In publica commoda

Protestant theology in the degree programme Magister Theologiae (Mag.Theol.)

Features

A comprehensive and exciting examination of the Christian faith: In the Theology degree programme, you will examine the Bible by means of the historical-critical method. You will investigate the diverse branches in the history of Christianity and face the task of responsibly giving an account of the teachings of the Christian tradition. In addition, you will reflect upon the various facets of current church practice and gain insight into neighbouring subjects. This bridge between academic study and faith will open attractive career prospects to you within and outside the church.

Programme:
Magister Theologiae
Degree:
Magister Theologiae (Mag.Theol.)
Standard period of study:
10 semesters (plus 2 language semesters)
Start:
Winter and summer semester
Language of the programme:
German
Admission:
open (enrolment without previous application)
Orientation events:
at the begin of your studies orientation events are offered

Get to know us

Cross-programme Schnupperstudium
from
Nov

Trial study programme

Visit lectures and courses


Details

Students taking the "Magister Theologiae" degree programme in Protestant Theology will primarily learn to master the methods used in dealing with the five "classic" disciplines: Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, Systematic Theology (Dogmatics, Ethics), Practical Theology (with Religion Teaching). The students acquire fundamental knowledge in these sub-disciplines and learn the methodology that is indispensible for scholarly exploration thereof. Furthermore, students will acquire knowledge about the materials and methods of related subjects (Ecumenical Theology, Jewish Studies, Religious Studies, Philosophy). They will learn how to identify the interrelationships between the individual disciplines in the field of theology (interdisciplinarity) and to locate theological problems and hypotheses in the context of extra-theological fields (transdisciplinarity). This degree programme aims to have students acquire the competency to make academically sound judgements and thereby be able to responsibly give an account of the Christian belief.

The "Magister Theologiae" degree programme aims at giving academic training to those students who want to become ministers; students with these credentials are qualified for further training (vicariate) in the church in accordance with regional ecclesiastical law. Apart from working for the Church, this degree programme also qualifies its graduates for jobs in journalism, the media, with publishing houses, libraries, (charity) foundations, etc or in human resources, management consultancy and adult education or academic teaching and scholarly research.


Structure

The degree programme structure is divided into a basic and a main part and the examination phase. The individual courses - lectures, seminars and practical exercises - are allocated to different "modules", i.e. teaching and learning units, the content of which is limited in time.

In the basic degree programme, students must complete the following modules:

  • Preparatory course (orientation seminar, introductory exercises, advisory talks)
  • Biblical Studies
  • Basic module - Old Testament
  • Basic module - New Testament
  • Basic module - Church History
  • Basic module - Dogmatics and Moral Theology
  • Basic module - Practical Theology
  • Basic module - Ecumenical Theology, Jewish Studies and Science of Religion
  • Interdisciplinary basic module
  • Transdisciplinary module (courses and lectures from other faculties)
  • Theological elective area (courses and lectures by preference)

An intermediate examination marks the transition to the next study phase. This intermediate examination covers three basic study modules and serves to prove that the student has the qualifications in Hebrew, Ancient Greek and Latin required for theology studies.

In the main degree programme, students will intensify and expand the knowledge and skills learned in the basic part of their studies. Completion of the following modules is required:

  • Internship module (work placement in a community with preparatory and follow-up courses)
  • Philosophy
  • Biblical Theology (Old and New Testament)
  • Historical-systematic Theology (Church History, Dogmatics, Ethics)
  • Advanced module in Practical Theology
  • Advanced module in Ecumenical Theology, Jewish Studies and Science of Religion
  • Interdisciplinary advanced module
  • Transdisciplinary module (courses and lectures from other faculties)
  • Theological elective area (courses and lectures by preference)
  • Thematic focus on one of the main theological disciplines

The exam phase is structured around three integration modules in which the candidates benefit from an innovative concept for supervising work groups and culminates in the final Master’s degree examination.

The "Magister Theologiae" degree programme - which as of WS 2010/11 has been successively replacing the degree programme in "Protestant Theology" (diploma or Protestant Theology (Ecclesial degree) - aims at giving academic training to those students who want to become ministers; students with these credentials are qualified for further training (vicariate) in the church in accordance with regional ecclesiastical law. Apart from working for the Church, this degree programme also qualifies its graduates for jobs in journalism, the media, with publishing houses, libraries, (charity) foundations, etc or in human resources, management consultancy and adult education or academic teaching and scholarly research.

Regulations and module directory


Admission requirements:

Member of a protestant church

Language requirements:

Advanced languages course in Hebrew, Greek and Latin (Hebraicum, Graecum, Latinum) (the languages can also be learned at the beginning of your studies)

Admission

Start:
Winter and summer semester
1st subject semester:
open admission (enrolment without previous application)
2nd to 10th subject semester:
open admission (enrolment without previous application)

EU
Non-German citizens without a German educational qualification

Non-EU
Citizen from a non-EU country (or stateless person)


Contact

Academic Advising

Dr. Frank Schleritt
Platz der Göttinger Sieben 2
37073 Göttingen

Tel. +49 551 39 27110
Fax.

Frank.Schleritt@theologie.uni-goettingen.de

Hours (room E 30):
Mo 15–17, Tue and We 10–13, Thu 14–16