B.A. Christian Religious Studies

Colleges and Faculties > Independent Faculties > Faculty of Arts > Department of Religious Studies > B.A. Christian Religious Studies

If you are interested in understanding the foundations of the Christian faith, its history, teachings, and impact on society, the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Religious Studies offers a comprehensive and intellectually engaging pathway. The programme provides you with a deep understanding of biblical texts, Christian doctrine, ethics, and the role of religion in shaping culture, morality, and human behaviour.

You will explore how Christianity has influenced social development, governance, education, and community life throughout history. Your studies will help you develop strong analytical, interpretive, and communication skills that prepare you for careers in education, ministry, counselling, media, and social service. At OOU, Christian Religious Studies is not only about theological understanding but also about critical thinking, cultural awareness, and understanding the role of religion in addressing modern societal challenges. 

Course Overview

The B.A. Christian Religious Studies programme offers a detailed study of the Bible, Christian traditions, theology, and religious thought. You will analyse key themes in the Old and New Testaments, study the teachings of major Christian thinkers, and explore the interaction between religion, culture, and society. 

The programme integrates historical, ethical, literary, and theological approaches, helping you understand Christianity from multiple perspectives. You will examine topics such as biblical interpretation, church history, systematic theology, Christian ethics, African Christianity, and inter-religious relations.

Through lectures, seminars, fieldwork, and research, you will develop the ability to interpret religious texts, engage in moral reasoning, and evaluate the influence of religion on contemporary issues such as leadership, social justice, education, and peacebuilding.

Course Curriculum

The B.A. Christian Religious Studies curriculum follows the National Universities Commission (NUC) Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) and combines biblical scholarship with historical, cultural, and ethical studies.

You will start with foundational courses that introduce the study of religion and Christianity, including:

  1. Introduction to the Study of Religion
  2. Old Testament Studies I
  3. New Testament Studies I
  4. History of Christianity
  5. Communication in English
  6. The Nigerian Peoples and Culture

These courses help you understand the roots of religious traditions and build essential academic skills.

Your second year focuses on expanding your understanding of biblical interpretation and Christian history through courses such as:

  1. Old Testament Studies II
  2. New Testament Studies II
  3. African Traditional Religion
  4. Christian Ethics
  5. Biblical Hermeneutics
  6. Entrepreneurship and Digital Humanities

This level deepens your knowledge of Christian theology and the relationship between religion and culture.

At this stage, you will study more advanced theological and ethical concepts through courses such as:

  1. Systematic Theology
  2. Church History and Ecclesiology
  3. Philosophy of Religion
  4. Comparative Religion
  5. Research Methodology in the Arts
  6. Religion and Society

Your analytical and research skills will be strengthened as you engage with historical and contemporary issues in religious thought.

Your final year provides an opportunity to specialise through advanced courses such as:

  1. Contemporary Christian Thought
  2. Christian Leadership and Ministry
  3. Religion, Peace, and Conflict
  4. African Christianity and Mission Studies
  5. Research Project

The research project allows you to conduct an in-depth study of a specific topic in Christian Religious Studies, integrating theological insight with analytical research.

Entry Requirements

To be admitted into the B.A. Christian Religious Studies programme at Olabisi Onabanjo University, you must satisfy one of the following admission routes:

1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Programme)

  1. At least five credit passes in relevant subjects at the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or its equivalent, including English Language, Christian Religious Studies, and any other Arts or Social Science subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings.
  2. A satisfactory performance in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), with English Language and other relevant Arts subjects.
  3. A genuine interest in biblical studies, ethics, and the role of religion in society.

2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Programme)

  1. Five SSCE credit passes, two of which must be at the Advanced Level in relevant subjects.
  2. A National Diploma (ND), Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE), or University Diploma in Religious Studies, Theology, or related fields, with at least a merit or credit grade.
  3. Candidates with recognised certificates from seminaries or Bible colleges may also be considered, provided they meet the University’s standards.

All applicants must meet the general admission requirements of the University.

Why study at OOU?

Studying Christian Religious Studies at Olabisi Onabanjo University gives you an academically rich and spiritually meaningful experience. The programme blends intellectual exploration with practical understanding, preparing you to make positive contributions to society through faith-based insight and ethical leadership.

