Master of Theological Studies Degree structure and courses

Students take 120 ECT points over two years. 

• Courses are taught in person; personal attendance during the semester is required.
• German universities follow a two-semester rhythm: the summer semester runs from mid-April to mid-July; the fall/winter semester runs from mid-October to mid-February, with a Christmas break in-between.
• In year one, students complete a set of modules in different theological disciplines to gain a broader foundation for their studies.
• In year two, students can specialize in a discipline of their choice, deepen their knowledge, hone their research skills and write a 30-credit MA thesis under the tutelage of a professor.
• An interdisciplinary module gives you the freedom to explore courses in neighboring disciplines such as history, philosophy, or literature.
• An independent studies module allows you to explore your research topic in preparation for writing the MA thesis.

• At the end of the second year, you write a thesis of ca. 60 pages on a chosen research topic in your preferred area under faculty supervision.

   

You will choose courses from a range of courses offered in the subject areas of:

• Biblical Studies (Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and New Testament studies): Courses in this area teach students how to interpret the Bible, taking into account the textual foundation and the historical and literary contexts of Scripture, while also considering different hermeneutical approaches.  Courses in this area provide opportunities to study the Bible's original languages, ranging from introductory to advanced levels _{(dependent on demand, the introductory language courses in Hebrew and Greek might at times only be available in German).}
• Systematic Theology and Ethics: Focused on Christian Theology, courses in this area teach students to think through central topics of Christian dogmatics and key questions in ethics and philosophy, but also introduce them to subjects in practical theology and spiritual care, utilizing a broad array of theories and methods.
• Church History/History of Christianity: Courses in this area familiarize students with the rich history of Christianity and Protestantism in German-speaking lands as well as the history of Christianity in different cultural contexts across the globe. Courses will cover the historical development of theological ideas and beliefs, but also institutions and lived practices. Attention is given to the forces processes that shaped different Christianities and theologies but also their socio-cultural implications.
• Religious Studies/Intercultural Theology: This area examines a broad spectrum of religious traditions in the modern world using diverse academic approaches. Course offerings include studies on Asian traditions, Buddhist and Hindu practices, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, New Age movements, spirituality, and contemporary religions.

You can view all English-language courses of our faculty in the summer semester 2025 here:

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