Course of Study

The programme requires two years of full-time study. The language of instruction is English.

The programme is offered in cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences for Intercultural Theology and with partner universities in India, Ethiopia, Korea, Japan, Ghana, Lebanon, Armenia, Estonia, Indonesia, Tanzania, China and Belarus. The distance between the two locations is about 180 kilometers. Travel by public transport with the student chip card takes two and a half hours one way.

During the first and the second semester students usually live and work together at the campus in Hermannsburg and travel to Göttingen for Blockseminars or weekly. The classes convey basic concepts and techniques in various fields of study. Furthermore, students obtain skills in intercultural communication, are supposed to learn basic German, and get the opportunity to learn relevant languages (e.g. Arabic, Greek).
The classes encounter the cultural variety of Christianity, and reflect upon the interaction between Christianity and other religions. You will attend classes such as "Christianity in an Intercultural Perspective", "Religions, Churches and Theology in Europe and the Western World, in Africa, and in Asia and the Middle East", or "Processes of Translation, Inculturation, and Intercultural Communication".

In the second year, students work on their research projects and write their Master thesis. Students can spend two or three months abroad at one of the partner institutions in India, Ethiopia, Korea, Japan, Ghana, Lebanon, Armenia, Estonia, Indonesia, Tanzania, China, Belarus or stay in Germany.

At the end of the third semester students evaluate their project work and write an evaluation report in January. Based on their research and field work conducted during the semester, students start their Master thesis usually beginning February and complete the thesis after 20 weeks of writing end of June in the summer semester.

Finally, they are awarded the title "Master of Arts in Intercultural Theology".


Educational Organisation

Students have to attend at least 14 courses and to write the Master´s thesis in order to meet the 120 Credits requirement (ECTS). The following courses are offered:

1. Winter semester

  • M.IntTheol.01: Processes of Translation, Inculturation, and Intercultural Communication
  • M.IntTheol.02: Christianity in an Intercultural Perspective
  • M.IntTheol.03: Cross-Culture I
  • M.IntTheol.04: Language Instruction Course German

  • Elective Courses (offered at Faculty of Theology in Göttingen)

  • M.IntTheol.14: Theories of Religions (14.01), Concepts of Healing and Salvation in Ancient Religions (Paganism, Judaism, Christianity) (14.02), The early Christians in a World Full of God: Cultural Encounter and Religious Debate (14.03), Ethical Expertise in the Horizon of Religion (14.05), Literacy and Education in Religion (14.06), Concepts and Theories of Religious Counselling (14.07), Importance of Law and Legislation in Religions (14.08), Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Europe (14.09)

  • Optional courses

  • M.IntTheol.06: Introduction into Arabic Language (6.01), Biblical Hebrew (6.02), New Testament Greek (6.03) or Latin (6.04)



2. Summer semester

  • M.IntTheol.05: Religions, Churches and Theology in Europe and the Western World
  • M.IntTheol.07: Religions, Churches and Theology in Africa
  • M.IntTheol.08a: Religions, Churches and Theology in Asia and the Middle East
  • M.IntTheol.09a: Cross-Culture II



3. Winter semester

  • M.IntTheol.10: Theology in Context
  • M.IntTheol.11: Cross-Culture III
  • M.IntTheol.15: Professional Perspectives in Intercultural Theology



4. Summer semester

  • M.IntTheol.16: Research in Intercultural Theology (Final Module)



Forms of Assessment

  • Written and oral examinations
  • Reports and presentations
  • Master's thesis