwegian
    A program focused on social justice, community service, and compassionate care from a theological perspective, preparing students for diaconal ministry.
    Field: Diaconal Studies
    Career outcomes: Deacon, Social Worker (Faith-based), Community Organizer, Care Coordinator
  • Bachelor in Theology (BA) — 36 months · Norwegian
    This program provides a comprehensive foundation in Christian theology, biblical studies, and church history, preparing students for ministry or further academic pursuits.
    Field: Theology
    Career outcomes: Pastor, Youth Worker, Missionary, Religious Educator
  • Bachelor in Christian Education (BA) — 36 months · Norwegian
    This program focuses on the principles and methods of Christian education, preparing students to teach and lead in church, school, and community settings.
    Field: Christian Education
    Career outcomes: Religious Educator, Sunday School Director, Youth Leader, Camp Director
  • Bachelor in Practical Theology (BA) — 36 months · Norwegian
    This program integrates theological knowledge with practical skills for ministry, focusing on areas like pastoral care, evangelism, and church leadership.
    Field: Practical Theology
    Career outcomes: Pastor, Youth Pastor, Community Worker, Chaplain Assistant
  • Bachelor in Diaconal Studies (BA) — 36 months · Norwegian
    A program focused on social justice, community service, and compassionate care from a theological perspective, preparing students for diaconal ministry.
    Field: Diaconal Studies
    Career outcomes: Deacon, Social Worker (Faith-based), Community Organizer, Care Coordinator
  • Bachelor in Theology (BA) — 36 months · Norwegian
    This program provides a comprehensive foundation in Christian theology, biblical studies, and church history, preparing students for ministry or further academic pursuits.
    Field: Theology
    Career outcomes: Pastor, Youth Worker, Missionary, Religious Educator
  • Bachelor in Christian Education (BA) — 36 months · Norwegian
    This program focuses on the principles and methods of Christian education, preparing students to teach and lead in church, school, and community settings.
    Field: Christian Education
    Career outcomes: Religious Educator, Sunday School Director, Youth Leader, Camp Director
  • Bachelor in Practical Theology (BA) — 36 months · Norwegian
    This program integrates theological knowledge with practical skills for ministry, focusing on areas like pastoral care, evangelism, and church leadership.
    Field: Practical Theology
    Career outcomes: Pastor, Youth Pastor, Community Worker, Chaplain Assistant

Master Programs (12)

  • Master in Mission Studies (MA) — 24 months · English
    An interdisciplinary program exploring the theory and practice of Christian mission in diverse cultural contexts, preparing students for cross-cultural ministry and global engagement.
    Field: Mission Studies
    Career outcomes: Missionary, International Aid Worker, Cross-cultural Trainer, Mission Coordinator
  • Master in Theology (MA) — 24 months · Norwegian
    An advanced program focusing on in-depth theological research, critical analysis of religious texts, and contemporary theological issues, suitable for those seeking leadership roles in church or academia.
    Field: Theology
    Career outcomes: Theologian, Researcher, Chaplain, Denominational Leader
  • Master in Leadership and Management in Church and Society (MA) — 24 months · Norwegian
    This program develops leadership and management skills specifically tailored for ecclesiastical and non-profit organizations, addressing contemporary challenges in faith-based contexts.
    Field: Leadership and Management
    Career outcomes: Church Administrator, Organizational Leader, Project Manager (Faith-based), Consultant
  • Master in Biblical Studies (MA) — 24 months · English
    This program offers advanced study of the Old and New Testaments, including hermeneutics, exegesis, and the historical and cultural contexts of biblical texts.
    Field: Biblical Studies
    Career outcomes: Biblical Scholar, Theological Educator, Translator, Author
  • Master in Mission Studies (MA) — 24 months · English
    An interdisciplinary program exploring the theory and practice of Christian mission in diverse cultural contexts, preparing students for cross-cultural ministry and global engagement.
    Field: Mission Studies
    Career outcomes: Missionary, International Aid Worker, Cross-cultural Trainer, Mission Coordinator
  • Master in Theology (MA) — 24 months · Norwegian
    An advanced program focusing on in-depth theological research, critical analysis of religious texts, and contemporary theological issues, suitable for those seeking leadership roles in church or academia.
    Field: Theology
    Career outcomes: Theologian, Researcher, Chaplain, Denominational Leader
  • Master in Leadership and Management in Church and Society (MA) — 24 months · Norwegian
    This program develops leadership and management skills specifically tailored for ecclesiastical and non-profit organizations, addressing contemporary challenges in faith-based contexts.
    Field: Leadership and Management
    Career outcomes: Church Administrator, Organizational Leader, Project Manager (Faith-based), Consultant
  • Master in Biblical Studies (MA) — 24 months · English
    This program offers advanced study of the Old and New Testaments, including hermeneutics, exegesis, and the historical and cultural contexts of biblical texts.
    Field: Biblical Studies
    Career outcomes: Biblical Scholar, Theological Educator, Translator, Author
  • Master in Mission Studies (MA) — 24 months · English
    An interdisciplinary program exploring the theory and practice of Christian mission in diverse cultural contexts, preparing students for cross-cultural ministry and global engagement.
    Field: Mission Studies
    Career outcomes: Missionary, International Aid Worker, Cross-cultural Trainer, Mission Coordinator
  • Master in Theology (MA) — 24 months · Norwegian
    An advanced program focusing on in-depth theological research, critical analysis of religious texts, and contemporary theological issues, suitable for those seeking leadership roles in church or academia.
    Field: Theology
    Career outcomes: Theologian, Researcher, Chaplain, Denominational Leader
  • Master in Leadership and Management in Church and Society (MA) — 24 months · Norwegian
    This program develops leadership and management skills specifically tailored for ecclesiastical and non-profit organizations, addressing contemporary challenges in faith-based contexts.
    Field: Leadership and Management
    Career outcomes: Church Administrator, Organizational Leader, Project Manager (Faith-based), Consultant
  • Master in Biblical Studies (MA) — 24 months · English
    This program offers advanced study of the Old and New Testaments, including hermeneutics, exegesis, and the historical and cultural contexts of biblical texts.
    Field: Biblical Studies
    Career outcomes: Biblical Scholar, Theological Educator, Translator, Author

