The Department of Biblical Studies is a center for scientific research and teaching of the Bible. The research conducted at the department focuses both on canonical and extra-canonical materials in order to cast light on the formation of Judaism and Christianity.

The staff of the department is also participating actively in discussions concerning: the influence of the Bible on Western culture in general; its application to present Christianity; an ongoing dialogue between religions.

The department offers courses ranging from basic to post-graduate levels in its majors, Old and New Testament Studies. Its teachers are also responsible for the Greek and Hebrew courses required for the completion of the Master's degree in the Faculty of Theology.

The language of instruction is usually Finnish but courses in English are arranged every year and designed mainly for exchange students and students who are studying in Helsinki but whose native language is not Finnish or Swedish. In the field of Biblical Studies, the required intermediate and advanced level reading is mostly in English and/or German. Thus, it is also possible for non-natives to complete courses that are not based on English lectures.

The department has four permanent professorships and four lecturers. However, the actual academic community is much larger since the department also provides research facilities for several qualified docents and post-graduate students working for the Academy of Finland and Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Study.

Because many of the docents and post-graduate students are also actively involved in teaching and their specialities cover a wide range of canonical and non-canonical topics, the department is known by many students of the Bible (from young undergraduates to internationally established names in the field) as a stimulating and amiable working environment.