icon-symbol-logout-darkest-grey

Faculty of TheologyProtestant Theology – Magister Theologiae

A degree in Protestant theology is more than just preparation for the rectory or a teaching degree: Studying theology means discovering people, texts and ideas in the past and the present. Students learn to investigate Christian religions with the help of a unique variety of methods.

Facts & Formalities

DegreeMagister Theologiae
Type of programmeUndergraduate
Start of programmeWinter and summer semester
Standard period of study10 semesters
Fees and contributions151.05 € / Semester
Application procedureSubjects with no admission restrictions
Application deadlinesInformation about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program.

Course Content

The degree programme Magister Theologiae is equal to a full degree programme in Protestant theology. Students acquire a theoretically and empirically sound education in theological science. Graduates who take the ecclesiastical examination normally go on to work in a rectory of an Evangelical church. The faculty examination corresponds to the academic degree of Magister/Magistra Theologiae (Master of Theology).  

The academic programme covers all disciplines of Protestant theology: The exegetic areas Old and New Testament, church and dogma history, systematic theology (with the sub-areas dogmatics, ethics, ecumenical theology and religious philosophy), religious studies/intercultural theology, and practical theology (with the fields of homiletics, religious pedagogy, poimenics/pastoral psychology, ecclesiastical theory/pastoral teaching and diaconal studies). 

The academic programme also includes an interdisciplinary component in which courses from the entire university’s range of courses can be recognised as well as an elective module that enables students to develop an own thematic and specialised focus area. 

Proof of completed language courses in Hebrew, Ancient Greek and Latin are a requirement for the academic programme Magister Theologiae. The language requirements can be fulfilled during stage 1 studies if required.

Course Structure

The academic programme leading to Magister Theologiae is divided into three stages: 

In stage 1 studies, students receive methodological introductions to the various processes of the individual theological areas and acquire fundamental knowledge as well as the basics of bible study. Students must complete a community internship in the context of the basic module on practical theology. The Faculty of Theology is responsible for preparatory and follow-up work and ensures that students are best prepared by offering a preparatory seminar (e.g., “Perceptions of the community”) in the winter semester as well as a block course for assessment purposes at the end of the winter semester break.  The internship itself is organised by the respective regional churches. The intermediate examination completes stage 1 studies. It consists of a written and an oral examination in the exegetic areas and an oral examination in church history. 

Methodological and specialist knowledge and skills acquired in the basic modules are consolidated in stage 2 studies. In addition to the advanced module, students can select their elective modules according to their own interests. Topics covered in stage 2 studies can differ from the examination rules and regulations depending on affiliation with the respective regional church. Students whose aim is to later work in a rectory should therefore contact their regional church prior to commencing stage 2 studies in order to collect information on potential special provisions. 

The degree programme in theology concludes with the integration and examination stage, in which students prepare for the final examination. In addition to the final thesis, students must also pass written and oral examinations in all theological areas. The final examination is administered by the respective regional church (ecclesiastical examination) or in-house in the case of the faculty examination. 

Pupils have the opportunity to meet a Theo-Buddy, i.e. to accompany a student for a day and thus gain a direct insight into student everyday life and the content of theological studies. Further information can be found on the website of the Faculty of Theology.