PhD Programs (6)

  • PhD in Theology (PhD) — 36 months · English
    This doctoral program is designed for highly motivated students to conduct original research in various theological disciplines, contributing new knowledge to the field.
    Field: Theology
    Career outcomes: University Professor, Senior Researcher, Theological Author, Academic Administrator
  • PhD in Mission Studies (PhD) — 36 months · English
    A research-intensive program for students to conduct original scholarly work in missiology, exploring global mission trends, intercultural theology, and the history of missions.
    Field: Mission Studies
    Career outcomes: University Professor, Mission Strategist, Researcher, International Development Consultant
  • PhD in Theology (PhD) — 36 months · English
    This doctoral program is designed for highly motivated students to conduct original research in various theological disciplines, contributing new knowledge to the field.
    Field: Theology
    Career outcomes: University Professor, Senior Researcher, Theological Author, Academic Administrator
  • PhD in Mission Studies (PhD) — 36 months · English
    A research-intensive program for students to conduct original scholarly work in missiology, exploring global mission trends, intercultural theology, and the history of missions.
    Field: Mission Studies
    Career outcomes: University Professor, Mission Strategist, Researcher, International Development Consultant
  • PhD in Theology (PhD) — 36 months · English
    This doctoral program is designed for highly motivated students to conduct original research in various theological disciplines, contributing new knowledge to the field.
    Field: Theology
    Career outcomes: University Professor, Senior Researcher, Theological Author, Academic Administrator
  • PhD in Mission Studies (PhD) — 36 months · English
    A research-intensive program for students to conduct original scholarly work in missiology, exploring global mission trends, intercultural theology, and the history of missions.
    Field: Mission Studies
    Career outcomes: University Professor, Mission Strategist, Researcher, International Development Consultant

Scholarships & Tuition at Theological School of Mission and Leadership

✅ Theological School of Mission and Leadership offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Campus & Facilities at Theological School of Mission and Leadership

  • Student housing available
  • No sports facilities
  • No disability support info
  • Campus type: Urban

Key Highlights

  • Accredited bachelor degrees in theology
  • Intercultural leadership and mission focus
  • Diverse international student community
  • Practical ministry training and internships
  • Strong focus on spiritual formation
  • Located in the city of Oslo

Accreditation

  • Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT)

Fields of Study at Theological School of Mission and Leadership

  • Theology
  • Leadership
  • Mission Studies
  • Intercultural Studies
  • Biblical Studies

Frequently Asked Questions about Theological School of Mission and Leadership

What is Theological School of Mission and Leadership?

Theological School of Mission and Leadership is a private university located in Stavanger, Norway. It has approximately 350 students.

What are the admission requirements for Theological School of Mission and Leadership?

IELTS minimum: 5. TOEFL minimum: 60. Application deadline: March 1, 2026 (for non-EU/EEA students); April 15, 2026 (for EU/EEA and Norwegian residents).

What language are courses taught in at Theological School of Mission and Leadership?

Courses at Theological School of Mission and Leadership are taught in English and Norwegian. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 5.

How many programs does Theological School of Mission and Leadership offer?

Theological School of Mission and Leadership offers 30 programs: 12 Bachelor's, 12 Master's, and 6 PhD programs across various fields of study.

Does Theological School of Mission and Leadership offer scholarships?

Yes, Theological School of Mission and Leadership offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.

Does Theological School of Mission and Leadership provide visa support?

Yes, Theological School of Mission and Leadership provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.

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