You will benefit from:

  1. A comprehensive curriculum covering biblical studies, Christian doctrine, ethics, African Christianity, and religious history.
  2. Experienced lecturers and theologians who provide academic guidance and real-world perspectives on religious practice.
  3. Exposure to contemporary issues in ethics, leadership, society, and interfaith relations.
  4. Training in critical thinking and communication, essential for teaching, ministry, counselling, and community engagement.
  5. Opportunities for fieldwork and community-based learning, enabling you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life challenges.
  6. A supportive learning environment that nurtures intellectual curiosity and moral development.

At OOU, you will gain a deeper understanding of Christian faith and its role in personal growth, social transformation, and peaceful coexistence.

Research Project

In your final year, you will undertake a research project that demonstrates your ability to analyse religious concepts, interpret biblical texts, and evaluate ethical or theological issues. This project enables you to explore themes that reflect your academic interest and spiritual insight.

Under the guidance of a qualified supervisor, you will:

  1. Select a research topic in biblical studies, theology, ethics, African Christianity, or religion and society.
  2. Conduct textual analysis, fieldwork, interviews, or historical research as appropriate.
  3. Engage with scholarly literature and theological debates.
  4. Present your findings in a clear, logical, and well-argued dissertation.

Your research project is the culmination of your academic journey and prepares you for professional roles or postgraduate studies in theology, religious studies, or related fields.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Religious Studies, you must meet the graduation requirements approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Olabisi Onabanjo University.

Academic Requirements

  1. Complete and pass all compulsory and elective courses in the programme.
  2. Earn a minimum of 120 credit units if admitted through UTME, or 90 credit units if admitted through Direct Entry.
  3. Maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 1.00.
  4. Complete and defend your final-year research project.

Grading and Degree Classification

Your final classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as follows:

Upon fulfilling these requirements, you will be awarded the B.A. (Hons) Christian Religious Studies, a degree recognised for producing graduates with strong ethical grounding, analytical ability, and deep understanding of Christian heritage.

Career Opportunities

With a degree in Christian Religious Studies, you can pursue a wide range of careers requiring moral integrity, effective communication, and cultural understanding. Your training prepares you for both religious and non-religious roles that involve leadership, teaching, counselling, and community development.

You may pursue careers such as:

  1. Religious educator or lecturer
  2. Pastor, church worker, or ministry leader
  3. Ethics consultant
  4. Counsellor or guidance officer
  5. Community development officer
  6. NGO programme facilitator
  7. Journalist or media researcher (religion and society)
  8. Writer or editor (religious and inspirational content)
  9. Chaplain in schools, hospitals, or organisations

You may find employment in:

  1. Educational institutions at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels
  2. Churches, missions, and faith-based organisations
  3. Government agencies linked to education, culture, and social welfare
  4. Non-governmental organisations promoting peacebuilding, youth development, and community empowerment
  5. Media and communication industries producing religious, ethical, or cultural content

Your degree also provides a solid foundation for postgraduate studies in Religious Studies, Theology, Ethics, Philosophy, and related fields.

How to Apply?

1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)

  1. Choose Olabisi Onabanjo University as your first choice and Christian Religious Studies as your preferred course.
  2. Sit for the UTME with English Language and other relevant Arts subjects.
  3. Hold five SSCE credit passes, including English Language and Christian Religious Studies, in not more than two sittings.
  4. Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise and meet the required cut-off.

2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)

  1. Hold an NCE, ND, or University Diploma in Religious Studies, Theology, or related fields with merit or credit level.
  2. Possess five SSCE credit passes, including English Language and Christian Religious Studies.
  3. Upload your transcripts and supporting documents through the OOU Undergraduate Admissions Portal.

You may begin your application or track your admission status via the University’s admissions portal.

Course Coordinator

The B.A. Christian Religious Studies programme is administered by experienced scholars and theologians within the Department of Christian Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts. The Department provides a reflective and intellectually stimulating environment that promotes ethical understanding, spiritual growth, and academic excellence.

The current programme coordinator is:

Dr [Full Name]

Contact Information:

  • Email:  
  • Phone: 
  • Office: 

Course Overview

  1. Next Admission Process
  2. Current Academic Year
  3. Associated programmes = Undergraduate
  4. Course Duration = 4 Years
  5. Degree = Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  6. Faculty = Arts
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus.
  9. Location = Faculty of Arts, Main Campus.
  10. Scholarship opportunities