WELCOME TO THE SCHOOL OF RELIGION AND THEOLOGY
The School of Religion and Theology (SORAT), which is based on the Howard College and Pietermaritzburg campuses at University of KwaZulu - Natal was established in 2005 with the merger of two schools: The School of Theology at Natal University and the School of Religion and Culture at University of Durban-Westville. To read more on the history of these two schools click here
Since its inception SORAT has become a vibrant school of excellence for the study of Religion and Theology in the African context. We have over 30 members of staff and we are committed to pioneering new ways of understanding religious thought, life and action on the African continent. As a School we are committed to being a school of excellence in terms of the teaching, research and community engagement objectives of UKZN.
Teaching
In terms of teaching we have a vibrant postgraduate studies programme with over 200 post graduate students, registered in different programmes. We also provide an undergraduate programme which offers a professional BTh degree, and a BA major in Religion. We recognise the importance of supporting our students financially and therefore have a bursary programme enabling students from disadvantaged backgrounds to enter various programmes in the school.
Research
Research and research output is an important aspect of the life of the School. We house 5 SAPSE accredited journals:
Journal of Theology for Southern Africa, Journal of Constructive Theology, Gender, Religion and Theology in Africa,
Alternation, Neotestimentica and Nidan.
We regularly have 3 staff in the top 30 of UKZN, we are one of the top 10 most productive schools in the university, and have won a number of research prizes over the years.
Community Engagement
The School has three important research centres which have local respect and international recognition, and which create vital spaces for community engagement, service learning and research.
Ujamaa Centre for Community Development and Research serves local churches and communities with biblical and theological resources for social transformation.
Sinomlando Centre for Oral History and Memory work is involved in a range of projects to recover the silenced memories of communities.
The Centre for Constructive Theology, focuses on work with African Initiated Churches.
The Collaborative for HIV and AIDS, Religion and Theology (CHART ) is a collaborative space for research, reflection, and activism on the intersection between religion, theology, and HIV and AIDS.
Given what we have to offer, we hope that you will consider SORAT as an option for study or you will become one of our many national and international partners, as we strive to create dialogue between academic reflection and social and community engagement on the African continent.