The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
Research and education
The Research Institute of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland carries out and coordinates research on religious life, church matters and various trends in contemporary society. Theological research is also conducted in Helsinki University, Åbo Akademi (swedish-speaking) and Joensuu University.
Education
There are about 1,600 students pursuing the basic degree in theology and 400 postgraduate students. Besides the University of Helsinki, there are only two institutions of higher education in Finland where theology can be studied: the Swedish-speaking Faculty of Theology at Åbo Akademi University in Turku, and the Faculty of Theology at the University of Joensuu in Eastern Finland.
The faculties are not attached to any religious denomination, but many of the graduates enter the service of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Finland. Some become teachers in comprehensive or upper secondary schools, others find employment in research work, the media, or other sectors of society.
Diaconia University of Applied Sciences (Diak) offers degree programmes of education and training in diaconia, media studies, nursing, sign language interpretation, social services and youth work. Diak values are based on Christianity.
Diak has about 3,000 students. Approximately 40 % of the students choose to take courses that give them dual qualifications in the fields of social work, youth work, diaconal or youth work in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Many Diak Units offer educational programmes taught in English.
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