Ecumenical Studies

Subjects: Religion;Culture

M.A. | Master of Arts

Course description

Ecumenical Studies is an international and interdisciplinary degree program taught in English, designed for students from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. The standard program spans two semesters, but students can opt for the Extended Ecumenical Studies, which lasts four semesters for deeper exploration. The program assumes that active participation in the ecumenical movement requires specialized historical and theological knowledge. With its international and interdisciplinary focus, the goal is to contribute to the growing inter-religious dialogue and the relationship between church and society. This aim shapes the curriculum, which covers the plurality of Christianities, (extra-)European churches and theologies, the types of unity sought among churches and within Christianity, and concepts of peaceful and respectful interaction among religions. Students learn to assess research questions across disciplines and solve complex problems independently, enhancing their methodological and analytical skills. Open reflection on the diverse religious and cultural backgrounds of both students and instructors is a key aspect of these research-oriented programs.

Application Requirements

Language Requirements

English proficiency, under the terms of the Common European Framework of Reference for language (CEFR) (German: Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen [GeR]), with a minimum CEFR level B2 or comparable accomplishments in one of the following language tests: TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English. Applicants are exempt who can show that they have achieved the matriculation standard for a university from an English-speaking school and/or the completion of a university degree in a programme conducted at least partially in the English language. Exceptions are brought before the examination board. Documentary evidence of proficiency in German is not required.

Qualification Requirements

University degree (German or non-German) in a relevant discipline (minimum 240 ECTS credits) English language proficiency (CEFR level B2) Modules from the field of ecumenical studies or comparable knowledge (at least 12 ECTS credits) Applicants from outside Germany or another EU country must pass the aptitude test for university studies.

Document Requirements

School leaving certificate Bachelor's degree(s) and the Transcript(s) of Records; Master's degree(s) – if any – and the Transcript(s) of Records (documents which are not originally in English or German must be submitted in certified translation) English Language Certificate (unless you have previously completed a university degree in a program conducted at least partially in the English language) Letter of motivation CV Scholarshisp Application, in case you are interested in applying for the MESt Faculty Scholarship – please, see details here. A sample of written work of maximum 10 pages (selected parts of seminar papers, Bachelor's theses, etc.), which provides adequate grounds for the evaluation of the applicant's qualification. The following criteria will be considered when assessing the written sample: fundamentals of academic writing ability to adequately present and reflect academic problems and theories ability to theoretically describe and interpret present and historical phenomena of Christian theology and culture, on the basis of the applicant's previous studies